Tender, slow-cooked chicken coated in a rich, sweet, and smoky bourbon glaze, served over rice for a comforting and flavorful meal. This dish combines the deep caramelized flavors of bourbon with a touch of sweetness and spice, making it a perfect dinner option for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless cooking – The crockpot does all the work, making this a hands-off recipe.
- Rich and flavorful – The bourbon glaze creates a delicious balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors.
- Perfect for meal prep – Makes great leftovers and reheats well.
- Versatile serving options – Enjoy over rice, noodles, or even in lettuce wraps.
- Crowd-pleaser – A hit with both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Place the chicken thighs in the crockpot.
- In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, bourbon, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and cover.
- Cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender.
- Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and set it aside.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to form a slurry, then stir it into the sauce in the crockpot.
- Cook on HIGH for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
- Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot, toss it in the sauce, and serve over rice.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 320 kcal per serving
Variations
- Make it spicier – Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Use chicken breasts – Substitute chicken thighs with boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a leaner option.
- Try a different sweetener – Use maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey.
- Thicker sauce – Add an extra tablespoon of cornstarch slurry for an even richer glaze.
- Add vegetables – Toss in bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas during the last hour of cooking for extra nutrition.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed, or microwave in short intervals until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of alcohol?
Yes, you can substitute bourbon with whiskey or omit it entirely for an alcohol-free version.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but it’s best to thaw it first to ensure even cooking and better texture.
What’s the best way to serve bourbon chicken?
It’s great over steamed rice, noodles, or even in wraps with lettuce or tortillas.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Can I cook this on the stovetop?
Yes, simmer the sauce in a pan, add cooked shredded chicken, and let it thicken for about 10 minutes.
Will the alcohol cook off?
Most of the alcohol content reduces significantly during slow cooking, but a small amount may remain.
What if I don’t have cornstarch?
You can use arrowroot powder or flour as an alternative thickener.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, just make sure your crockpot is large enough to accommodate the extra ingredients.
What can I do if my sauce is too thick?
Add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up while reheating.
Can I use a different protein?
Yes, try pork, tofu, or even shrimp for a different take on this dish.
Conclusion
Crockpot Bourbon Chicken is a delicious, easy-to-make dish with deep, smoky, and sweet flavors. Whether served over rice or enjoyed in a wrap, this slow-cooked meal is perfect for busy weeknights and meal prepping. Try different variations to suit your taste and enjoy a restaurant-quality dish at home!
