Crockpot Bourbon Chicken

Crockpot Bourbon Chicken is a flavorful and tender dish that features succulent chicken thighs slow-cooked in a rich, sweet, and savory bourbon sauce. The combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, and bourbon creates a deliciously tangy glaze, while garlic and ginger add aromatic depth. With minimal prep time and the convenience of the crockpot, this dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup bourbon
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger, minced
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp water
• Green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. Prepare the chicken: Place the chicken thighs into the crockpot.
2. Make the sauce: In a bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, bourbon, ketchup, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Pour this mixture over the chicken.
3. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender.
4. Thicken the sauce: In the last 30 minutes of cooking, mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl, then stir this into the crockpot to thicken the sauce.
5. Serve: Once cooked, serve the bourbon chicken over rice and garnish with chopped green onions.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 4 hours (on high) or 7-8 hours (on low)
• Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes (on high) or 7 hours 10 minutes (on low)

Variations

1. Chicken breast alternative: If you prefer a leaner cut of meat, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs.
2. Add vegetables: For a more complete meal, add sliced bell peppers, onions, or carrots to the crockpot during the last hour of cooking.
3. Spicy version: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes for extra heat, or add a splash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
4. Alcohol-free version: Replace the bourbon with apple cider or a mixture of apple juice and a small amount of vinegar for a similar flavor profile without the alcohol.
5. Slow cooker glaze: After cooking, remove the chicken, transfer the sauce to a skillet, and simmer to reduce it further for a thicker glaze.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover bourbon chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in a saucepan on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
   Yes, boneless, skinless chicken breasts can be substituted, but they may cook faster than thighs, so be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
2. What can I use instead of bourbon?
   If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute the bourbon with apple cider, apple juice, or even chicken broth.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
   Yes, this dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
4. How can I make this dish spicier?
   You can add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to increase the spice level to your taste.
5. Can I cook this on the stovetop?
   While this recipe is designed for the crockpot, you can make it on the stovetop by simmering the chicken and sauce over low heat for about 45 minutes to an hour.
6. What should I serve with this dish?
   Serve the bourbon chicken over rice, such as jasmine or basmati, or with mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
7. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
   Yes, you can use frozen chicken in the crockpot, but the cooking time may need to be extended slightly, and make sure the chicken is fully cooked before serving.
8. Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
   Absolutely! This bourbon chicken works well for meal prepping and can be stored in individual portions for quick, reheated meals throughout the week.
9. Can I make the sauce thicker?
   Yes, you can add more cornstarch mixed with water to thicken the sauce. Alternatively, reduce the sauce by simmering it on the stove after cooking.
10. Can I double the recipe?
    Yes, you can double the recipe to serve a larger crowd, but make sure your crockpot is large enough to accommodate the increased volume of ingredients.

Conclusion

Crockpot Bourbon Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that delivers a delicious combination of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors with minimal effort. The slow cooking process ensures that the chicken is incredibly tender, while the bourbon sauce provides a rich depth of flavor. Perfect for busy days, this recipe is versatile, easy to store, and sure to become a favorite in your household.

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