Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is a simple and tasty dish where tender chicken thighs soak up a sweet and tangy sauce made with bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, and garlic. The slow cooker does all the work, turning the chicken juicy and flavorful without any fuss.
I love making this recipe when I want dinner to be ready without standing over the stove. Just toss everything in the crock pot in the morning, and by dinnertime, your kitchen smells amazing, and the chicken is perfectly cooked. It’s one of those meals that feels like you put in a lot of effort but is actually so easy.
My favorite way to eat Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is over a bed of white rice, letting the sauce soak into every bite. Sometimes I add steamed broccoli or green beans on the side for a simple, well-rounded meal. It’s the kind of recipe that always gets compliments, and I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I prefer thighs here because they stay juicy and tender in the slow cooker. You can use chicken breasts, but they might dry out quicker, so keep an eye on cooking time.
Bourbon Whiskey: The bourbon adds that classic flavor. If you don’t want alcohol, try using apple juice or chicken broth with a splash of vanilla extract as a substitute.
Soy Sauce & Brown Sugar: These give the dish its salty-sweet balance. For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of regular soy sauce. You can adjust the brown sugar to your preferred sweetness.
Ketchup & Apple Cider Vinegar: They add tang and depth. If you don’t have apple cider vinegar, white vinegar or lemon juice can work in a pinch.
How Do You Thicken the Sauce Without Losing Flavor?
The sauce thickens nicely by adding a cornstarch slurry towards the end. Here’s how I do it:
- Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water until smooth.
- Stir this slurry into the crock pot about 15 minutes before serving.
- Cook uncovered so the sauce reduces and thickens without becoming too watery.
This step makes the sauce glossy and coats the chicken perfectly without diluting the flavors. Be sure to stir gently to combine it well.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Crock pot or slow cooker – It cooks the chicken low and slow, making it tender without fuss.
- Medium mixing bowl – Perfect for whisking together the sauce ingredients smoothly.
- Measuring cups and spoons – Help you get the sauce seasoning just right every time.
- Slotted spoon or tongs – Great for lifting the chicken out without too much sauce.
- Small bowl for cornstarch slurry – Easy to mix cornstarch and water before thickening the sauce.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken thighs for boneless pork chops for a different but equally tender option.
- Add sliced bell peppers and onions during cooking for extra color and mild sweetness.
- Mix in pineapple chunks in the last 30 minutes for a fresh, fruity twist.
- Use honey instead of brown sugar for a lighter, floral sweetness.
How to Make Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup bourbon whiskey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- Cooked white rice, for serving
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 2 to 5 hours to cook, depending on whether you use the high or low setting on your crock pot. The last 15 minutes are used for thickening the sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken and Sauce:
Put the chicken chunks into your crock pot. In a medium bowl, mix together the soy sauce, brown sugar, bourbon, minced garlic, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, ground ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Pour this sauce over the chicken, making sure every piece is nicely coated.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
3. Thicken the Sauce:
About 15 minutes before serving, stir the cornstarch and water together in a small bowl to make a smooth slurry. Pour this into the crock pot, mix it in, and cook uncovered for the remaining 15 minutes so the sauce thickens beautifully.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the bourbon chicken hot over cooked white rice. Sprinkle with chopped green onions on top for a fresh touch. Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, but be sure to thaw the chicken fully before adding it to the crock pot. Cooking frozen chicken slowly can risk uneven cooking and food safety issues.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare and cook the chicken as directed, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
How Can I Make the Sauce Thicker?
The cornstarch slurry is key for thickening. Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water, stir it into the crock pot about 15 minutes before the end of cooking, and cook uncovered to let the sauce thicken nicely.
What Can I Substitute for Bourbon?
If you prefer no alcohol, use apple juice, chicken broth, or a mix of those with a splash of vanilla extract to mimic the bourbon’s depth without the alcohol content.
