Crockpot Bourbon Chicken

If you’re looking for a meal that’s easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, then this Crockpot Bourbon Chicken is the perfect recipe for you. This dish is a family favorite in my home, and I can’t wait to share it with you! The tender chicken thighs simmer all day in a sweet and savory sauce, making it a delightful treat for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings.

What makes this recipe special? It’s not just about the incredible taste; it’s also about how simple it is to put together. With minimal prep time, you can set it and forget it while your slow cooker does all the work. Trust me, your family will be begging for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless preparation: Just season the chicken, mix the sauce, and let your crockpot do the magic.
• Family-friendly flavor: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet and savory taste of this dish.
• Perfect for meal prep: Make it ahead of time, and enjoy leftovers throughout the week!
• Versatile serving options: Serve over rice, noodles, or even in wraps for a fun twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. Each one plays an essential role in creating that mouthwatering flavor we all love.

For the Chicken

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

For the Sauce

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

For Thickening

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 3 tablespoons cold water

Variations

One of the best things about this Crockpot Bourbon Chicken is its flexibility. You can easily tweak the ingredients to suit your tastes or dietary needs.

• Swap the protein: If you prefer, try using boneless skinless chicken breasts or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Add some heat: Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños if you like a spicy kick.
• Incorporate veggies: Add bell peppers or snap peas to boost nutrition and add color.
• Switch up the sweetness: Experiment with honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a different flavor profile.

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 ensures that each bite of chicken is flavorful from the start. Place them directly in the bottom of your crockpot.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a medium bowl, combine bourbon (or your chosen alternative), brown sugar, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Stir well until everything is nicely mixed together. Pour this luscious sauce over the seasoned chicken in your crockpot. This will infuse delicious flavors throughout as it cooks!

Step 3: Cook It Up

Cover your crockpot with its lid and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 3 hours. The long cooking time allows those flavors to meld beautifully while ensuring your chicken becomes incredibly tender.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

About 30 minutes before serving, whisk together cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl until smooth. Stir this mixture into the sauce in your crockpot. This step thickens up that amazing sauce so that it clings perfectly to every piece of chicken!

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once cooked through, serve this delightful Crockpot Bourbon Chicken over rice or noodles. Don’t forget to garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh finish! Enjoy every bite as you savor this comforting dish with your loved ones.

Pro Tips for Making Crockpot Bourbon Chicken

Cooking in a crockpot is all about simplicity and flavor, and with these pro tips, you’ll make sure your bourbon chicken turns out delicious every time!

• Use chicken thighs: Opting for boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts ensures that your dish remains juicy and tender throughout the cooking process.

• Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, feel free to reduce the amount of brown sugar. This allows you to customize the dish to your taste.

• Let it marinate: For even more flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the sauce for a couple of hours (or overnight) before cooking. This enhances the taste and tenderness of the meat.

• Thicken at the right time: Adding the cornstarch slurry 30 minutes before serving gives you a beautifully thickened sauce without overcooking it. This helps maintain the perfect texture.

• Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add different spices or ingredients like ginger or chili flakes to give your crockpot bourbon chicken an extra kick. It’s all about making it your own!

How to Serve Crockpot Bourbon Chicken

Serving your crockpot bourbon chicken can be as fun as making it! There are plenty of ways to present this dish that will impress your family and friends.

Garnishes

• Green onions: Chopped green onions add a fresh, vibrant touch and enhance the presentation of your dish.
• Sesame seeds: Sprinkling toasted sesame seeds not only adds a nutty flavor but also brings a delightful crunch.

Side Dishes

• Steamed jasmine rice: The light, fragrant rice is perfect for soaking up all that luscious sauce.
• Garlic sautéed broccoli: This vibrant green side dish adds color and nutrition while complementing the savory flavors of the chicken.
• Roasted sweet potatoes: Their natural sweetness pairs beautifully with the rich sauce, providing a lovely contrast in flavors.
• Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw can bring freshness and texture to your meal, balancing out the richness of the bourbon chicken.

With these serving suggestions, you’re ready to create an inviting and delicious dinner that everyone will love! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Crockpot Bourbon Chicken recipe is fantastic for meal prep! Not only does it taste even better the next day, but it’s also super easy to store and reheat. Here’s how you can keep your delicious leftovers fresh.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container.
• Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Make sure to save some of the sauce for added flavor when reheating!

Freezing

• Allow the chicken to cool completely before freezing.
• Transfer the chicken and sauce into a freezer-safe container or bag.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Label the container with the date for reference.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen chicken overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.
• You can also microwave individual portions until heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Crockpot Bourbon Chicken.

Can I use something other than bourbon in this recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute bourbon with barley tea, apple juice, or chicken broth for a flavorful alternative that still complements the dish beautifully.

How long can I store leftover Crockpot Bourbon Chicken?

Leftover Crockpot Bourbon Chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it for up to 3 months.

Is this Crockpot Bourbon Chicken suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This recipe is perfect for meal prep as it stores well and tastes even better after sitting for a day.

What should I serve with Crockpot Bourbon Chicken?

This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, but you could also serve it over quinoa or alongside steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this delightful Crockpot Bourbon Chicken as much as I do! It’s not only easy and convenient but also full of rich flavors that will have your family coming back for seconds. Cooking should be fun and enjoyable, so take your time, savor each step, and don’t forget to share your delicious results with loved ones. Happy cooking!