Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken: 7 Reasons to Fall in Love

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Difficulty Easy
Mia
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Mia

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Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken: 7 Reasons to Fall in Love

There’s something so comforting about slow-cooked meals, don’t you think? I absolutely love coming home to the warm, inviting aroma of a delicious dish waiting for me. And that’s exactly what you get with my Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken! This dish is a wonderful blend of savory and sweet flavors that just melt together as the chicken simmers away. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl! Plus, the best part is, you can set it and forget it! Just toss everything into your crock pot, and let it work its magic while you go about your day. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you for this one!

Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this mouthwatering Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken! Gather these ingredients before you start, and trust me, it’ll make the process a breeze.

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup bourbon (feel free to adjust this to your taste)
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (the more garlic, the better!)
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water

Make sure your chicken is nice and thawed, and that your garlic is minced to perfection. This combo is going to create a sauce that’s just divine!

How to Prepare Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

Alright, let’s get cooking! Preparing Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is super straightforward, and I promise you’re going to love how effortless it is. First, grab your crock pot and place the boneless, skinless chicken thighs right in there. Now, in a medium bowl, mix together the bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, minced garlic, ground ginger, and black pepper. This is where the magic starts—you want to make sure everything is well combined.

Next, pour that delicious mixture over the chicken. Make sure the chicken is well coated; it’ll soak up all those incredible flavors as it cooks. Cover your crock pot and set it to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 4 hours. The slow cooking really allows the chicken to become tender and full of flavor.

About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, whisk together cornstarch and water in a small bowl, then add it to the crock pot and stir. This will thicken up that luscious sauce beautifully. Give it a little time to meld, and you’re all set!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken - detail 1
  1. Place the chicken thighs in the crock pot.
  2. Mix bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, garlic, ginger, and black pepper in a bowl.
  3. Pour the mixture over the chicken and ensure it’s well coated.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours.
  5. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water, then add to the crock pot and stir.
  6. Cook for an additional 30 minutes on high to thicken the sauce.

Remember, the longer you let it cook on low, the more tender your chicken will be! Trust me, you’ll want to savor every bite of this delicious dish.

Nutritional Information

Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of my Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken. Keep in mind that these values can vary a bit depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Each serving has approximately 350 calories, 10 grams of fat, and 30 grams of protein. You’ll also find around 30 grams of carbohydrates and 10 grams of sugar. It’s a well-rounded meal that’s both satisfying and delicious! Just remember, these numbers are estimates, but they’ll give you a good idea of what to expect as you enjoy this flavorful dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Effortless preparation—just toss everything in your crock pot and go!
  • Rich, savory, and sweet flavors that will have your taste buds dancing.
  • Family-friendly dish that appeals to both kids and adults.
  • Perfect for meal prepping—make a big batch and enjoy leftovers all week!
  • Versatile enough to serve over rice, noodles, or even on its own.
  • Comfort food at its finest, ideal for cozy nights in or gatherings with friends.

Tips for Success

To make sure your Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken turns out absolutely perfect, here are a few of my favorite tips! First, don’t skip on the marinating time—if you can, let the chicken sit in that delicious sauce for a couple of hours before cooking. It’ll really enhance the flavors! If you prefer a thicker sauce, feel free to add a bit more cornstarch when thickening. Just remember to mix it well to avoid lumps. Also, be careful not to overcook it on high; chicken can dry out if left too long. And lastly, don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning before serving—sometimes a little extra soy sauce or brown sugar can take it to the next level!

Variations

If you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of ways to switch up my Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken! For a different protein, you can use chicken breasts instead of thighs for a leaner option, or even try pork tenderloin for a twist. If you want to sneak in some veggies, add diced bell peppers, onions, or snap peas during the last hour of cooking—they’ll soak up that delicious sauce! You could also experiment with adding a splash of orange juice for a citrusy kick or some crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Get creative and make it your own!

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving my Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken, I absolutely love pairing it with fluffy white rice or warm egg noodles. The sauce is just too delicious to miss, and these sides soak it up beautifully! For a little extra crunch, consider serving it with a side of steamed broccoli or a fresh garden salad. If you want to take it up a notch, some crispy spring rolls or garlic bread would make fantastic accompaniments. Trust me, these pairings will elevate your meal and make it even more delightful!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is super easy! Just let it cool down a bit, then transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days, so you can enjoy this deliciousness again! When you’re ready to reheat, I recommend using the stovetop for the best flavor and texture. Just gently warm it over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If you prefer the microwave, pop it in for a minute or two, but be careful not to overcook it—no one wants dry chicken! Enjoy every last bite!

Print

Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken: 7 Reasons to Fall in Love

A savory and sweet dish made in a slow cooker with chicken and bourbon.

  • Author: Mia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours
  • Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup bourbon
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water

Instructions

  1. Place chicken thighs in the crock pot.
  2. In a bowl, mix bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, garlic, ginger, and black pepper.
  3. Pour the mixture over the chicken.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours.
  5. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water. Add to the crock pot and stir.
  6. Cook for an additional 30 minutes on high to thicken the sauce.
  7. Serve over rice or noodles.

Notes

  • Adjust the bourbon amount to your taste.
  • Use chicken breasts for a leaner option.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken, Slow Cooker Chicken, Bourbon Chicken Recipe

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