Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a crowd-pleaser with its perfect balance of sweetness from the brown sugar and the savory notes from the soy sauce and bourbon. The slow cooking process allows the chicken to absorb all of the flavors, resulting in incredibly tender, juicy meat. With minimal prep and the ease of a Crockpot, this Bourbon Chicken requires little effort while delivering maximum flavor. It’s also versatile and can be served over rice, noodles, or alongside vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup bourbon
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
2 tablespoons water (optional, for cornstarch slurry)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Place the chicken thighs in the Crockpot.
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, bourbon, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, ground ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes.
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the Crockpot.
Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
If you want to thicken the sauce, remove the chicken from the Crockpot once it’s done cooking. Mix the cornstarch and water together to create a slurry, then stir it into the sauce in the Crockpot. Turn the heat to high and let the sauce simmer for 10-15 minutes until it thickens.
Shred or slice the chicken and return it to the sauce, then stir to coat the chicken in the flavorful sauce.
Serve the Bourbon Chicken over rice, noodles, or alongside vegetables.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Total Time: 4-6 hours on low (for the Crockpot), 10-15 minutes additional for thickening the sauce (optional).

Variations

Chicken Breasts: You can substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts for thighs, though thighs will give a more tender and flavorful result.
Add Veggies: You can add some vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or onions to the Crockpot to make this a one-pot meal.
Spicy Bourbon Chicken: For a spicier kick, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add some sriracha or hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
Non-Alcoholic Version: If you want to skip the bourbon, you can substitute it with apple juice or a non-alcoholic bourbon alternative to keep the sweetness while avoiding alcohol.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover Bourbon Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a small amount of water or broth to loosen it up.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of thighs, but the chicken may not be as tender and flavorful since thighs tend to hold more moisture.

2. Can I cook this on high in the Crockpot?

Yes, you can cook this recipe on high for about 2-3 hours. However, slow cooking on low is preferred for the best texture and flavor.

3. Can I freeze Bourbon Chicken?

Yes, you can freeze Bourbon Chicken. Store it in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

4. Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes! To make it spicier, you can add more crushed red pepper flakes or a tablespoon of sriracha or hot sauce to the sauce mixture.

5. Can I use a different type of alcohol?

Yes, you can use rum, whiskey, or a non-alcoholic bourbon alternative. The flavor will vary depending on the type of alcohol you use.

6. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare everything in the Crockpot the night before, then store it in the fridge. Just cook it on the day you plan to serve it.

7. Is this recipe gluten-free?

You can make it gluten-free by using tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce.

8. Can I use bone-in chicken?

You can use bone-in chicken, but boneless chicken works better for this slow-cooking method, as it is easier to shred and soak up the sauce.

9. What should I serve with Bourbon Chicken?

Bourbon Chicken pairs wonderfully with rice, noodles, or roasted vegetables. You can also serve it with steamed broccoli or a simple salad.

10. How do I thicken the sauce?

To thicken the sauce, mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry, then stir it into the sauce and let it cook on high for 10-15 minutes until it thickens.

Conclusion

Crockpot Bourbon Chicken is the ultimate combination of ease and flavor. This dish is a perfect example of how the slow cooker can make cooking simpler while still delivering a deliciously rich and tender meal. Whether you enjoy it over rice or with vegetables, Bourbon Chicken will quickly become a go-to meal for busy nights or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort.