If you’re looking for a cozy meal that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor, you’ve come to the right place! This Crockpot Bourbon Chicken is a favorite in my home for good reason. It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas and makes everyone feel special when they gather around the table. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this recipe is both comforting and satisfying.

What makes it even better? You can set it and forget it! Just toss your ingredients into the crockpot, let them mingle, and before you know it, you’ll have tender chicken bathed in a rich sauce that practically melts in your mouth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can have dinner ready without spending hours in the kitchen.
Kid-Friendly Appeal: The sweet and savory flavors are a hit with kids and adults alike—no more mealtime struggles!
Make-Ahead Convenience: Prep it in the morning, and come home to a delicious dinner waiting for you.
Delicious Flavor: The combination of brown sugar and soy sauce creates a mouthwatering glaze that you’ll want to drizzle over everything.
Perfect for Leftovers: This dish tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for lunchboxes or quick dinners later in the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s keep things simple! The ingredients for this Crockpot Bourbon Chicken are wholesome and easy to find. You likely have most of them on hand already!

For the Chicken

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
Kosher salt and pepper, (to taste)

For the Sauce

1/3 cup bourbon (or substitute with barley tea, apple juice, or chicken broth)
3/4 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, (minced)

To Thicken

2 tablespoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons cold water

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily adjust it to suit your tastes or what you have on hand.

Swap the protein: Try using chicken breasts instead of thighs if that’s what you prefer. Just keep an eye on cooking time as they might cook faster.
Add some veggies: Toss in some bell peppers or snap peas during the last hour of cooking for extra nutrition and color.
Spice it up: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you like a little heat in your dish.
Change up the sweetness: Experiment with different sweeteners like honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a unique twist.

How to Make Crockpot Bourbon Chicken

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by seasoning your boneless skinless chicken thighs with Kosher salt and pepper on both sides. This step is important because it enhances the natural flavor of the chicken right from the start. Once seasoned, place them at the bottom of your crockpot—this will be their cozy home while they cook!

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a medium bowl, mix together 1/3 cup bourbon (or your chosen substitute), 3/4 cup brown sugar, 3/4 cup soy sauce, and 2 minced cloves of garlic. Stir well to combine these ingredients into a sweet-savory mixture that will infuse your chicken with flavor as it cooks. Pour this luscious sauce over the chicken in your crockpot.

Step 3: Cook Low and Slow

Cover your crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 4 hours or high for 3 hours. Cooking low and slow allows those flavors to meld beautifully while keeping your chicken tender. You’ll want to check back every so often just to bask in those wonderful aromas wafting through your kitchen!

Step 4: Thicken Up The Sauce

About 30 minutes before serving time, mix together 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 3 tablespoons cold water in a small bowl until well combined. Whisk this slurry into your sauce in the crockpot; this will help thicken it up beautifully so it’s perfect for spooning over rice.

Step 5: Serve Delightfully

Once done cooking, serve your melt-in-your-mouth Crockpot Bourbon Chicken over fluffy rice for a complete meal. Don’t forget to garnish with some fresh green onions for that extra pop of color and flavor! Enjoy every bite!

Now that you’ve got all these tips and instructions at hand, I hope you’re as excited as I am to make this dish. Happy cooking!

Pro Tips for Making Crockpot Bourbon Chicken

Cooking in a crockpot can be a breeze, and these tips will help you achieve the best results for your Crockpot Bourbon Chicken!

Use Quality Ingredients – Selecting fresh, high-quality chicken and soy sauce will enhance the flavor of your dish significantly, making it more delicious and satisfying.
Don’t Skip the Seasoning – Properly seasoning your chicken thighs with salt and pepper before cooking adds depth to the flavors. It ensures that every bite is savory and delightful.
Adjust the Sweetness – If you prefer a less sweet dish, feel free to reduce the amount of brown sugar. This allows you to customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences perfectly.
Add Veggies for Extra Nutrition – Toss in some chopped bell peppers or onions before cooking. They’ll soak up the delicious sauce while adding color and nutrition to your meal.
Let It Rest Before Serving – After cooking, allow the chicken to rest for about 10 minutes before shredding or serving. This helps retain moisture, making each bite tender and juicy.

How to Serve Crockpot Bourbon Chicken

This Crockpot Bourbon Chicken is not only easy to prepare but also versatile when it comes to serving! Here are some creative ideas to present this dish beautifully.

Garnishes

Chopped Green Onions – A sprinkle of fresh green onions on top adds a pop of color and a mild onion flavor that complements the sweetness of the sauce.
Sesame Seeds – Toasted sesame seeds can give an appealing crunch and nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the saucy chicken.

Side Dishes

Steamed Jasmine Rice – The fluffy texture of jasmine rice absorbs the delicious bourbon sauce perfectly, making every bite complete.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide a comforting contrast to the sweet-savory chicken.
Sautéed Broccoli – Lightly sautéed broccoli adds a vibrant green color and offers a nutritious balance to this hearty meal.
Coleslaw – A refreshing coleslaw can bring a crunchy texture and tangy flavor that cuts through the richness of the chicken dish.

Enjoy this delightful Crockpot Bourbon Chicken with any of these garnishes or side dishes for a well-rounded meal that’s sure to impress!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Crockpot Bourbon Chicken recipe is perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy delicious home-cooked meals throughout the week. You can prepare it in advance and store the leftovers for quick dinners or lunches.

Storing Leftovers

Allow the chicken to cool completely before storing.
Transfer the chicken and sauce to an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Ensure the chicken has cooled down before freezing.
Place portions in freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible.
Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for your convenience!

Reheating

Thaw frozen chicken overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through, or use the microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
If you want to freshen up the sauce, add a splash of chicken broth while reheating.

FAQs

Here are some common questions people have about this recipe!

Can I make Crockpot Bourbon Chicken without bourbon?

Absolutely! You can substitute bourbon with barley tea, apple juice, or even chicken broth for a flavorful alternative that fits your preferences.

How long does Crockpot Bourbon Chicken take to cook?

Cooking time varies based on your setting. On low, it takes about 4 hours; on high, around 3 hours. The longer cooking time allows for more tender chicken!

What can I serve with Crockpot Bourbon Chicken?

This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice or mashed potatoes, and you can also add some sautéed vegetables or a fresh salad on the side for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this delightful Crockpot Bourbon Chicken as much as I do! It’s such a comforting dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. The rich flavors and tender chicken will warm your heart and fill your home with delicious aromas. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out—happy cooking!