Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 1/3 cup bourbon (can substitute with apple juice or chicken broth)
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 3/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Thickening Slurry
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons cold water
Garnish
- Green onion, sliced (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season the boneless skinless chicken thighs evenly on both sides with kosher salt and pepper. Place them at the bottom of the crockpot to prepare for slow cooking.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine bourbon (or your preferred substitute), brown sugar, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Stir well until all ingredients are fully mixed to create the flavorful cooking sauce.
- Combine Sauce and Chicken: Pour the prepared sauce over the seasoned chicken in the crockpot, ensuring the chicken is well coated with the mixture.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on low heat for 4 hours, or on high heat for 3 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and absorb the sauce flavors.
- Make the Thickening Slurry: About 30 minutes before the cooking time is complete, mix cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl until smooth. This slurry will be used to thicken the sauce.
- Thicken the Sauce: Whisk the cornstarch slurry directly into the crockpot sauce, stirring gently. Continue cooking with the lid on for the remaining 30 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken to a nice glaze consistency.
- Serve and Garnish: Once cooked, serve the bourbon chicken hot over a bed of rice. Garnish with sliced green onions if desired to add freshness and a pop of color.
Notes
- You can substitute bourbon with apple juice or chicken broth if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts as they stay more tender and flavorful over the slow cooking process.
- Be sure to whisk the cornstarch slurry thoroughly to prevent lumps when thickening the sauce.
- Cooking times may vary slightly based on your crockpot model; check chicken for tenderness before serving.
- Serve with steamed rice and steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American