Description
Tender Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken delivers juicy chicken thighs slow-cooked in a sticky sweet-savory bourbon glaze. 5-minute dump-and-go prep for family dinner perfection over rice. Freezer-friendly!
Ingredients
Boneless skinless chicken thighs: 2.5 lbs (about 10-12 thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces Bourbon (or unsweetened apple juice/chicken broth for alcohol-free): 1/3 cup Brown sugar (light or dark): 3/4 cup Low-sodium soy sauce or tamari: 3/4 cup Garlic cloves: 3, minced (or 1 tbsp jarred minced) Fresh ginger: 1 tsp grated (or 1/2 tsp ground) Cornstarch: 2 tbsp Water (for slurry): 2 tbsp Optional add-ins: Red pepper flakes (1/2 tsp for heat), ketchup (2 tbsp for extra sweet) For serving: Sesame seeds, sliced green onions, cooked jasmine rice
Instructions
Prep the chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry, season lightly with salt and black pepper, and add to your crock pot in an even layer. No searing needed. Make the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together bourbon (or substitute), brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Pour evenly over the chicken. Slow cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours, until chicken reaches 165°F internally and is tender. Avoid lifting the lid too often to keep heat in. Shred and thicken: Remove chicken to a plate and shred with two forks. Meanwhile, mix cornstarch and water into a slurry. Stir into the sauce in the crock pot, return shredded chicken, and cook on HIGH for 20-30 more minutes until sauce thickens to a glossy glaze. Serve hot: Spoon over fluffy jasmine rice, garnish with sesame seeds and green onions. Serves 6-8 generously.
Notes
Pro Tip: For extra sauciness, double the sauce ingredients. Internal thermometer ensures perfect doneness every time. Storage: Fridge 3-4 days, freeze 2-3 months shredded. Reheat stovetop with splash of broth.
- Prep Time: PT5M
- Cook Time: PT6H
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American, Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup chicken + sauce
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 32
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Unsaturated Fat: 7
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 28
- Cholesterol: 120