Best Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

Imagine coming home after a long day, the air filled with the tantalizing aroma of the Best Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken simmering gently, waiting to be enjoyed. Twice the experience when you realize it’s not just any chicken dish—it’s your new go-to for a perfect Slow Cooker Dinner. The blend of flavorful chicken slow-cooked with a bourbon glaze makes it undeniably a contender for the Best Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken title, all while pleasing your taste buds with the sweet and savory notes reminiscent of the deep south.

When I was a child, Sunday afternoons meant gathering in the family room, chatting and laughing as the scent of mom’s special crockpot creations enveloped the house. I remember vividly the first time she made bourbon chicken; the recipe got lost in time, buried under years of holiday recipes and hectic weekdays. Years later, the experience of recreating the Best Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken brought all those cozy feelings rushing back, turning an ordinary meal into a cherished tradition of its own.

If you’re looking for a dish that’s packed with flavor and easy to prepare, consider trying this recipe for Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice, or dive into the rich taste of Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta. Both options are sure to complement the rich and hearty nature of a Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken creation wonderfully.

Why You’ll Love This Best Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

• Easy to make: This Bourbon Chicken Recipe in the crock pot offers simple steps that require no fancy tools. Set it and forget it!
• Flexible: Adjust ingredients easily to suit your taste preferences, making it a versatile addition to any Summer Crockpot Recipes.
• Great for busy days: Perfect as a Chicken Crockpot Recipes Easy for feeding families or guests with minimal effort.
• A Bourbon Chicken Crockpot dish brings a taste of the deep south right to your kitchen with bold flavor and tender chicken.
• Ideal for a Slow Cooker Dinner that delights with a sweet and savory bourbon glaze.

Step-by-Step Guide to the Best Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

Tools You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl
• Slow cooker
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon
• Small whisk
• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Serving plate

Step 1: Preparation for the Best Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

1. 3 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, trimmed
2. 1 cup light brown sugar
3. 1 cup soy sauce
4. ⅓ cup bourbon whiskey
5. 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
6. ½ teaspoon ground ginger
7. 1 tablespoon honey
8. ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
9. 4 cloves garlic, minced
10. 3 tablespoons cornstarch
11. 2 tablespoons water
12. ¼ cup chopped green onions, for garnish

Step 2: Cooking the Best Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

Begin by placing the trimmed chicken thighs in the slow cooker. In a large mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, soy sauce, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, ground ginger, honey, red pepper flakes, and minced garlic. Stir until well mixed, then pour the mixture over the chicken thighs. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.

In the final 30 minutes of cooking, mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl to form a slurry, then pour it into the slow cooker. Stir well to thicken the sauce. Allow the sauce to cook until it reaches the desired consistency, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Assembling and Finishing

Once the slow-cooked bourbon chicken is ready, remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a serving plate. Pour the thickened sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is lavishly coated. Garnish with chopped green onions for an extra burst of flavor and color. Serve hot, ideally over steamed rice or with your favorite side dish.

Tips for the Best Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Every Time

• Use low sodium soy sauce if you prefer a less salty taste.
• To add more heat, increase the red pepper flakes according to your spice tolerance.
• Marinating the chicken overnight with the sauce ingredients enhances the flavor.

Perfect Sides to Serve with Bourbon Chicken

• Steamed jasmine or basmati rice is an ideal base for this dish, soaking up the delicious bourbon glaze.
• Complement the sweet and savory notes with a light mixed green salad.
• For a complete meal, add a side of roasted vegetables or a classic baked potato.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Avoid overcooking by using a timer, as the chicken can become dry if left too long.
• Do not skip thickening the sauce; it elevates the dish by coating the chicken perfectly with flavor.
• Ensure all chicken pieces are of similar size for even cooking.

The Secret Behind a Great Bourbon Chicken Crockpot Dish

The secret lies in the balance of sweet and savory elements. The combination of brown sugar, soy sauce, and bourbon creates a rich depth of flavor, while garlic and ginger provide subtle heat and aroma. The slow cooking method allows these flavors to meld beautifully with the chicken, resulting in a tender, melt-in-your-mouth experience.

FAQs

Q: What is bourbon chicken made of?

A: Bourbon chicken is typically made with chicken thighs, which are cooked in a flavorful sauce consisting of soy sauce, brown sugar, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, ginger, honey, and red pepper flakes. Garlic and green onions add seasoning and garnish to this delicious dish.

Q: Can you cook bourbon chicken on high in a crock pot?

A: Yes, you can cook bourbon chicken on high in a slow cooker. The usual cooking time on high is about 3 to 4 hours, but you should check that the chicken is tender and fully cooked before serving.

Q: How long does it take to cook bourbon chicken in a slow cooker?

A: The typical cooking time for bourbon chicken in a slow cooker set to low is 6 to 8 hours. If you’re short on time, you can cook it on high for 3 to 4 hours. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully while ensuring the chicken stays tender and juicy.

Q: What can I serve with bourbon chicken?

A: Bourbon chicken pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine or basmati rice, which absorbs the rich sauce. For a well-rounded meal, consider serving it with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad.

Q: What can substitute whiskey for bourbon in bourbon chicken?

A: If you don’t have bourbon on hand, you can substitute whiskey in the same quantity. Although it may slightly alter the flavor, it still complements the other ingredients in the bourbon chicken recipe.

Embracing the ease and flavor of Chicken Crockpot Recipes Easy like the Best Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken provides a soothing and delightful dinner option with minimal effort. The slow-cooked method helps infuse the sweet and savory flavors, making it a standout choice among Slow Cooker Dinner recipes. Whether you’re enjoying it over a quiet family meal or at a summer gathering, the simplicity and taste are sure to make it a favorite.

If you’re inspired to try more, consider diving into the savory world of Easy Sweet and Sour Chicken for a delightful twist on classic flavors!

We hope you enjoy making this dish as much as we do. Feel free to leave a comment with your thoughts, or save this recipe for your next cozy dinner night. Happy cooking!