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Crockpot Bourbon Chicken Recipe

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3.8 from 47 reviews

This Crockpot Bourbon Chicken recipe offers a deliciously tender and flavorful dish made by slow-cooking boneless skinless chicken thighs in a savory bourbon-infused sauce. Perfect for a convenient and hearty meal, this recipe brings out a sweet and savory combination with minimal prep and effortless cooking, ideal for serving over rice and garnished with green onions.

  • Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Combine Sauce and Chicken: Pour the prepared sauce over the seasoned chicken in the crockpot, ensuring the chicken is well coated with the mixture.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American