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CrockPot Bourbon Chicken

Sep 28, 2022 · 13 Comments

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Collage with crockpot bourbon chicken in the crock of a slow cooker topped with sliced green onions and a spoon in it on top, the same chicken on top of rice in a bowl on bottom, and the words "crockpot bourbon chicken" in the center

CrockPot Bourbon Chicken features tender bites of chicken in a rich, tangy but sweet bourbon sauce that melts in your mouth. It's a perfect easy weeknight meal.

Close up side view of crockpot bourbon chicken over rice topped with sliced green onions and a stainless steel Crock Pot in the background

CrockPot Bourbon Chicken

This CrockPot Bourbon Chicken is ridiculously easy to make at home. Tender chicken swims in a tangy sweet bourbon sauce that just melts in your mouth.

Prep it in just 15 minutes or less. It's a great weeknight, set-it-and-forget-it meal and delicious served over rice.

Why is it Called Bourbon Chicken?

Bourbon chicken actually gets its name from Bourbon Street (in New Orleans) rather than the liquor, and, of course, for the bourbon in it. Therefore, it's more of a Chinese-American fusion dish rather than authentic Chinese.

Crockpot bourbon chicken in a slow cooker topped with sliced green onions with a wooden spoon in the middle

What Kind of Bourbon Should I Use?

You can really use any bourbon for cooking, and you also don't have to spend a fortune on a bottle.

My advice for all alcohol when cooking is to buy a mid-grade. Some of the flavor will be covered, unlike when drinking it neat or on the rocks. However, you will also be cooking out the alcohol, leaving just the flavor behind, so you do want it to have a decent flavor.

For bourbon, I typically buy Evan Williams. Other good choices are Jim Beam or Heaven Hill.

Why Should I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?

Chicken Thighs are a darker meat and are therefore more tender and juicy due to fat content. This means that your chicken will turn out more tender, especially in the slow cooker, when using chicken thighs over breasts.

How to Serve CrockPot Bourbon Chicken

Serve Crockpot Bourbon Chicken over rice with steamed or sauteed veggies such as broccoli, bok choy, cabbage, or zucchini.

Top with green onions and sesame seeds.

Crockpot bourbon chicken topped with sliced green onions over rice in a black matte bowl

How to Freeze CrockPot Bourbon Chicken

Crockpot bourbon chicken can be frozen before or after cooking.

Before cooking, dump all of the ingredients, except cornstarch, water, green onions, and rice, into a freezer bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 to 6 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using. Then cook according to recipe instructions.

After cooking, allow to cool to room temperature. Then transfer to an air-tight freezer container, and freeze for up to 3 to 6 months. Before use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight. To reheat, add chicken to a large saucepan or skillet and heat over medium heat on the stove before serving.

More Crockpot Chicken Recipes You'll Love

  • Crockpot Southwest Chicken Chili - a complete meal in the Crock Pot. We love this served over rice with a sprinkle of cheese.
  • Crockpot Chicken Tacos - an incredibly easy taco recipe for the slow cooker
  • Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken - tangy-sweet chicken with bites of pineapple and bell pepper.
  • Crockpot Barbecue Chicken Sandwiches - super simple weeknight recipe with just a few ingredients.
  • Crockpot Pineapple Chicken - chicken in a sweet pineapple sauce with red peppers and onions. Delicious served over rice.

CrockPot Bourbon Chicken Video

Crockpot bourbon chicken topped with sliced green onions over rice in a black matte bowl

CrockPot Bourbon Chicken

CrockPot Bourbon Chicken features tender bites of chicken in a rich, tangy but sweet bourbon sauce that melts in your mouth. It's a perfect easy weeknight meal.
5 from 13 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Crockpot Bourbon Chicken, Slow Cooker Bourbon Chicken
Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 7 hours hours
Total Time: 7 hours hours 15 minutes minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 276kcal
Author: Michelle
Prevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 3 tablespoons water
  • Sliced green onions for serving
  • Cooked rice for serving

Sauce

  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • ½ teaspoon freshly grated ginger
  • ⅓ cup apple juice
  • 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • ¼ cup chicken broth
  • ¼ cup bourbon
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
  • 2 dried red chili peppers seeded

Instructions

  • Add all sauce ingredients to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
  • Place chicken into crock and spoon sauce over chicken.
  • Cover and cook on Low for 6-7 hours.
  • Remove chicken from sauce and chop or shred into smaller bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
  • In a small mixing bowl, combine cornstarch and water. Add slurry to sauce mixture in crockpot.
  • Add chicken back to sauce and stir to combine.
  • Serve warm topped with green onions over rice.

Notes

Nutrition facts do not include green onions or rice. 
  • This recipe is naturally dairy free. 
  • To make gluten free, use gluten free tamari sauce or coconut aminos in place of soy sauces.
  • Dark Soy Sauce: You can use an extra tablespoon of normal soy sauce in place if you don't have it on hand. It gives the dish a  rich, deep color and is a bit sweeter than typical soy sauce.
  • Dried Red Chili Peppers: You can use ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes if you can't find the whole dried peppers.
  • Hoisin Sauce: If you don't have hoisin, you can use ketchup. It won't taste exactly the same, but it will work in a pinch.
  • Test for salt before adding any, as soy sauce is already salty. 
  • Storage: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in individual portions in the microwave on microwave-safe plates.
  • Freezer Directions: Before cooking, dump all of the ingredients, except cornstarch, water, green onions, and rice, into a freezer bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 to 6 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using. Then cook according to recipe instructions. After cooking, allow to cool to room temperature. Then transfer to an air-tight freezer container, and freeze for up to 3 to 6 months. Before use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight. To reheat, add chicken to a large saucepan or skillet and heat over medium heat on the stove before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 276kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 162mg | Sodium: 716mg | Potassium: 475mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 41IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 2mg
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Chicken, Crockpot, Dairy Free, Dinner, Freezer Meals, Gluten Free, Recipes crockpot bourbon chicken, crockpot bourbon chicken recipe, Crockpot Recipe, Slow Cooker Recipe

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Mirlene says

    October 12, 2022 at 1:24 pm

    Talk about a delicious dinner for the family! I brought out my crockpot and made this. The chicken was so flavorful and delicious. Leftovers tasted more better the next day.

    Reply
  2. dana says

    October 12, 2022 at 2:45 pm

    Sounds like a great Sunday dinner! Can't wait to give it a go.

    Reply
  3. nancy says

    October 12, 2022 at 5:39 pm

    i think besides the juicy chicken the best part was the sweet bourbon sauce . SO addicting

    Reply
  4. Jen says

    November 12, 2022 at 11:29 am

    This is so good!! The flavors are superb!! Everyone loved it!

    Reply
  5. Kathleen says

    November 12, 2022 at 12:02 pm

    This is one amazing crockpot recipe. Great flavors and easy to make. A perfect family meal.

    Reply
  6. Caitlin says

    November 12, 2022 at 12:06 pm

    This is a fantastic recipe! So delicious to make and so easy.

    Reply
  7. Holley says

    November 12, 2022 at 12:47 pm

    This crockpot bourbon chicken recipe is the way to go! So flavorful and perfect for the entire family!

    Reply
  8. Anjali says

    November 12, 2022 at 1:16 pm

    I love all of the flavors in this recipe!! It looks so delicious and satisfying!!

    Reply
  9. SOPHIE says

    July 29, 2023 at 8:28 am

    I made this flavorful chicken in the slow cooker, and it turned out to be a big hit with everyone at the table. The tender and juicy chicken coated in a sweet and savory bourbon sauce was simply irresistible.

    Reply
  10. Ali says

    July 29, 2023 at 8:58 am

    I haven’t used my crockpot in a while, but definitely going to pull it out to make this recipe, it looks so delicious!

    Reply
  11. Tracy says

    July 29, 2023 at 9:01 am

    The flavors in this chicken is just so so good! Plus I love anything that can be made in a Crock Pot. Putting this on repeat all year long!

    Reply
  12. Suja md says

    July 29, 2023 at 9:39 am

    Delicious yet simple recipe that the whole family loved. Can’t wait to make it again!

    Reply
  13. Stephanie says

    July 29, 2023 at 10:12 am

    My crockpot is working overtime during this heatwave as I refuse to turn on the oven. It was nice to try a new dish and I am sure I will be making this Bourbon Chicken again. The dish is bursting with flavor!

    Reply

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Hello! I'm Michelle!
I'm a comfort food lover and self-taught cook with five amazing kids and a firefighter husband, surviving mostly on coffee. I love to create easy and delicious family recipes, and share creative family tips I've learned along the way.
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