Amazing Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe to Warm Your Heart

Comforting Flavors in Your Kitchen

There’s something magical about the memories we create around food. With each bite of this tender crock pot bourbon chicken, you can almost envision bustling kitchens filled with laughter and the rich aromas of spices. Inspired by childhood moments spent in the kitchens of family, this recipe brings a taste of warmth and love right to your table. It’s a rich, savory dish that envelops the senses—succulent chicken lightly glazed with a tangy bourbon sauce that dances on your palate. As it simmers away throughout the day, your home fills with enchanting scents that make everyone eager to gather and share a meal.

Quick Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4-6 hours
• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes
• Servings: 6-8
• Difficulty: Easy
• Cuisine: American
• Best Season: Year-round

What Makes This Dish Shine

• Deliciously Tender: The long, slow cook transforms chicken thighs into mouthwateringly tender bites that practically melt in your mouth, soaking up all the rich flavors of the sauce.
• Easy Preparation: With minimal effort and just a few simple ingredients, you can set it and forget it, allowing your slow cooker to work its magic while you attend to other things.
• Flavorful Harmony: The combination of bourbon, soy sauce, and spices creates a depth of flavor that balances sweet, savory, and a hint of heat, making it perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights at home.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy the chicken over fluffy rice, tucked into a fresh bun, or paired with crisp vegetables to create a meal that suits any occasion and taste preference.

Essential Ingredients

• 3 pounds chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 1 cup soy sauce
• 1/3 cup bourbon whisky (or substitute with broth)
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1/4 cup green onions (chopped)

Ingredient Insights

• Chicken Thighs: Choose boneless, skinless thighs for their tenderness. They hold up beautifully during long cooking and are often more flavorful than breast meat.
• Bourbon: If you prefer not to use alcohol, chicken broth or apple cider can be great substitutes, adding their own unique flavor profiles to this dish.
• Brown Sugar: This ingredient helps to caramelize the chicken and adds a lovely sweetness; you can also use coconut sugar for a healthier alternative.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adjust the amount according to your spice tolerance. They add the right amount of heat without overpowering the other flavors.

Step-By-Step Process

1. Begin by trimming any excess fat from the chicken thighs and arrange them at the bottom of your slow cooker.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine light brown sugar, soy sauce, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, ground ginger, honey, red pepper flakes, and minced garlic. Whisk until smooth.
3. Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken, ensuring every piece is well coated in that delicious glaze.
4. Cover your slow cooker and cook on high for approximately 4 hours or on low for about 6 hours—your choice!
5. After the cooking time, carefully transfer the chicken to a plate and chop it roughly into bite-sized pieces.
6. In a separate bowl, combine the cornstarch with water until smooth. Incorporate this mixture into the sauce in the crock pot, whisking continuously to blend.
7. Return the chopped chicken to the slow cooker and stir well to ensure everything is evenly combined. Allow it to simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes, thickening the sauce.
8. Serve hot, beautifully garnished with chopped green onions and over a steaming bed of rice for a complete meal.

Pro Tips for Best Results

• Cook Time: For maximum tenderness, always cook on low; high heat is quicker but can lead to overcooked chicken.
• Thicker Sauce: If you’d like your sauce a little thicker, mix in a touch more cornstarch combined with water towards the end of the cooking process.
• Marinating: For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce overnight before slow cooking; simply adjust the cooking time if necessary.
• Taste Adjustments: Always taste the sauce before serving and adjust sweetness or spiciness to your preference before serving.

Exciting Variations

• Vegan Bourbon Chick’n: Substitute chicken with cubed tofu or jackfruit for a plant-based twist, ensuring it soaks up the sauce’s flavors.
• Mild Option: Reduce the number of red pepper flakes for a gentler flavor that everyone, including kids, can enjoy.
• Spicy Delight: Add chopped jalapeños or sriracha sauce to the mix for an extra kick if you love a fiery flavor.
• Regional Flavors: Add a dash of smoked paprika or a bit of cumin for a more Mexican-inspired flair, instantly enhancing the depth of the dish.

Perfect Pairings

Serve this tasty crock pot bourbon chicken with a side of perfectly steamed jasmine rice, fluffy mashed potatoes, or a fresh garden salad. Complement your meal with a sweet iced tea or a refreshing cucumber-infused water to cleanse your palate. For dessert, consider a light fruit sorbet to transition from savory to sweet seamlessly.

Make Ahead & Freezer Insights

For the best prep, assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker and refrigerate overnight. Not only does this help save time, but it also allows the chicken to absorb the flavors even more deeply. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator or freeze for up to 3 months. Just be sure to reheat thoroughly, ensuring the chicken remains juicy.

Serving Style Inspirations

Plating this dish is all about layering flavor and color. Serve it on a bed of rice sprinkled with vibrant green onions or alongside grilled vegetables to add a pop of color. A side of cornbread or fresh tortillas would perfectly round out this comforting meal.

Kitchen Secrets

• Flavor Boost: For a hint of smokiness, consider adding a splash of liquid smoke to the sauce before cooking.
• Minimize Mess: Use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup after enjoying this delicious meal.
• Freshness is Key: Always opt for fresh garlic for a more intense flavor; it makes all the difference in a dish like this.
• Experiment with Textures: Mix in some crunchy water chestnuts or snow peas for an exciting texture contrast if you desire some added crunch in your meal.

Storage & Reheating Best Practices

To best preserve the delicious flavors and textures, store the chicken in an airtight container in the fridge. When reheating, use the microwave for quick meals, or warm it gently on the stovetop. If you’re using a stovetop, add a splash of water or broth to the pan to keep the chicken from drying out during reheating.

Common Questions Answered

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but they tend to dry out more easily. Opt for thigh meat for the juiciest results.
• Is this recipe gluten-free? To make it gluten-free, use tamari instead of regular soy sauce.
• How can I make this healthier? Substitute with low-sugar brown sugar and use less oil if using; incorporate veggies for added nutrients.
• Can I cook it on the stove instead? Absolutely! Sauté the ingredients over medium heat and let it simmer until the chicken is cooked through, about 30-40 minutes.
• What should I do if I don’t have bourbon? You can replace it with chicken broth, apple cider, or even pineapple juice for a different flavor profile.
• How long can I store leftovers? Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for 3 months.

Nutrition Information

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 320
• Protein: 24g
• Carbs: 30g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 20g
  Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary.

A Last Note

As you savor each bite of this delightful crock pot bourbon chicken, remember that food is about connection. It’s an invitation to share warmth and joy with friends and family, a bridge that connects different cultures through flavor. May this dish bring fond memories to your table, just as it does to many kitchens where love is the secret ingredient.

A Bit of Encouragement

I hope you find joy in cooking and sharing this crock pot bourbon chicken recipe. It’s one of those special dishes that turns an ordinary day into something extraordinary. Don’t forget to snap a picture and share your delicious creation on Pinterest, inspiring others to join in this culinary adventure!

Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

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• Author: emma
• Total Time: 255 minutes
• Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
• Diet: None

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Description

A comforting and savory dish featuring tender chicken slow-cooked in a rich bourbon sauce, perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights at home.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 pounds chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 1 cup soy sauce
• 1/3 cup bourbon whisky (or substitute with broth)
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1/4 cup green onions (chopped)

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Instructions

1. Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs and arrange them at the bottom of your slow cooker.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine light brown sugar, soy sauce, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, ground ginger, honey, red pepper flakes, and minced garlic. Whisk until smooth.
3. Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken, ensuring every piece is well coated.
4. Cover and cook on high for approximately 4 hours or on low for about 6 hours.
5. After cooking, transfer the chicken to a plate and chop it into bite-sized pieces.
6. In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch with water until smooth, then incorporate it into the sauce in the slow cooker while whisking continuously.
7. Return the chopped chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine, allowing it to simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes.
8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions over rice.

Notes

For maximum tenderness, always cook on low. Adjust sweetness or spiciness to taste before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 240 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 90mg