Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is a dish that’s all about tender, juicy chicken simmered in a sweet and slightly tangy bourbon sauce. The sauce usually includes brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, and a good splash of bourbon or bourbon flavor, giving it that rich, warm taste that makes this meal so comforting. It’s a great dinner that cooks itself slowly all day in the crock pot, so you come home to something delicious and ready to eat.
I love making this recipe because it’s super easy and forgiving. You just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do its magic while you go about your day. Plus, the sauce thickens up just right towards the end, clinging to the chicken pieces in a way that’s downright irresistible. Sometimes I like to add a little extra ginger or a pinch of red pepper flakes to give it a tiny kick, which really wakes up the flavor.
For serving, I usually pile this bourbon chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice or some steamed veggies to soak up all that sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a cozy meal without a ton of work. Whenever I make this, it’s a hit with friends and family, and I always get asked for the recipe—so trust me, you’ll want to keep this one in your dinner rotation!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I like using boneless, skinless chicken thighs because they stay juicy and tender during slow cooking. If you prefer leaner meat, chicken breasts work too but watch the cooking time to avoid dryness.
Bourbon Whiskey: This gives the dish its signature warm, slightly smoky flavor. If you don’t want alcohol, you can substitute with apple juice or a splash of vanilla extract for a milder taste.
Soy Sauce & Brown Sugar: These create that sweet and salty balance. Low sodium soy sauce is great if you want to control salt. Brown sugar adds depth but you can try honey or maple syrup as alternatives.
Ginger and Garlic: Both brighten the sauce with fresh flavor. Fresh ginger really stands out, but ground ginger works well too. Don’t skip the garlic; it adds warmth and richness.
How Do You Get the Sauce Thick and Glossy in the Crock Pot?
Slow cookers don’t evaporate liquid much, so sauces can stay thin. Thickening at the end is key to that perfect sauce texture. Here’s how I do it:
- Make a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with cold water until smooth.
- About 30 minutes before the end of cooking, stir the slurry into the crock pot.
- Turn the heat to high and cook uncovered for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce will thicken and become shiny.
Don’t skip this step—it makes the sauce stick beautifully to the chicken and makes every bite more flavorful. If you want a gluten-free option, tapioca starch or arrowroot powder work great as a cornstarch replacement.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Crock pot/slow cooker – This is essential for the slow, hands-off cooking that makes the chicken tender and flavorful.
- Mixing bowl – To whisk together the sauce ingredients easily before pouring over the chicken.
- Measuring cups and spoons – For getting the sauce ingredients just right without guessing.
- Spoon or spatula – For stirring the sauce and mixing the cornstarch slurry into the crock pot.
- Knife and cutting board – To cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces quickly and safely.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken thighs for pork tenderloin for a different but still tender protein option.
- Add sliced bell peppers or pineapple chunks for extra sweetness and a pop of color.
- Mix in red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like a bit of heat.
- Stir in toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions before serving to add texture and fresh flavor.
How to Make Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup soy sauce (use low sodium if preferred)
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup bourbon whiskey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
- 1 tsp ground ginger or 1 tbsp fresh grated ginger
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for slight heat)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
- Fresh chopped parsley or green onions, for garnish
- Cooked white rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10-15 minutes of prep time. Cooking in the crock pot will take 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high. Add an extra 20-30 minutes at the end to thicken the sauce. Overall, it’s a relaxing meal to cook while you go about your day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and place them in the bottom of your crock pot.
2. Make the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, bourbon, minced garlic, ketchup, vinegar, ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) until well combined.
3. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Pour the sauce over the chicken, tossing lightly to coat each piece evenly.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Cover your crock pot and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
5. Thicken the Sauce:
About 30 minutes before serving, make a slurry by mixing cornstarch and water in a small bowl. Stir this into the crock pot. Replace the lid and cook on high for 20-30 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
6. Final Touches and Serving:
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed by adding more soy sauce or brown sugar. Serve the bourbon chicken hot over cooked white rice. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for a little color and freshness.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw the chicken before adding it to the crock pot. Cooking frozen chicken in a slow cooker can cause uneven cooking and may increase the risk of foodborne illness.
How Can I Store Leftover Bourbon Chicken?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Just use gluten-free soy sauce (tamari) and ensure your other ingredients are gluten-free. You can also substitute cornstarch with arrowroot powder or tapioca starch to thicken the sauce.
What Can I Substitute for Bourbon Whiskey?
If you prefer not to use alcohol, substitute bourbon with apple juice, white grape juice, or a splash of vanilla extract. This will keep the sweetness and depth without the alcohol.
