Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken – Easy Slow Cooker Recipe with Sweet & Savory Sauce

Experience the comfort cooking magic of crock pot bourbon chicken—where juicy, tender chicken thighs meet a luscious, caramelized sauce that’s part bourbon, part soy sweetness, and fully irresistible. This dish marries convenience and flavor, making weeknight dinners a breeze and casual get‑togethers feel gourmet.

What Makes This Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Irresistible

You only need a handful of ingredients and your trusty slow cooker to achieve:

• Fall‑apart-tender chicken with minimal effort
• A richly balanced sauce—sweet, savory, tangy, and just a hint of caramelized depth
• Set‑and‑forget convenience so you can prep in minutes and come home to dinner ready

Begin with chicken thighs for the juiciest results, though breasts can work too. The secret lies in cooking low and slow, allowing flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.

Ingredients You’ll Need in Your Crock Pot

• 4 pounds chicken thighs (bone‑in or boneless)
• 1 cup bourbon (choose an affordable yet flavorful bottle)
• ½ cup soy sauce (adjust for salt preference)
• ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 2 tablespoons marmalade or orange juice (optional for citrus brightness)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)

These staples come together into a sauce that’s thickened gently in the slow cooker for maximum flavor absorption.

Step‑By‑Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare
   • Pat chicken dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.
   • Optional: Sear thighs in a hot skillet (1–2 minutes per side) for deeper color and flavor.
2. Combine the sauce
   • In a bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together:
     • bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, garlic, ginger, ketchup, and marmalade.
   • Pour over chicken in the crock pot.
3. Crock pot settings
   • Cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until chicken pulls apart easily.
4. Thicken the sauce
   • Mix cornstarch slurry (cornstarch + cold water) and stir into the finished dish about 30 minutes before serving.
   • Let it cook on HIGH for 20–30 minutes until sauce thickens beautifully.
5. Serve & enjoy
   • Remove chicken, give the sauce a final stir, shred the meat if desired, and coat thoroughly.

Tips & Variations

• Choose thighs over breasts—more forgiving on longer cooking times.
• Use a sear step if you have time—browning adds umami and depth.
• Prefer less heat? Use apple juice instead of bourbon—preserves sweetness without the alcohol.
• Want to kick it up a notch? Add ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper or 1 tablespoon sriracha into the sauce.
• For dairy lovers, garnish with butter at the end for an ultra-silky glaze.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this crowd-pleaser with:

• Steamed white or brown rice
• Stir‑fried broccoli, snap peas, or carrots
• Noodles for an Asian‑style bowl
• Optional toppings: sesame seeds, thinly sliced green onions, lime wedges, or cilantro

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

Overcooking the Chicken

Conclusion

In just a few simple steps, crock pot bourbon chicken transforms into a slow-cooked masterpiece full of sweet and savory flavors. With its effortless preparation, tender chicken, and rich sauce, it’s the perfect slow cooker recipe for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Serve it over fluffy rice, add your favorite garnishes, and watch it become a new favorite at your table. Try it today and experience the irresistible comfort of this easy bourbon chicken crock pot recipe, you’ll be making it again and again!

Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe

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• Author: Velma
• Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken brings the iconic mall food court flavor straight to your kitchen. With its sticky, sweet, and slightly tangy bourbon-infused sauce, tender slow-cooked chicken, and rich umami taste, it’s the ultimate comfort food you can set and forget. Serve it over rice or noodles for a complete weeknight meal everyone will love.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, cut into chunks)
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup bourbon (or apple juice for a no-alcohol version)
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry, for thickening)
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• Toasted sesame seeds (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the sauce:
   • In a bowl, whisk soy sauce, bourbon, water, brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
2. Add to the slow cooker:
   • Place chicken in the Crock Pot and pour sauce over it.
3. Cook:
   • Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until chicken is tender.
4. Thicken the sauce:
   • Remove chicken, shred or cut into bite-sized pieces. Stir in cornstarch slurry into the sauce and cook on high for 10–15 minutes until thickened. Return chicken to the sauce and stir to coat.
5. Serve:
   • Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve over steamed rice or noodles.

 

Notes

• Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs to keep the sauce rich but not greasy.
• Turn up the heat by adding more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
• Go alcohol-free by swapping the bourbon for apple juice—still sweet and flavorful.
• Finish with a cornstarch slurry to create that glossy, sticky glaze everyone loves.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup chicken with sauce
• Calories: 330kcal
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 21g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 36g
• Cholesterol: 120mg