If you love tender, flavorful chicken coated in a rich, sweet, and slightly smoky glaze, then Crockpot Bourbon Chicken is the perfect dish for you! Inspired by the famous Bourbon Chicken from mall food courts and Southern kitchens, this slow-cooked version is incredibly easy to make and packed with bold flavors.
The combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and a splash of bourbon creates a mouthwatering sauce that caramelizes beautifully as it slow-cooks. Whether you’re making it for a cozy winter dinner or a quick summer meal, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit.
Let’s get started with this effortless Crockpot Bourbon Chicken recipe!
Table of Contents
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water (for thickening)
For the Bourbon Sauce:
- ½ cup bourbon (or apple juice as a non-alcoholic substitute)
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon honey (for extra sweetness)
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Pat dry the chicken thighs and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
- Place the chicken in the slow cooker in a single layer.
Step 2: Make the Bourbon Sauce
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together bourbon, soy sauce, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, and honey.
- Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken in the crockpot.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Chicken
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2.5-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreddable.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken and place it on a cutting board.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water to create a slurry.
- Pour the slurry into the slow cooker and stir well.
- Turn the slow cooker to HIGH and let the sauce thicken for 10-15 minutes.
Step 5: Shred & Combine
- Shred the cooked chicken using two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir it into the thickened sauce.
Step 6: Garnish & Serve
- Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for extra flavor.
- Serve hot over steamed rice, noodles, or even in a sandwich!
Tips for the Best Crockpot Bourbon Chicken
✔ Use Chicken Thighs – They stay juicy and tender, but you can use chicken breasts for a leaner option.
✔ Alcohol-Free Version – Substitute apple juice for bourbon if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.
✔ Adjust the Sweetness – If you prefer it less sweet, reduce the brown sugar or honey slightly.
✔ Make it Spicy – Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for heat.
✔ Crispy Option – After slow cooking, broil the chicken for 3-5 minutes for a caramelized finish.
What to Serve with Bourbon Chicken
🍚 Steamed Jasmine Rice – The perfect base to soak up the flavorful sauce.
🥦 Stir-Fried Vegetables – Broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas pair beautifully.
🍜 Lo Mein Noodles – Toss with extra sauce for a delicious meal.
🥭 Mango or Pineapple Salsa – A fresh, tropical contrast to the savory sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Effortless Slow Cooker Meal – Just set it and forget it!
✅ Packed with Flavor – A perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky notes.
✅ Great for Meal Prep – Stays delicious in the fridge for up to 4 days.
✅ Customizable – Easily adjust sweetness, spice, and thickness to your taste.
Crockpot Bourbon Chicken
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 4-5 hours
- Total Time: 41 minute
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Bourbon Chicken is the ultimate combination of easy, flavorful, and comforting. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something sweet and savory, this dish will not disappoint.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water (for thickening)
For the Bourbon Sauce:
- ½ cup bourbon (or apple juice as a non-alcoholic substitute)
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon honey (for extra sweetness)
For Garnish:
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Pat dry the chicken thighs and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
- Place the chicken in the slow cooker in a single layer.
Step 2: Make the Bourbon Sauce
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together bourbon, soy sauce, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, and honey.
- Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken in the crockpot.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Chicken
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2.5-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreddable.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken and place it on a cutting board.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water to create a slurry.
- Pour the slurry into the slow cooker and stir well.
- Turn the slow cooker to HIGH and let the sauce thicken for 10-15 minutes.
Step 5: Shred & Combine
- Shred the cooked chicken using two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir it into the thickened sauce.
Step 6: Garnish & Serve
- Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for extra flavor.
- Serve hot over steamed rice, noodles, or even in a sandwich!
Notes
- ✔ Use Chicken Thighs – They stay juicy and tender, but you can use chicken breasts for a leaner option.
- ✔ Alcohol-Free Version – Substitute apple juice for bourbon if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.
- ✔ Adjust the Sweetness – If you prefer it less sweet, reduce the brown sugar or honey slightly.
- ✔ Make it Spicy – Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for heat.
- ✔ Crispy Option – After slow cooking, broil the chicken for 3-5 minutes for a caramelized finish.
Keywords: crockpot bourbon chicken, slow cooker chicken recipe, bourbon glaze, tender chicken, easy chicken dinner, bourbon sauce, chicken thighs recipe, meal prep dinner, sweet and smoky chicken
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes! Chicken breasts are a leaner option, but they can be used in place of thighs. However, chicken breasts may dry out more easily, so be sure to monitor the cooking time carefully.
Is it possible to make this recipe without bourbon?
Absolutely! You can substitute the bourbon with apple juice or chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version that still has great flavor.
Can I make this dish spicier?
Yes, you can add more red pepper flakes, or even a dash of hot sauce, to ramp up the heat. Adjust it according to your personal taste!
How can I make the sauce thicker?
To thicken the sauce, simply create a slurry with 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 1 tablespoon water, then stir it into the slow cooker. Let it cook for another 10–15 minutes on HIGH.
