Tender and juicy chicken thighs simmered in a brown sugar bourbon sauce all day long make this Crockpot Bourbon Chicken an irresistible dish for any occasion. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this recipe is not just easy to prepare but also delivers a flavor-packed meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds. The combination of savory and sweet notes creates a delicious balance that pairs wonderfully with rice or vegetables.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can have a delightful meal cooking away in your crockpot.
- Flavorful Sauce: The brown sugar and soy sauce create a rich sauce that enhances the chicken’s natural taste.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over rice, noodles, or alongside steamed veggies for a complete meal.
- Slow Cooker Convenience: Set it and forget it! Enjoy your day while the crockpot does all the work.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools can make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable. Here are some essential tools you’ll need to make your Crockpot Bourbon Chicken.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Crockpot
- Medium bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
Importance of Each Tool
- Crockpot: This is key for slow cooking, allowing flavors to meld beautifully while keeping your chicken tender.
- Medium Bowl: Ideal for mixing sauces without spills, ensuring everything combines perfectly.
- Whisk: Essential for creating smooth sauces and blends, especially when adding cornstarch to thicken your dish.
Ingredients
To create this delicious Crockpot Bourbon Chicken, gather the following ingredients:
For the Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- Kosher salt and pepper, (to taste)
For the Sauce
- 1/3 cup bourbon alternative, (barley tea, apple juice, or chicken broth)
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 3/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, (minced)
For Thickening
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons cold water
How to Make Crockpot Bourbon Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Season the boneless skinless chicken thighs with Kosher salt and pepper on both sides.
- Place the seasoned chicken at the bottom of your crockpot.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- In a medium bowl, combine bourbon alternative, brown sugar, soy sauce, and minced garlic.
- Stir well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Pour this sauce mixture over the chicken in the crockpot.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Cover with the lid of your crockpot.
- Cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 3 hours until the chicken is tender.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix together cornstarch and cold water. Whisk until fully combined.
- About 30 minutes before serving, whisk this cornstarch slurry into the sauce in the crockpot to thicken it.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Once cooked, serve the chicken over rice.
- Garnish with green onions if desired for an added touch of flavor.
This Crockpot Bourbon Chicken is sure to be a hit at your dinner table! Enjoy every bite!
How to Serve Crockpot Bourbon Chicken
Crockpot Bourbon Chicken is a delightful dish that can be served in various ways, making it perfect for any occasion. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.
Over Steamed Rice
- Using steamed white or brown rice provides a fluffy base that absorbs the delicious brown sugar sauce.
With Fresh Vegetables
- Add a side of sautéed green beans or broccoli for a pop of color and added nutrition.
In Tacos
- Shred the chicken and serve it in soft tortillas with avocado, cilantro, and lime for a tasty twist.
On a Salad
- Top mixed greens with shredded Crockpot Bourbon Chicken and your choice of dressing for a light yet filling meal.
With Crusty Bread
- Serve alongside crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce, making every bite satisfying.
How to Perfect Crockpot Bourbon Chicken
To ensure your Crockpot Bourbon Chicken turns out perfectly each time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use high-quality chicken thighs – Boneless skinless chicken thighs are ideal for this dish as they remain tender during long cooking times.
- Adjust sweetness – You can modify the amount of brown sugar to suit your taste preferences; less sugar will yield a more savory flavor.
- Let it marinate – For deeper flavor, let the chicken marinate in the sauce overnight before cooking.
- Don’t skip the cornstarch slurry – This step is crucial for thickening the sauce; make sure to whisk it in 30 minutes before finishing cooking.
- Garnish wisely – Fresh green onions add color and crunch; sprinkle them just before serving for best results.
Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Bourbon Chicken
Crockpot Bourbon Chicken pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Here’s a list of delicious options to complement your meal.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make an excellent pairing with rich chicken flavors.
- Coleslaw – A refreshing coleslaw adds crunch and balance to the savory dish, providing a cool contrast.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Sweet roasted Brussels sprouts bring extra depth and seasonal flavor to your plate.
- Quinoa Salad – A light quinoa salad mixed with cherry tomatoes and cucumber offers healthy grains alongside your protein.
- Cornbread – This Southern staple enhances the dish’s comfort-food appeal while adding sweetness.
- Grilled Asparagus – Lightly seasoned grilled asparagus adds elegance and vibrant color, making it visually appealing on your table.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Crockpot Bourbon Chicken, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture of your dish. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.
- Skipping the seasoning: Always season your chicken thighs well with salt and pepper before cooking. This enhances the flavors throughout the dish.
- Overcrowding the crockpot: Make sure not to overcrowd your crockpot with too much chicken. This can prevent even cooking and result in less tender meat.
- Using low-quality ingredients: Invest in good quality soy sauce and brown sugar. These ingredients are key to achieving a rich and flavorful sauce.
- Neglecting to thicken the sauce: Don’t forget to add the cornstarch slurry towards the end of cooking. This step is essential for achieving the perfect sauce consistency.
- Not letting it rest: Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking makes it easier to slice and enhances its juiciness.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Make sure to cool completely before sealing.
Freezing Crockpot Bourbon Chicken
- Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- Label containers with the date for easy tracking.
Reheating Crockpot Bourbon Chicken
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 20-25 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally until warmed evenly.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring gently until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about making Crockpot Bourbon Chicken, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries:
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but they may dry out more easily than thighs. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
What can I serve with Crockpot Bourbon Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.
How do I customize my Crockpot Bourbon Chicken?
Feel free to add veggies like bell peppers or onions for added flavor and nutrition. You can also adjust sweetness by modifying the brown sugar amount.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Absolutely! Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to spice things up if you enjoy a bit of heat.
Final Thoughts
Crockpot Bourbon Chicken is a delightful dish that combines convenience with rich flavors. Its versatility allows for customization based on your preferences. Whether served over rice or alongside fresh veggies, this recipe is sure to be a hit at your dinner table. Give it a try and discover your favorite variations!
Crockpot Chicken
Tender and juicy chicken thighs simmered in a sweet and savory sauce, this Crockpot Chicken is a must-try for any home cook. The combination of brown sugar and soy sauce creates a rich, flavorful glaze that beautifully coats each piece of chicken, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. Simply season, combine the ingredients, and let your slow cooker do the work while you go about your day. Serve it over rice or with fresh vegetables to create a hearty meal that everyone will love. With its easy preparation and satisfying taste, this dish is sure to become a regular on your dinner table.
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1/3 cup chicken broth (or apple juice)
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 3/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Instructions
- Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then place them in the bottom of a crockpot.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the chicken broth (or apple juice), brown sugar, soy sauce, and minced garlic until well combined. Pour over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 3 hours until chicken is tender.
- Mix cornstarch with cold water in a small bowl until smooth. Stir into the sauce in the crockpot about 30 minutes before serving to thicken.
- Serve over rice or with steamed vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (low) or 3 hours (high)
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 85mg