Unbelievable Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken in Just 8 Steps

Okay, listen up, because I’m about to let you in on a weeknight GAME CHANGER! You know those days when you’re just *dreading* dinner, and the thought of chopping and stirring makes you want to hide under the covers? Yeah, me too! That’s when I pull out this recipe for Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken. Seriously, it’s the easiest thing EVER, and the flavor? Out of this world!

I stumbled upon this recipe years ago when I was desperately searching for something that required minimal effort but tasted like I’d actually put in some work (shhh, don’t tell!). The sweet and savory bourbon-infused sauce is just… *chef’s kiss*. The chicken falls apart, it’s ridiculously tender, and the whole family gobbles it up. So, if you’re looking for a ridiculously easy and delicious meal, this Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is it!

Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe

Okay, so why should *you* make this Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken? Let me tell ya:

• Easiest Dinner EVER: Seriously, dump everything in and walk away. What’s easier than that?!
• Flavor Explosion: Sweet bourbon, savory soy sauce… it’s a party in your mouth!
• Minimal Effort, Maximum Reward: You get a restaurant-quality meal without all the work. Who can say no to that?
• Kid-Friendly (and Adult-Approved!): Even picky eaters love this, trust me!

Ingredients for Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this amazing Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken. Don’t skimp on the ingredients, folks, because that’s where the magic happens!

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces (I swear, thighs are juicier!)
• 1/2 cup bourbon (Hey, a little for the chicken, a little for the cook, right?)
• 1/2 cup soy sauce (Adds that yummy umami!)
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (Gotta pack it in there!)
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (For a little tang!)
• 2 tablespoons ketchup (Don’t judge, it works!)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil (That nutty flavor is EVERYTHING!)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (Our thickening agent!)
• 2 tablespoons water (To make that cornstarch slurry!)
• Cooked rice, for serving (My fave is jasmine!)
• Sesame seeds, for garnish (Makes it look fancy!)
• Chopped green onions, for garnish (Adds a pop of freshness!)

How to Make Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, here we go! This is so easy, you’re gonna laugh. But trust me, the results are no joke! Get ready for some seriously delicious Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken.

1. Chicken Time! First things first, grab that 1.5 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken thighs you’ve lovingly cubed into 1-inch pieces and plop ’em right into your slow cooker. Easy peasy!
2. Sauce It Up! Now, in a bowl (any bowl will do, who are we kidding?), whisk together that glorious 1/2 cup of bourbon (careful, don’t spill!), 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons of ketchup, and that magical 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Just whisk it all together until that brown sugar’s mostly dissolved. Phew, you’re doing great!
3. Pour It On! Take that amazing sauce you just made and pour it right over the chicken in the slow cooker. Make sure all the chicken pieces are coated in that goodness. Oh, and if you’re looking for an even easier pasta dish, check out this Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta.
4. Slow Cooker Magic! Cover that slow cooker and let the magic HAPPEN! Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. I usually go for low because I’m all about that super tender chicken, but high works too if you’re in a rush.
5. Thickening Time! Okay, almost there! In a small bowl (a really small one!), whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water until it’s smooth. This is our “slurry,” and it’s gonna thicken up that sauce.
6. Slurry Time! Pour that cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker and stir it in. Make sure it’s all mixed in nicely.
7. Final Stretch! Cover the slow cooker again and cook on high for another 15 minutes, or until that sauce has thickened up to your liking. If you want it even thicker, you can add a *teeny* bit more cornstarch at this point.
8. Serve and ENJOY! Serve that gorgeous Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken over some cooked rice. I like to garnish mine with sesame seeds and chopped green onions because, well, presentation matters! But honestly, even straight out of the slow cooker, this stuff is AMAZING.

Tips for the Best Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

Want to take your Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken from “yum” to “OMG”? I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve!

• Chicken Quality Matters! Seriously, splurge on good-quality chicken thighs. They make a HUGE difference in the tenderness and flavor of the final dish.
• Low and Slow is the Way to Go! I always cook this on low for maximum flavor and tenderness. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
• Don’t Be Afraid to Adjust! Taste the sauce before adding the cornstarch slurry. If it needs more sweetness, add a *tiny* bit more brown sugar. More tang? A splash of apple cider vinegar!
• Toast Those Sesame Seeds! Before garnishing, toast your sesame seeds in a dry pan for a couple of minutes. It brings out their nutty flavor and adds a little something *extra*.

Variations for Your Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

Okay, so you’ve made the basic Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken and you’re LOVING it (I knew you would!). But what if you want to mix things up a bit? No problem! Here are a few ideas to get your creative cooking juices flowing. And if you are wanting something other than chicken, you could always try this amazing Healthy Orange Chicken, so good!

• Pork It Up! Swap out the chicken thighs for pork tenderloin. Just cut it into 1-inch cubes like the chicken and follow the same instructions.
• Veggie Power! Toss in some broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, or even some pineapple chunks during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Adds some color and nutrition!
• Spice It Up! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for a little kick. Careful, though, a little goes a long way!
• Honey, I Shrunk the…Bourbon Chicken? Use honey instead of brown sugar for a slightly different flavor profile. It’s a little less sweet and a bit more floral.

Serving Suggestions for Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

Alright, you’ve got that amazing Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken ready to go, but what do you serve with it? Don’t stress, I’ve got you covered! Here are a few ideas that will make your meal a total knockout!

• Fluffy white rice (duh!)
• Steamed broccoli (keeps it healthy-ish!)
• A simple side salad (for some freshness!)
• Egg rolls (why not go all in on the Asian theme?)

Storage & Reheating Instructions for Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

Okay, so you have leftovers (lucky you!). Here’s how to keep that bourbon chicken tasting amazing!

• Storage: Pop that cooled chicken into an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. It’ll be good for about 3-4 days, tops!
• Reheating: My favorite way? Microwave! Just nuke it for a couple of minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through. You can also reheat it in a skillet on the stovetop over medium heat. Just add a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out!

Frequently Asked Questions About Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

Got questions about this amazing Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken? I bet you do! Don’t worry; I’ve got the answers! Here are a few of the most common questions I get asked about this recipe. And if you like these types of recipes, then you may enjoy this Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings recipe.

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Sure, you *can*, but I *really* don’t recommend it! Chicken breasts tend to dry out in the slow cooker, while chicken thighs stay nice and juicy. If you absolutely *must* use chicken breasts, keep a close eye on them and shorten the cooking time.

Can I make this without bourbon?

Okay, so it won’t technically be “bourbon chicken” anymore, but yes, you can! Just substitute the bourbon with chicken broth or apple juice. It’ll still be delicious, just a slightly different flavor profile.

How long does it last in the fridge?

Properly stored in an airtight container, your Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken will last for about 3-4 days in the fridge. Just make sure it cools down completely before you pop it in there!

Can I freeze this?

Yep! Let it cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it out in the fridge overnight and reheat as usual. It might be *slightly* less perfect than fresh, but still delicious!

My sauce is too thin! What do I do?

Don’t panic! Just mix another teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir that into the slow cooker during the last 15 minutes of cooking. That should thicken things up nicely!

Nutritional Information Disclaimer

Hey friends, just a heads-up! All nutritional info is an estimate. Brands vary, so the calories, sugar, etc., are approximate. Enjoy!

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