Get ready for a weeknight dinner that will delight your taste buds and simplify your life! This incredible Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken recipe brings together tender, juicy chicken and a wonderfully sticky, sweet, and savory sauce. Thanks to your slow cooker, achieving this restaurant-quality meal is effortless, making it perfect for busy schedules.

Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

This recipe isn’t just easy, it’s truly a standout for many reasons. Prepare to fall in love with its irresistible flavors and ultimate convenience.

Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: Simply combine ingredients, and let your slow cooker do all the work. The result is a richly flavored meal.
Perfect for Busy Weeknights: Prep takes mere minutes, allowing you to come home to a warm, ready-to-eat dinner. It’s a true time-saver. As noted by the University of Arkansas Extension, using a slow cooker can save time and money by allowing for advance meal planning.
Sweet, Savory, and Tangy Sauce: The bourbon-infused sauce boasts a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and a hint of tang. It’s truly addictive.
Super Tender, Juicy Chicken Every Time: Slow cooking ensures the chicken thighs become incredibly tender and moist. You’ll never have dry chicken.
A Crowd-Pleaser for All Ages: Both kids and adults adore this flavorful Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken. It quickly becomes a family favorite.

Ingredients

Making this delicious Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken requires just a few simple ingredients. You likely have many of these pantry staples on hand already. Gather these items to create a mouthwatering meal with ease.

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
1/3 cup bourbon, whiskey, apple juice, or chicken broth
3/4 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons cold water

Notes & Substitutions

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are highly recommended for their rich flavor and ability to stay moist during slow cooking. If you prefer, boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be used, but reduce the cooking time slightly to prevent them from drying out. For the bourbon, feel free to substitute with whiskey, brandy, or scotch for a similar depth of flavor. If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, apple juice or chicken broth work wonderfully. Always opt for low-sodium soy sauce to control the overall saltiness of the dish. Fresh minced garlic offers the best taste, significantly enhancing the sauce’s aroma and flavor compared to garlic powder.

Equipment

You won’t need much specialized equipment for this straightforward recipe. A few basic kitchen tools are all it takes to prepare this delightful dish.

Large slow cooker (6-quart is ideal)
Medium mixing bowl
Small mixing bowl
Whisk

Instructions

Creating your perfect Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is a simple, hands-off process thanks to the magic of slow cooking. Follow these easy steps for a delicious meal with minimal effort.

Season 2 pounds of boneless skinless chicken thighs generously with Kosher salt and pepper on both sides. Place the seasoned chicken thighs evenly in the bottom of your crockpot.
In a medium bowl, combine 1/3 cup bourbon (or your chosen substitute), 3/4 cup brown sugar, 3/4 cup soy sauce, and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well combined and the brown sugar has dissolved.
Carefully pour this flavorful sauce mixture over the chicken thighs in the crockpot, ensuring they are fully coated.
Cover your crockpot with the lid. Cook the Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken on the LOW setting for 4 hours, or if you’re short on time, cook on the HIGH setting for 3 hours. The chicken should be very tender and easily shreddable.
About 30 minutes before the cooking time is complete, prepare your cornstarch slurry. In a small bowl, add 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and 3 tablespoons of cold water. Whisk these together until a smooth, lump-free mixture forms.
Uncover the crockpot and slowly whisk the cornstarch slurry into the sauce. This will help to thicken the sauce to a beautiful, glossy consistency.
Replace the lid and continue cooking for the remaining 30 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken properly.
Once cooked, you can either leave the chicken thighs whole, chop them into bite-sized pieces, or shred them directly in the crockpot with two forks. The choice is yours!
Serve your hot and delicious Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken over fluffy white rice, egg noodles, or mashed potatoes, and garnish with fresh green onions for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your homemade, flavorful meal!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieve perfect results every time with these helpful tips and avoid common pitfalls for your Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken.

Pro Tips

Always use boneless, skinless chicken for the best texture and easiest prep. It cooks evenly and absorbs flavor beautifully.
Don’t skip the cornstarch slurry step; it is essential for achieving a rich, thick, and glossy sauce.
Use good quality bourbon for the best depth of flavor. The alcohol cooks out, leaving a complex, smoky note.
Fresh garlic enhances taste significantly. Minced garlic offers a vibrant aroma and potent flavor that garlic powder can’t match.
Don’t overcrowd the slow cooker to ensure even cooking and proper sauce reduction. Cook in batches if necessary.
Taste and adjust seasoning before the final thickening step. Add more salt or a pinch of sugar if needed.

Common Mistakes

Overcooking chicken leads to dry meat. Stick to the recommended cooking times for tender results.
Not thickening sauce adequately results in a watery sauce that doesn’t cling to the chicken. Ensure you whisk in the slurry thoroughly.
Using chicken breast without adjusting time can lead to dry and tough chicken. Reduce cooking time by about 30 minutes if using breasts.
Skipping seasoning the chicken directly means you miss an opportunity to build flavor from the start. A little salt and pepper go a long way.

Serving, Storage, & Variations

Making this Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken versatile for any occasion is simple with these suggestions.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this flavorful dish over a bed of fluffy white rice to soak up all that delicious sauce. It pairs wonderfully with steamed green beans, roasted broccoli, or other crisp vegetables for a complete meal. For a heartier option, try it with egg noodles or creamy mashed potatoes. A garnish of fresh sliced green onions or toasted sesame seeds adds a beautiful touch and extra flavor.

Storage & Reheating

Allow any leftover Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken to cool completely before storing it. Transfer the chicken and ample sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. When reheating, gently warm the chicken and sauce on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed, or microwave until heated through. Always ensure it’s piping hot before serving.

Recipe Variations

Add a touch of ginger paste (about 1 teaspoon) to the sauce mixture for an aromatic boost.
Introduce red pepper flakes for a hint of heat. Start with 1/4 teaspoon and add more to taste.
Make it non-alcoholic by simply replacing the bourbon with apple juice or extra chicken broth.
Try with pork or turkey instead of chicken. Pork shoulder or turkey thighs work well; adjust cooking times as needed.
Add pineapple chunks during the last hour of cooking for a delightful tropical and tangy twist to your Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken.

Nutrition

Understanding the nutritional content of your meals can help you make informed dietary choices. Here’s an approximated breakdown for this Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken.

These values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.

Serving Size	0.5 cup
Calories	327 kcal
Carbohydrates	30 g
Protein	29 g
Fat	6 g
Saturated Fat	2 g
Polyunsaturated Fat	1 g
Monounsaturated Fat	2 g
Trans Fat	0.03 g
Cholesterol	144 mg
Sodium	150 mg
Potassium	412 mg
Fiber	0.05 g
Sugar	27 g
Vitamin A	36 IU
Vitamin C	0.3 mg
Calcium	39 mg
Iron	1 mg

FAQ

Got questions about making the perfect slow cooker bourbon chicken? We’ve got answers to help you feel confident in the kitchen.

Is the alcohol cooked out of bourbon chicken? While much of the alcohol evaporates, it’s important to note that some alcohol can remain in food after cooking, depending on various factors like cooking time and temperature.
Can I use frozen chicken? While possible, it’s best to thaw chicken completely before adding it to the slow cooker to ensure even cooking and food safety.
What kind of bourbon is best? You don’t need expensive bourbon; any mid-range bourbon you enjoy drinking will work well for this recipe.
Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! This dish reheats beautifully, making it an excellent option for meal prepping throughout the week.
How thick should the sauce be? The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, giving it a lovely, glossy appearance.
What sides complement this dish? White rice, steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli, and mashed potatoes are all fantastic pairings for Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken.

Conclusion

This Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken recipe truly delivers on flavor and convenience, making it a stellar addition to any busy cook’s repertoire. With minimal effort, you can achieve incredibly tender chicken bathed in a rich, sweet, and savory sauce. We encourage you to try this delightful dish and experience how simple and satisfying slow cooker meals can be. We’d love to hear your thoughts, so please leave a comment and rating if you try this fantastic Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken!