Imagine walking into your home after a long day, the aroma of sweet and savory Crockpot Bourbon Chicken wafting through the air, wrapping you in a warm hug. This dish has that magical ability to transport you to a cozy dinner party where laughter fills the room, and every bite tastes like a celebration. butter chicken recipe simple crockpot teriyaki chicken The tender chicken, infused with rich bourbon and sticky sauce, is simply irresistible. teriyaki chicken rice bowl Texas Roadhouse butter chicken. For more inspiration, check out this Honey Garlic Soy Sauce Chicken recipe.
Now, let me take you back to a chilly evening when I first made this dish for friends. I was nervous. Would they love it? As they took their first bites, their eyes lit up like kids at a candy store. I knew then that this Crockpot Bourbon Chicken would become a staple in my kitchen—and yours too! For more inspiration, check out this Creamy Garlic Chicken recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Crockpot Bourbon Chicken is a breeze to make, allowing you to enjoy delicious flavors without spending hours in the kitchen
- Its sweet and savory profile makes it an instant crowd-pleaser at any gathering
- The visual appeal of glossy sauce coating tender chicken will make your dinner table shine
- Perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers, this recipe adapts beautifully to any occasion
I once served this dish at a family gathering, and everyone begged for the recipe—it’s that good!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 chicken breasts; feel free to adjust based on your guest list.
- Fresh Garlic: Opt for firm cloves for the best flavor; minced garlic elevates any dish.
- Bourbon: Choose your favorite bourbon; it adds depth and sweetness that’s hard to resist.
- Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce helps control saltiness; balance is key here.
- Brown Sugar: Brown sugar enhances caramelization and adds a subtle hint of molasses flavor.
- Ground Ginger: A touch of ground ginger provides warmth and complexity to the sauce.
- Green Onions: Chopped green onions add freshness as a delightful garnish before serving.
- Sesame Oil: Just a drizzle enhances the Asian flavor profile—don’t skip this!
For the Sauce:
- Ketchup: Yes, ketchup! It creates a thick base with sweetness that balances everything else perfectly.
- Cornstarch: This thickener is essential if you’re craving that perfect saucy consistency—no one likes watery sauce!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Gather all ingredients on your countertop before starting. It saves time later and makes cooking smoother. Chop garlic and green onions; set them aside.
Add Chicken to Crockpot: Place chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot. They will soak up all those glorious bourbon flavors as they cook low and slow.
Mix Your Sauce Ingredients: In a bowl, combine bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, ground ginger, garlic, and sesame oil. Whisk until smooth; smell that sweet goodness?
Pour Sauce Over Chicken: Drizzle your heavenly sauce over the chicken in the crockpot. Make sure each piece gets coated; no lonely chicken allowed here!
Cook on Low for 6 Hours or High for 3 Hours: Cover and set your crockpot on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. Enjoy the anticipation as tantalizing aromas fill your home.
Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with water in a small bowl until smooth. Stir into sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Serve with Style!: Once done cooking, shred chicken with two forks right in the pot or serve whole pieces over rice or noodles with extra sauce drizzled on top.
And there you have it—the ultimate comfort food experience! With just these simple steps, you’ll create an impressive meal that will make everyone think you’re some kind of culinary wizard.
Enjoy every mouthful of this fabulous Crockpot Bourbon Chicken!
You Must Know
- This delightful Crockpot Bourbon Chicken offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors
- The slow-cooking method ensures tender chicken, making it an effortless dish for any weeknight dinner
- Plus, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken first to lock in juices. Add sauce ingredients, then let the crockpot work its magic for 4-6 hours on low.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out bourbon for apple juice or use different spices like smoked paprika for a twist.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave until warm.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For optimal flavor, marinate the chicken overnight
- Use fresh ginger instead of dried for a zingy kick
- Always check doneness with a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F to ensure safety
Cooking this Crockpot Bourbon Chicken always brings back memories of family gatherings where everyone raves about how delicious it is—my secret weapon for impressing guests!
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken for Crockpot Bourbon Chicken?
Yes, but thawing it first is recommended for even cooking.
What can I serve with Crockpot Bourbon Chicken?
Serve it with rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free soy sauce and bourbon to keep it gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.
Crockpot Bourbon Chicken
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Description
Crockpot Bourbon Chicken is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors that will make your dinner table shine. This effortless dish features tender chicken breasts slow-cooked in a rich bourbon sauce, ensuring each bite is juicy and satisfying. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this recipe brings comfort and joy to any meal with minimal prep time. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a culinary experience that feels like a warm hug!
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- ½ cup bourbon
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with water for thickening)
Instructions
- Prep all ingredients by mincing garlic and chopping green onions.
- Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot.
- In a bowl, mix bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, ground ginger, garlic, and sesame oil until smooth.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken, ensuring even coverage.
- Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
- If desired, thicken the sauce by stirring in cornstarch during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Shred the chicken or serve whole with rice or noodles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: - For added flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the sauce. - Substitute bourbon with apple juice for a non-alcoholic version. - Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.