why make this recipe
This crock pot bourbon chicken is easy and full of sweet and savory flavor. It cooks slowly and needs little work. If you like hands-off meals, this dish fits well with other slow cooker recipes like a simple angel chicken.
introduction
This recipe uses chicken thighs and a rich sauce with brown sugar and bourbon. The slow cooker makes the meat very tender. For another slow cooker idea, see an easy angel chicken version.
how to make Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken
You start by putting trimmed chicken in the crock pot. Mix the sauce in a bowl and pour it over the chicken. Let it cook until the meat is soft. To speed up thickening and serving, follow the final steps below. If you like creamy sauce ideas, you may also enjoy this creamy cajun chicken pasta recipe for a change.
Ingredients :
- 3 Pounds Chicken Thighs (Boneless, skinless)
- 1 Cup Light Brown Sugar
- 1 Cup Soy Sauce
- 1/3 Cup Bourbon Whisky
- 2 Tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Ginger
- 1 Tablespoon Honey
- 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
- 4 Cloves Garlic
- 3 Tablespoons Cornstarch
- 2 Tablespoons Water
- 1/4 Cup Green Onions
Directions :
- Place the chicken thighs (well trimmed) into the slow cooker.
- In a medium mixing bowl, add the remaining ingredients (except the cornstarch, water and green onions). Mix together with a whisk.
- Pour over the top of the chicken thighs.
- Cover and cook on high for 4 hours, or low for 6 hours.
- Remove the chicken thighs to a plate and roughly chop them.
- Add the cornstarch and water to a mixing bowl and mix until cornstarch is dissolved.
- Pour into the sauce in the crock pot and mix with a whisk.
- Add the chicken back to the sauce, stir to combine then cover again. Allow to come back to bubbling then turn off the crock pot.
- Sprinkle with chopped green onions and serve over rice.
how to serve Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken
Serve this over white rice or brown rice. Spoon extra sauce over the rice. Add steamed veggies on the side. For a fiesta twist, try the dish with sides like those in this fiesta chicken idea.
how to store Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken
Cool the chicken to room temperature. Put it in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
tips to make Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken
- Trim extra fat from the thighs so the sauce stays clean.
- Whisk the sauce well so sugar dissolves.
- If the sauce is thin, mix cornstarch and water and add until it thickens.
- Taste sauce before serving and add a pinch of salt if needed.
variation (if any)
- Use chicken breasts if you prefer white meat; cook time may change.
- Add more red pepper flakes for heat.
- Swap bourbon for a splash of orange juice for a non-alcohol version.
FAQs
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: Yes. Use breasts, but check they are cooked through. They may cook faster and can dry out if overcooked.
Q: Do I have to use real bourbon?
A: No. You can use a little chicken stock and a splash of vanilla for a milder flavor, but bourbon adds the classic taste.
Q: Can I make this on the stove?
A: Yes. Cook the sauce in a pan, add browned chicken, and simmer until cooked and sauce thickens.
Q: How do I prevent the sauce from being too sweet?
A: Reduce brown sugar by a quarter cup and taste the sauce after mixing. Adjust as needed.
Conclusion
For a classic slow cooker take on sweet and savory chicken, you can compare this method with the detailed instructions in Crockpot Bourbon Chicken | The Recipe Critic. If you want a honey-forward take, see the version at Crock Pot Honey Bourbon Chicken.
Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 pounds Chicken Thighs (Boneless, skinless) Trim extra fat from the thighs.
- 1 cup Light Brown Sugar Ensure it dissolves well in the sauce.
- 1 cup Soy Sauce
- 1/3 cup Bourbon Whisky For a non-alcohol version, consider using a splash of orange juice.
- 2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Ginger
- 1 tablespoon Honey
- 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes Add more for a spicier dish.
- 4 cloves Garlic Minced or whole, based on preference.
- 3 tablespoons Cornstarch For thickening the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons Water To mix with cornstarch.
- 1/4 cup Green Onions Chopped for garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Place the trimmed chicken thighs into the slow cooker.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the remaining ingredients except for cornstarch, water, and green onions. Whisk together.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken thighs.
- Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours.
Final Steps
- Remove the chicken thighs to a plate and chop them roughly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cornstarch and water until dissolved.
- Pour the cornstarch mixture into the sauce in the crock pot and whisk to combine.
- Add the chopped chicken back to the sauce, stir, and cover again. Let it bubble, then turn off the crock pot.
- Sprinkle with chopped green onions and serve over rice.
