Description
A cozy and flavorful slow cooker bourbon chicken recipe with a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and a hint of heat. Ideal for an easy, hands-off winter dinner that tastes like you spent hours cooking.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup bourbon whiskey (120 ml)
- 1/3 cup soy sauce (80 ml), preferably low-sodium
- 1/3 cup brown sugar (70 g)
- 1/4 cup ketchup (60 ml)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (30 ml)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
- Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Optionally season lightly with salt and pepper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Optional: Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown chicken thighs 2-3 minutes per side until golden. Transfer to crockpot.
- Place chicken in slow cooker and pour sauce over it. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until chicken is tender and easily shredded.
- Optional: To thicken sauce, mix cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry. Stir into crockpot 15-20 minutes before serving and cook on high until thickened.
- Serve bourbon chicken over white rice, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles. Spoon extra sauce on top.
Notes
Browning the chicken before slow cooking adds extra flavor but is optional. Use chicken thighs for juicier results. Adjust bourbon amount to taste and cook longer on high to reduce alcohol content. Cornstarch slurry thickens the sauce if desired. Leftovers taste better the next day. Can be made gluten-free by substituting soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-5 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 cup of bourb
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 32
Keywords: bourbon chicken, crockpot recipe, slow cooker chicken, winter dinner, easy dinner, comfort food, bourbon sauce, chicken thighs