Crockpot Bourbon Chicken: 7 Irresistible Comfort Flavors

July 27, 2025

By:

Julia marin

Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: crockpot bourbon chicken! This dish is like a warm hug on a chilly evening—rich, tender chicken infused with that sweet and smoky bourbon flavor. I remember the first time I made it for my family; the aroma filled the house, and I swear, they were standing by the kitchen door like hungry little birds, eagerly awaiting dinner! What I love most is how simple it is to throw everything in the crockpot and let it work its magic while I go about my day. Seriously, you just can’t beat the convenience of a slow cooker! Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep or entertaining, and it pairs wonderfully with rice or noodles. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a staple in your home, just like it has in mine!

crockpot bourbon chicken - detail 1

Ingredients List

2 pounds boneless chicken thighs
1 cup bourbon
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup ketchup
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, minced
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water

How to Prepare Crockpot Bourbon Chicken

Preparing crockpot bourbon chicken is a breeze, and I can’t wait to share the steps with you! You’ll love how easy it is to create this flavorful dish that practically cooks itself. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready when you are!

Step-by-Step Instructions

First things first, grab your crockpot and place the 2 pounds of boneless chicken thighs right in there. No need to sear or fuss over them—just lay them in and let the magic happen!
In a separate bowl, mix together the 1 cup of bourbon, 1/2 cup of soy sauce, 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar, 1/4 cup of ketchup, 2 minced cloves of garlic, 1 tablespoon of minced ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. This is where the flavor starts to build, and trust me, it smells divine!
Once your sauce is well combined, pour it over the chicken in the crockpot. Make sure every piece of chicken is coated for maximum flavor!
Now, cover your crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. I usually opt for low and slow, as it makes the chicken so tender and juicy!
When the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. It should fall apart beautifully!
In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. This will help thicken the sauce.
Stir the slurry into the sauce left in the crockpot and cook on high for another 15 minutes. You’ll see it start to thicken up nicely!
Finally, return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and mix everything together well. Let it soak up that delicious sauce for a few minutes before serving.

And there you have it! A scrumptious crockpot bourbon chicken that’s ready to impress. Serve it over rice or noodles, and enjoy every bite!

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s make sure your crockpot bourbon chicken turns out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my best tips to help you nail this recipe:

Choose the right chicken: I love using boneless chicken thighs for this recipe because they stay juicy and tender as they cook. If you’re using chicken breasts, keep an eye on the cooking time, as they can dry out more easily.
Prep your ingredients: Mince the garlic and ginger ahead of time to save a little effort when you’re ready to cook. Fresh ingredients really elevate the flavors, so don’t skimp here!
Don’t skip the shredding: Shredding the chicken after cooking allows it to soak up all that delicious sauce, making every bite flavorful. Plus, it makes for a lovely texture!
Adjust to your taste: Feel free to tweak the bourbon or brown sugar amounts to suit your preference. Want it a little sweeter? Add more brown sugar! Prefer a stronger bourbon flavor? Go for it!
Cook low and slow: Whenever I can, I opt for the low setting. It gives the chicken time to absorb all those amazing flavors and become super tender. If you’re in a rush, high works too, just be mindful of the cooking time!
Garnish for flair: Consider garnishing your dish with some chopped green onions or sesame seeds for a pop of color and extra flavor when serving. It makes the dish look so inviting!

With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to mastering this crockpot bourbon chicken. Happy cooking!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s chat about the nutritional side of this mouthwatering crockpot bourbon chicken! It’s always good to know what you’re putting on your plate, right? Here are the estimated values per serving:

Calories: 350
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 12g
Protein: 25g
Sodium: 800mg
Cholesterol: 90mg

Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary depending on the specific ingredients you use. If you decide to make any substitutions or changes, just adjust these numbers accordingly. Enjoy your delicious meal while keeping track of those macros!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Preparation: With just a handful of ingredients and a crockpot, you can set it and forget it! There’s nothing quite like coming home to a warm, savory meal waiting for you.
Rich, Comforting Flavors: The combination of bourbon, soy sauce, and brown sugar creates a sweet and savory sauce that your taste buds will absolutely adore. It’s like a flavor explosion in every bite!
Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish is fantastic for prepping in advance. Make a big batch, and you’ll have delicious leftovers to enjoy throughout the week. It’s a lifesaver on busy nights!
Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over rice, noodles, or even in wraps! You can switch it up based on your mood or what you have on hand. It’s a dish that adapts to your cravings.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a family dinner or a gathering with friends, everyone will be raving about this dish. It’s always a hit at parties and potlucks!
Gluten-Free Friendly: With just a few tweaks, you can keep this recipe gluten-free without sacrificing any of its deliciousness. It’s perfect for everyone at the table!

Ingredient Notes/Substitutions

Let’s talk about the ingredients in this scrumptious crockpot bourbon chicken and some alternatives you might consider! I want to make sure you can whip this up no matter what you have on hand or any dietary needs you might have.

Boneless chicken thighs: I love using thighs because they’re juicy and flavorful, but if you prefer, boneless skinless chicken breasts work too. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out more easily.
Bourbon: The bourbon adds a unique flavor, but if you’d rather not use alcohol, you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or chicken broth mixed with a splash of vanilla extract for a similar sweetness. It won’t have the exact same taste, but it’ll still be delicious!
Soy sauce: For a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of regular soy sauce. If you’re watching your sodium intake, low-sodium soy sauce is a great alternative too.
Brown sugar: If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can swap it with coconut sugar or even honey. Just keep in mind that honey will add a different sweetness and might change the texture a bit, so adjust the quantity accordingly.
Ketchup: This adds a nice tanginess, but if you want to avoid added sugars, you can use tomato sauce or even crushed tomatoes with a pinch of sugar to mimic that sweet flavor.
Garlic and ginger: Fresh is always best, but if you’re in a pinch, you can use garlic powder and ground ginger. Just remember, the flavor will be milder, so you might want to adjust the amounts according to your taste!
Cornstarch: If you’re looking for a gluten-free thickener, cornstarch is perfect! However, if you don’t have any on hand, you could use arrowroot powder or even mashed potatoes for thickening the sauce.

Feel free to mix and match these substitutes based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Cooking should be fun and flexible, so don’t be afraid to get creative! Enjoy making this crockpot bourbon chicken just the way you like it!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Now, let’s chat about how to store and reheat your delicious crockpot bourbon chicken so that it stays just as tasty as when you first made it! Proper storage is key to keeping those flavors intact, and I’ve got some easy tips for you.

First off, if you have any leftovers (which, let’s be honest, is rare because it’s so good!), let the chicken cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. I usually use glass containers because they’re great for reheating and storing. You can keep the chicken in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just make sure it’s sealed tightly so it doesn’t dry out or absorb any weird fridge odors!

If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it! Just portion out the chicken into freezer-safe bags or containers, and it’ll last for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just move it to the fridge the night before to thaw. Easy peasy!

Now, when it comes to reheating, I recommend using the stovetop or microwave to keep the chicken moist. If you’re using the stovetop, just add a splash of water or broth to a skillet over medium heat and stir in the chicken. Cover it to help it steam and heat through, which keeps it tender and juicy. This only takes a few minutes!

If you prefer the microwave, pop your chicken in a microwave-safe dish, add a little water to prevent it from drying out, and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat it in short bursts of about 30 seconds, stirring in between until it’s heated all the way through.

And there you have it! With these simple storage and reheating tips, your crockpot bourbon chicken will be just as scrumptious the second time around. Enjoy every flavorful bite!

FAQ Section

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While I prefer boneless chicken thighs for their juiciness, boneless skinless chicken breasts work too. Just be mindful of the cooking time since breasts can dry out more easily. You might want to check them a bit earlier!

What if I don’t have bourbon?
No worries! If you want to skip the bourbon, you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar mixed with a splash of vanilla extract, or use chicken broth for a different but tasty flavor. It won’t taste exactly the same, but it’ll still be delicious!

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the ingredients and mix them in the crockpot the night before. Just pop it in the fridge and start cooking in the morning. It’s a fantastic way to have a hearty meal ready when you return home!

How can I thicken the sauce more?
If you want a thicker sauce, just add a bit more cornstarch slurry at the end. You can mix another tablespoon of cornstarch with a couple of tablespoons of water and stir it in, then let it cook for a few more minutes to thicken up nicely!

Is crockpot bourbon chicken gluten-free?
Yes, it can be! Just swap out the soy sauce for gluten-free tamari, and you’re good to go. Always double-check your other ingredients to ensure they’re gluten-free as well!

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About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.