Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe

If you are looking for a delicious (yet, easy to make) recipe that uses either chicken breasts or chicken thighs, you are going to love this Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken recipe. Tender and juicy pieces of chicken cooked in a rich, sweet bourbon-infused sauce.

The salty and sweet flavors of the soy sauce, bourbon and honey combine together to make an irresistible sauce that turns naturally bland chicken into a protein with amazing flavor. Not to mention that the sauce helps keep the chicken from drying out during the cooking process.

Once the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens, it is time to enjoy a dish that you will want to make over and over again. Serve the chicken over rice or pasta, alongside mashed potatoes, or enjoy the chicken with your favorite vegetable.

Best of all it is a quick and easy meal to make. Simply combine the sauce right in the crock pot and then add the chicken.

That’s it! Set the slow cooker on low and within 2-3 hours the chicken will be nice and tender and ready to serve.

Do You Have To Use Bourbon? 

The addition of bourbon provides a hint of caramel, vanilla and oak flavors to the sauce. As the sauce cooks the alcohol will burn off leaving the chicken with a rich, sweet and somewhat smoky flavor.

However, depending on what type of Bourbon that you use you will get a slightly different flavor profile.

Of course, if you prefer not to cook with alcohol, the bourbon can be left out. However, you will want to add some sort of liquid to replace the bourbon.

The best substitution for the bourbon in this recipe is chicken broth. Although you could also use vegetable broth or water as well.

How To Thicken Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Sauce

Once the chicken is cooked through it is time to thicken the sauce. Start by remove the chicken to a platter or cutting board.

Then to thicken the sauce, use a 1:2 ratio of cornstarch to cold water to create a slurry. Mix the two ingredients together until the cornstarch is fully dissolved. 

Then add the slurry to the sauce. Slowly mix until it becomes well incorporated. As you stir you will notice the color of the sauce will become slightly more pale in color.

Turn the slow cooker on high power and continue to cook for 20-30 minutes or until the sauce thickens. Then add the diced or shredded chicken back in the sauce and heat for an additional 5 minutes.

Gluten Free Alternatives

To make this recipe gluten-free omit the soy sauce and replace it with coconut aminos or tamari sauce. Also be sure that the ketchup you are using is also gluten-free. Some brands have hidden ingredients and may not be considered 100% gluten free.

As for the bourbon, as long as it is pure, distilled bourbon, it is considered gluten-free. This is still the case even if it contains wheat, barley, because of the distilling process.

However, do not use any bourbon product that adds flavors or ingredients after it has been distilled.

Chicken Substitutions 

If you prefer you can use either chicken thighs or chicken tenderloins for the chicken breasts in this crockpot bourbon chicken recipe.

Chicken thighs are known for their tenderness due to their slightly higher fat content. They will add more flavor to the sauce and will become more tender and juicy than the chicken breasts.

Chicken tenderloins are thinner and leaner than chicken breasts. That means that the chicken will cook a little faster than chicken breasts.

Therefore, keep a close eye on the cook time and check for doneness about 30 minutes sooner than the given cook time below. Although they take less time, the sauce ensures that they remain tender and juicy.

Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

*Specific measurements and complete recipe instructions are located in a printable recipe card at the bottom of this article. However, be sure to continue to read the tips and tricks to making this recipe below.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1/4 cup bourbon or other whiskey (or substitute chicken broth)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes, more to taste preference
• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• salt and pepper, to taste

Garnish

• 2 green onions, white and greens sliced

Instructions

In the slow cooker add the soy sauce, honey, ketchup, bourbon, olive oil, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Then, whisk to combine.

Next, add the chicken to the sauce and then flip each piece so that it is coated in the sauce.

Cover and cook on LOW. Then, heat for 3 hours or until the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F. *The cook time will vary depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts. Remove the chicken to a cutting board and dice or shred. Set aside.

Then, turn the crock pot on HIGH heat. In a small bowl add the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of cold water. Whisk until smooth.

Next, add the cornstarch mixture into the crock pot and whisk. Cover and cook for 30 minutes, or until the sauce is thickened.

Return the chicken to the crock pot gently stir to coat the chicken with the thickened sauce. Let the chicken heat through (5 minutes). Season with salt, pepper and additional red pepper flakes as desired.

Finally, serve warm over cooked white or brown rice. Garnish with sliced green onions.

Serving Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

Steamed Rice: Steamed white or brown rice is a traditional way to serve this meal. Pour the Bourbon Chicken over top of the cooked rice. Be sure to pour more of that delicious bourbon sauce over top of the rice so it can absorb and take on that great flavor.

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and comforting, mashed potatoes create a hearty contrast to the sweet and tangy chicken.

Cornbread: A soft, and slightly sweetened cornbread allows you to soak up the extra bourbon sauce.  For an extra dose of sweetness, drizzle a little honey on top before serving.

Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Serve your favorite steamed or roasted vegetable with the chicken. Broccoli, cauliflower, green beans and Brussels sprouts are all great choices.

Enjoy! Mary

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