Description

Experience the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it comfort food with this Tender Crockpot Bourbon Chicken recipe. Juicy chicken thighs simmered in a sweet and savory bourbon sauce create a flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this crockpot chicken delivers restaurant-quality taste right at home while filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas.

Ingredients

Scale

For the chicken:

3 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs

For the sauce:

1 cup light brown sugar
1 cup soy sauce
1/3 cup bourbon whiskey
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp honey
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
4 garlic cloves, minced

To finish:

3 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp water
1/4 cup chopped green onions

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken in the Slow Cooker: Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs and place them into the slow cooker in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
Make the Bourbon Sauce: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the light brown sugar, soy sauce, bourbon whiskey, apple cider vinegar, honey, ground ginger, red pepper flakes, and minced garlic cloves until fully combined to create a flavorful bourbon glaze.
Combine Chicken and Sauce, Then Slow Cook: Pour the bourbon sauce evenly over the chicken thighs in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 6 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Cooking on low is recommended for the juiciest results.
Chop the Cooked Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken thighs from the slow cooker and place them on a plate. Roughly chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in water to form a slurry. Whisk this slurry into the sauce remaining in the slow cooker, stir well, then return the chopped chicken to the pot. Stir to combine, cover, and allow the mixture to simmer until it thickens and bubbles, then turn off the slow cooker.
Finish and Serve: Sprinkle the bourbon chicken with chopped green onions and serve hot over steamed rice. Optionally, add extra green onions on top for a fresh crunch and pop of color.

Notes

For best results, use boneless skinless chicken thighs as they stay juicy during slow cooking. Bone-in thighs can be used but require adjustments.
If you don’t have bourbon, substitute with dark rum, whiskey, or apple juice mixed with vanilla extract for a similar flavor profile.
Wait until the last 30 minutes of cooking to add the cornstarch slurry to avoid a gummy sauce.
Browning the chicken before slow cooking (optional) adds extra depth of flavor.
Resist lifting the slow cooker lid during cooking as it prolongs cook time by releasing heat.
Great served over jasmine or white rice, with steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 4-6 hours
Category: Dinner
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: bourbon chicken, slow cooker chicken, crockpot recipes, easy dinner, comfort food, chicken thighs, bourbon sauce