Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is a simple and delicious dish that brings together tender chicken pieces cooked slowly in a sweet and tangy bourbon sauce. The sauce has just the right mix of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a little brown sugar, giving it that perfect balance of flavors. This recipe is great for busy days since you just toss everything in the crock pot and let it do its magic.
I love making this dish because it fills the house with such a cozy, inviting aroma, and the chicken comes out so juicy and full of flavor. One helpful tip I’ve learned is to give the sauce a quick boil on the stove after the chicken is cooked to thicken it up—it makes all the difference! It’s such an easy recipe that feels like a special treat without much effort.
For serving, I usually pair this bourbon chicken with steamed rice and a side of sautéed veggies or broccoli. The sauce soaks right into the rice, which makes every bite super satisfying. It’s a meal that ends up on repeat in our family rotation because it’s comforting and quick, perfect for weeknights or even casual get-togethers.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: These are ideal for crock pot cooking because they stay juicy and tender. If you prefer white meat, chicken breasts work too, but watch for dryness.
Bourbon Whiskey: This adds a warm, smoky flavor. If you’d rather skip alcohol, use apple juice or extra vinegar to keep the tang.
Soy Sauce: It brings saltiness and umami. For a gluten-free option, use tamari or coconut aminos.
Brown Sugar: It balances the savory with sweetness. You can substitute coconut sugar or honey if you want a natural sweetener.
How Do You Get the Sauce Thick and Glossy in the Slow Cooker?
Slow cooker liquids can stay thin, so thickening the sauce is key. Here’s how I do it:
- Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water to make a smooth slurry.
- Stir the slurry into the crock pot about 20 minutes before serving.
- Turn the slow cooker to high and cook uncovered until the sauce thickens and looks shiny—this usually takes 10-15 minutes.
This step brings a nice glaze to the chicken and helps the sauce cling to the pieces. Taking time for this at the end really improves the dish’s texture and flavor.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Crock pot/slow cooker – Perfect for hands-off cooking and makes chicken super tender.
- Mixing bowl – Great for whisking the sauce ingredients before adding to the crock pot.
- Measuring cups and spoons – To get the sauce flavors just right.
- Small bowl – For mixing the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce.
- Whisk or fork – Helps blend the sauce smoothly.
- Knife and cutting board – Needed for chopping the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken thighs for beef strips to make a bourbon beef version with rich flavor.
- Add sliced bell peppers or snap peas in the last hour to boost color and crunch.
- Stir in a teaspoon of sesame oil at the end for a nutty aroma and deeper taste.
- Top with toasted sesame seeds for extra texture and a subtle nutty finish.
Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Sauce:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger (or 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
For Thickening and Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Cooked white rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe needs about 10-15 minutes to prepare, then 4-6 hours cooking on low or 2-3 hours on high in your crock pot. Add an extra 15 minutes near the end to thicken the sauce and finish cooking. In total, plan for around 5 hours if cooking low, or about 3 hours if you’re in a hurry.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Sauce:
In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir until the brown sugar dissolves and everything is well combined.
2. Cooking the Chicken:
Put the cut chicken thighs in the crock pot. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, stirring gently to make sure all pieces are coated. Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours. The chicken should be very tender and cooked through.
3. Thickening the Sauce:
About 20 minutes before serving, whisk the cornstarch and water together in a small bowl to make a slurry. Remove the crock pot lid and stir this slurry into the sauce and chicken. Turn the crock pot setting to high and cook uncovered for another 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and looks glossy.
4. Serving:
Spoon the bourbon chicken and thick sauce over cooked white rice. Sprinkle sliced green onions on top for a fresh, colorful finish. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious crock pot meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, but be sure to fully thaw the chicken before cooking. Using frozen chicken can increase cooking time and may result in unevenly cooked meat.
Can I Substitute the Bourbon Whiskey?
Absolutely! If you prefer not to use alcohol, try replacing bourbon with apple juice or extra apple cider vinegar for similar flavor without the booze.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover bourbon chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave before serving.
Can I Add Vegetables to the Crock Pot?
Yes! Feel free to add sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli during the last hour of cooking for extra color and nutrients.
