Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is a deliciously tender and sweet dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. It features juicy chicken thighs slow-cooked in a sticky, flavorful sauce made with soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and that signature hint of bourbon. The result is perfectly cooked chicken packed with rich, comforting flavors that taste like they’ve been simmering for hours.
I love making this recipe on busy days because I can just toss everything in the crock pot and forget about it until dinner. The kitchen starts to smell amazing as the sauce thickens and caramelizes around the chicken. One little tip I have is to stir the sauce at the end and then pour it back over the chicken for extra sauciness before serving—trust me, it makes a big difference!
The best way I enjoy this bourbon chicken is over a bed of steamed rice, which soaks up all that wonderful sauce, along with a side of steamed veggies or a simple green salad. It’s always a hit when I serve it to friends or family because it’s warm, juicy, and just a little bit special without everyday effort. This recipe really turns easy weeknight cooking into something everyone looks forward to.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: I recommend boneless, skinless thighs for tender, juicy results. They hold up well during slow cooking. You can substitute with chicken breasts, but they may become a bit drier.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce balances the sweetness without being too salty. If you prefer gluten-free, use tamari or coconut aminos.
Bourbon Whiskey: Adds a rich, warm flavor. If you want to skip alcohol, substitute with apple juice or extra water with a splash of vanilla extract for that hint of sweetness.
Brown Sugar: Adds caramel notes and sweetness that blend beautifully with the bourbon. You can swap for coconut sugar or honey for a different but pleasant flavor.
Cornstarch Slurry: This thickens the sauce nicely at the end. You can use arrowroot powder as a substitute for a gluten-free option.
How Do You Get Thick, Glossy Sauce in Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken?
Slow cookers tend to keep sauces thin and watery, so thickening at the end is important. Here’s how I do it:
- Shred the cooked chicken so the sauce coats every piece well.
- Mix cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry—this prevents lumps.
- Stir the slurry into the crock pot and cook uncovered on high for 15-20 minutes.
- Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally; the sauce will thicken and develop a shiny finish.
This simple step turns your sauce from thin to perfectly sticky, making the dish taste extra special!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Crock pot – it gently cooks the chicken low and slow, making it tender and flavorful.
- Large skillet (optional) – to brown the chicken before slow cooking for deeper flavor.
- Mixing bowl – to easily whisk the sauce ingredients together.
- Forks – for shredding the chicken after cooking.
- Spoon or spatula – for stirring the sauce and cornstarch slurry without scratching the crock pot.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use chicken breasts instead of thighs for a leaner option; just watch the cooking time to avoid drying.
- Add bell peppers or broccoli for extra veggies and texture.
- Mix in some crushed red pepper flakes if you want a little spicy kick.
- Top with sesame seeds or chopped scallions to add fresh crunch and flavor.
Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water (for slurry)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (optional, for browning chicken)
- 3 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Steamed white rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep. Cooking time is 4-6 hours on low, or 2-3 hours on high in your crock pot. Add about 15-20 minutes at the end to thicken the sauce. In all, a simple hands-off meal that’s ready when you are!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. (Optional) Brown the Chicken:
Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken thighs 2-3 minutes per side to add extra flavor. Then, transfer them into the crock pot.
2. Make and Add the Sauce:
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, bourbon, garlic, water, and rice vinegar until the sugar dissolves. Pour this sauce evenly over the chicken in the crock pot.
3. Slow Cook the Chicken:
Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
4. Shred the Chicken:
Take the chicken out of the crock pot and shred it using two forks. Put the shredded chicken back into the crock pot.
5. Thicken the Sauce:
Mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the crock pot, cover again, and cook on high for 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens and glazes the chicken nicely.
6. Serve and Garnish:
Give everything one final stir to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce. Serve the bourbon chicken hot over steamed white rice and sprinkle with sliced green onions for a fresh pop of flavor.
Enjoy your delicious and tender Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, but be sure to fully thaw the chicken before cooking. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave for faster results. Using thawed chicken ensures even cooking in the crock pot.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare and slow cook the chicken as directed, then refrigerate the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much.
How Can I Thicken the Sauce Without Cornstarch?
If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use arrowroot powder or flour mixed with cold water to create a slurry. Cook it in the crock pot on high for 15-20 minutes just the same to thicken the sauce.
What Should I Serve with Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed white rice to soak up the sauce. You can also serve it alongside steamed vegetables, roasted broccoli, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
