Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken: A Flavorful, Easy-to-Make Dish
If you love bold, savory flavors and the ease of slow-cooked meals, then Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is a recipe you’ll want to try. This dish combines tender, juicy chicken with a rich, sweet, and slightly tangy bourbon sauce that coats each piece of chicken perfectly.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Simple to Make: One of the biggest advantages of using a Crock Pot is how easy it is to prepare meals. You only need a few simple ingredients to create a rich, flavorful dish. Just throw everything in the Crock Pot, set it, and forget it while you go about your day.
- Tender Chicken: Slow cooking allows the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce, making it tender and juicy. The sauce reduces and thickens, coating each piece of chicken perfectly.
- Versatile and Customizable: While the classic bourbon chicken recipe is delicious on its own, it’s easy to modify to suit your tastes. You can adjust the level of sweetness, spice, or tang to make the dish just the way you like it.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner for the family or a meal for guests, Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is a hit. It pairs well with a variety of side dishes and is sure to please everyone at the table.
- Minimal Effort for Maximum Flavor: The slow cooker ensures that all the flavors meld together perfectly, and the longer cooking time allows the sauce to reduce and concentrate, creating a rich, savory glaze that’s irresistible.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- ½ cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
- ¼ cup bourbon (or whiskey)
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing, optional)
- Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Sear the Chicken (Optional): While this step is optional, searing the chicken breasts before adding them to the Crock Pot helps lock in the juices and adds an extra layer of flavor. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then sear each side for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Once seared, transfer the chicken to the Crock Pot.
- Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, garlic powder, ginger, onion powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir the ingredients together until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is well combined.
- Add the Sauce to the Crock Pot: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the Crock Pot. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The chicken should be fully cooked and tender, shredding easily with a fork when done.
- Thicken the Sauce: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the Crock Pot and set it aside. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Pour this mixture into the sauce in the Crock Pot and stir to combine. Cover and cook on high for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
- Shred the Chicken: After the sauce has thickened, use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the Crock Pot and stir it into the sauce, ensuring each piece is coated with the bourbon glaze.
- Serve: Serve the Bourbon Chicken over steamed rice, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds for a touch of freshness and texture. It also pairs well with a side of sautéed vegetables or a crisp salad.
Variations
- Add Vegetables: For a more complete meal, you can add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or carrots to the Crock Pot along with the chicken. The vegetables will absorb the bourbon sauce and add extra flavor and color to the dish.
- Use Chicken Thighs: While chicken breasts are commonly used in this recipe, chicken thighs can also be substituted. Thighs tend to be more flavorful and juicy, making them a great choice for slow cooking.
- Make it Spicy: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add more red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the sauce for an extra kick.
- Make it Less Sweet: If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the amount of brown sugar in the sauce or substitute it with honey or a sugar substitute.
FAQs
- Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts or thighs. However, you may need to adjust the cooking time, adding an extra hour or so to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
- Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe to serve a larger group. Just be sure your Crock Pot is large enough to accommodate the extra ingredients and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, you can freeze leftover Bourbon Chicken. Allow it to cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave when ready to serve.
- Can I make this recipe in the Instant Pot? Yes, you can adapt this recipe for the Instant Pot. Cook the chicken on the “Poultry” setting for 10-12 minutes, then follow the same steps to make the sauce and thicken it.
How to Serve
Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few suggestions:
- Rice: Serve the bourbon chicken over a bed of steamed white rice, jasmine rice, or brown rice. The rice absorbs the rich sauce, making every bite flavorful.
- Noodles: For a different twist, serve the chicken over egg noodles or rice noodles for an Asian-inspired touch.
- Vegetables: Roasted or sautéed vegetables, such as broccoli, green beans, or zucchini, are a great complement to the dish. Their freshness contrasts beautifully with the richness of the bourbon sauce.
- Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the chicken and add a refreshing element to the meal.
Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken
This dish combines tender, juicy chicken with a rich, sweet, and slightly tangy bourbon sauce that coats each piece of chicken perfectly.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- ½ cup soy sauce low-sodium preferred
- ½ cup brown sugar packed
- ¼ cup bourbon or whiskey
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for heat
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for searing, optional
- Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish optional
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken (Optional): Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sear each side for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Once seared, transfer the chicken to the Crock Pot.
- Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, garlic powder, ground ginger, onion powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is well-combined.
- Add the Sauce to the Crock Pot: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the Crock Pot. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The chicken should be fully cooked and tender.
- Thicken the Sauce: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the Crock Pot and set it aside. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Add the mixture to the sauce in the Crock Pot and stir to combine. Cover and cook on high for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
- Shred the Chicken: After the sauce has thickened, shred the chicken using two forks and return it to the Crock Pot. Stir to coat the chicken in the sauce.
- Serve: Serve the bourbon chicken over steamed rice or noodles. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Enjoy!
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