If you’re craving an effortless, full-flavored dinner, crockpot bourbon chicken is your answer. This southern-style comfort dish features tender chicken slow-cooked in a rich, sweet, and savory sauce. Inspired by classic flavors of New Orleans, this recipe delivers bold taste with minimal work. With only a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of prep, your slow cooker transforms everyday pantry items into a deliciously satisfying family meal.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish checks all the boxes: it’s easy, flavorful, and ideal for weeknight dinners. Just toss everything into your crockpot and let it simmer to perfection. The result is melt-in-your-mouth chicken coated in a glossy, sweet-savory glaze. Whether you use bourbon or substitute with apple juice or broth, you’ll still get that rich flavor depth. It’s a meal the whole family can enjoy, and it’s incredibly versatile for leftovers or lunch the next day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple ingredients work together to create a balanced sauce and juicy, flavorful chicken.
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Thighs are perfect for slow cooking. They stay moist and absorb flavor well.
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Simple seasonings to bring out the natural flavor of the chicken.
1/3 cup bourbon, whiskey, apple juice, or chicken broth
Adds depth and a slight tang. Apple juice or broth is great for a non-alcoholic version.
3/4 cup brown sugar
Gives the sauce its sweet, sticky character and helps caramelize during cooking.
3/4 cup soy sauce
Balances the sweetness with salty, umami goodness.
2 cloves garlic, minced
Brings sharp, aromatic flavor to the sauce.
2 tablespoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons cold water
Used together to thicken the sauce just before serving.
How to Make Crockpot Bourbon Chicken
This dish comes together with just a few simple steps. First, season the chicken and lay it in the bottom of your slow cooker. Then, whisk the sauce ingredients in a bowl and pour it over the meat. Set the crockpot to cook, and let it work its magic. Just before it’s ready, mix cornstarch with water and stir it into the sauce to thicken. Serve over rice and spoon plenty of sauce over the top.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Season the Chicken
Lightly coat both sides of the chicken thighs with salt and pepper. - Add Chicken to Slow Cooker
Arrange the seasoned chicken in an even layer at the bottom of your crockpot. - Make the Sauce
In a bowl, combine your choice of bourbon or substitute, brown sugar, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Stir until smooth. - Cover the Chicken
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring it’s well-coated. - Cook
Secure the lid and set the crockpot to LOW for 4 hours or HIGH for 3 hours. - Make the Slurry
Mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 3 tablespoons cold water until completely dissolved. - Thicken the Sauce
About 30 minutes before cooking time ends, stir in the slurry. Close the lid and let it simmer until thickened. - Serve
Spoon the chicken and sauce over steamed rice and garnish if desired.
Helpful Tips
Stick with chicken thighs for best results. They stay juicy and flavorful throughout slow cooking. For a thicker sauce, let it simmer uncovered for the final 10 minutes after adding the slurry. To add a spicy edge, mix in some crushed red pepper or sriracha. Want extra sauce? Double the liquids but keep the cook time the same.
Details
Flavor: Sweet, savory, and slightly tangy
Texture: Tender, juicy chicken coated in a sticky sauce
Best For: Busy weeknights, easy meal prep, or cozy Sunday dinners
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Notes (Optional Variations or Substitutions)
Use coconut aminos in place of soy sauce for a lower sodium or gluten-free alternative. Swap out chicken for tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian twist. Add sliced bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli to make it a one-pot meal with veggies. Garnish with sesame seeds or chopped green onions for an extra pop.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 327 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Protein | 29 g |
| Fat | 6 g |
| Sugar | 27 g |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does crockpot bourbon chicken still contain alcohol?
Not really. Most of the alcohol cooks off during the slow cooking process, especially after several hours.
What kind of chicken should I use?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal. They hold up well during cooking and stay moist.
How do I get the sauce to thicken?
Mix cornstarch and cold water into a slurry and stir it into the sauce 30 minutes before the dish is done.
Can I make this without using bourbon?
Yes, absolutely. Apple juice or chicken broth work great as flavorful substitutes.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water while reheating. This dish also freezes well. Let it cool, then portion into airtight containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
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Crockpot Bourbon Chicken | Easy Southern Comfort Dinner
- Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Crockpot bourbon chicken is a southern-inspired dish made with tender chicken thighs simmered in a sweet and savory glaze of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and bourbon or a family-friendly substitute. An easy weeknight win with bold flavor.
Ingredients
2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
1/3 cup bourbon, whiskey, apple juice, or chicken broth
3/4 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons cold water
Instructions
1. Season both sides of the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
2. Place the chicken into the bottom of the crockpot in an even layer.
3. In a bowl, whisk together bourbon (or substitute), brown sugar, soy sauce, and minced garlic.
4. Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours or HIGH for 3 hours.
6. Combine cornstarch with cold water in a separate bowl to form a slurry.
7. Stir the slurry into the sauce 30 minutes before cooking time ends.
8. Let the sauce thicken, then serve hot over rice.
Notes
Use apple juice or broth instead of bourbon for an alcohol-free version.
Add chili flakes for a bit of heat.
Swap soy sauce for coconut aminos for a gluten-free alternative.
Include bell peppers or onions for added veggies.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 0.5 cup
- Calories: 327
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0.03g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 144mg
Conclusion
Crockpot bourbon chicken is a go-to dish for anyone who loves rich flavor without the extra effort. It’s a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for the family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe delivers a comforting, homemade meal with ease. Try it once, and it might just become your new favorite slow cooker dinner.