Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe is a must-try dish! This delightful slow cooker meal combines savory and sweet flavors, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings. It’s simple to prepare and offers comfort in every bite. Whether you’re hosting friends or just enjoying a cozy night in, this dish will surely impress with its rich taste and tender chicken.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: Just throw everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work while you enjoy your day.
- Flavor Explosion: The unique blend of soy sauce, ginger, and vinegar creates an irresistible sauce that complements the chicken perfectly.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, making it suitable for various diets.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is loved by both adults and kids alike, making it ideal for family meals or potlucks.
- Leftover Friendly: Enjoy the delicious flavors again with easy-to-store leftovers that keep well in the fridge.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth, gather your tools ahead of time. A few essential items will simplify your process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Chopping board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: The heart of this recipe, allowing for tender chicken through low and slow cooking.
- Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients smoothly before adding them to the chicken.
- Whisk: Perfect for blending sauces evenly without lumps, ensuring all flavors meld beautifully.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed
For the Sauce
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1 cup soy sauce
- ⅓ cup bourbon barley tea
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
For Thickening
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
For Garnish
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
How to Make Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe is a must-try dish!
Step 1: Prepare Your Slow Cooker
Place the chicken thighs in the bottom of a slow cooker.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a separate bowl:
1. Whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, bourbon barley tea, apple cider vinegar, ground ginger, honey, red pepper flakes, and minced garlic.
2. Pour this mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
Step 3: Cook It Up
Cover and cook on:
– High for 4 hours
– Low for 6 hours
Check until the chicken is fully cooked through and tender.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the slow cooker. Chop or shred it according to your texture preference.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl:
1. Mix together cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
2. Stir this slurry into the sauce in the slow cooker.
Step 6: Combine and Finalize
Return the chopped chicken to the slow cooker. Stir everything together, allowing it to cook for another 5–10 minutes until thickened.
Step 7: Serve
Turn off the heat and garnish with chopped green onions before serving. Enjoy over white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a hearty meal!
This Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe is sure to become a staple in your home thanks to its ease of preparation and delightful taste!
How to Serve Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe is a must-try dish!
Serving Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is a delightful experience that allows you to explore various flavor combinations. This dish pairs beautifully with several sides, enhancing its sweet and savory profile.
Over White Rice
- A classic choice, white rice absorbs the sauce wonderfully, making each bite mouthwatering.
With Brown Rice
- For a nuttier flavor and added fiber, brown rice serves as a healthier alternative while maintaining the essence of the meal.
On Cauliflower Rice
- For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice provides a light base that complements the richness of the chicken without overpowering it.
In Lettuce Wraps
- Serve the chicken in crisp lettuce leaves for a fresh and crunchy alternative that adds texture and brightness to your meal.
Topped with Green Onions
- Garnishing with chopped green onions not only adds color but also brings a mild onion flavor that enhances the overall taste.
With Steamed Vegetables
- Pairing with steamed broccoli or carrots offers a nutritious element while balancing out the sweetness of the dish.
How to Perfect Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe is a must-try dish!
To elevate your Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken to perfection, consider these helpful tips.
Use high-quality soy sauce: A good soy sauce adds depth of flavor and richness to your sauce.
Adjust sweetness: Modify the amount of brown sugar based on your taste preference for sweetness or stickiness in your dish.
Experiment with spices: Add more red pepper flakes or other spices like black pepper for an extra kick that can transform the dish.
Marinate before cooking: For enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce for a few hours or overnight before cooking.
Let it rest: After cooking, let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps meld all flavors together beautifully.
Save leftovers creatively: Use leftover chicken in salads, wraps, or sandwiches for quick meals throughout the week.
Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe is a must-try dish!
Enhancing your meal with complementary side dishes can elevate your dining experience. Here are some great options to consider:
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make for a comforting side that pairs well with savory chicken.Quinoa Salad
A refreshing salad made with quinoa, vegetables, and herbs provides a light contrast to the rich flavors of bourbon chicken.Roasted Brussels Sprouts
These caramelized sprouts add bitterness and crunch, balancing out the sweetness of your main dish perfectly.Coleslaw
A tangy coleslaw offers a nice crunch and acidity that cuts through the richness of the chicken.Cornbread
Sweet cornbread complements the flavors of bourbon chicken while adding a touch of Southern charm to your meal.Sautéed Spinach
Lightly sautéed spinach dressed with lemon juice makes an easy yet nutritious side that brightens up the plate.Baked Sweet Potatoes
Their natural sweetness harmonizes beautifully with bourbon chicken while providing additional nutrients and fiber.Grilled Asparagus
Grilled asparagus gives a smoky flavor that contrasts nicely with the sweet notes of the chicken dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making the perfect Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe is easy, but a few common mistakes can ruin the dish.
- Skipping the marinating step: Not giving your chicken enough time to absorb flavors can lead to bland results. Marinate it in the sauce for at least an hour before cooking.
- Overcrowding the slow cooker: Adding too much chicken at once can prevent proper cooking. Ensure there’s enough space for even heat distribution.
- Ignoring the cooking times: Cooking on high for too long can dry out the chicken. Stick to the recommended times for best results.
- Not thickening the sauce: Skipping the cornstarch slurry will leave you with a watery sauce. Always add it at the end for that perfect consistency.
- Using low-quality ingredients: Poor quality soy sauce or brown sugar affects flavor. Invest in good ingredients for the best taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- They will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe is a must-try dish!
- Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe is a must-try dish!
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish until warmed through, about 20 minutes.
- Microwave: Use medium power and heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally until hot.
- Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat in a skillet, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent sticking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe.
Can I make this Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe is a must-try dish! spicy?
You can increase spice levels by adding more red pepper flakes or including sliced jalapeños to your sauce mixture.
What can I use instead of soy sauce?
You can substitute with tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a lower-sodium alternative.
Is it possible to use other meats?
Yes, you can easily swap chicken thighs for turkey or beef if preferred. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
How do I serve Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe is a must-try dish!?
Serve it over rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice. Pair with steamed veggies for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
The Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe is a must-try dish that combines sweet and savory flavors perfectly. Its versatility allows you to customize it with different sides or spice levels. Give it a try, and enjoy this comforting meal any night of the week!
Crock Pot Chicken
Indulge in the delightful flavors of our slow-cooked chicken dish that transforms the classic bourbon chicken recipe into an irresistible meal without any alcohol or pork products. This Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken features a perfect balance of savory soy sauce, sweet brown sugar, and aromatic garlic, resulting in tender chicken thighs that will satisfy your cravings. Ideal for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this effortless recipe makes entertaining a breeze while keeping everyone asking for seconds. Serve it over fluffy rice or cauliflower rice for a wholesome dinner that everyone will love.
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Ingredients
- 3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Place chicken thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, and other spices. Pour over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Shred the chicken after cooking and return it to the slow cooker.
- Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry and stir into the sauce to thicken.
- Cook for an additional 5–10 minutes before serving over rice or cauliflower rice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg