This Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is a sweet, sticky, and savory slow cooker classic that brings irresistible flavor with minimal effort. Inspired by the popular mall food court favorite, this version features tender chicken simmered in a bold sauce made with soy sauce, garlic, brown sugar, ketchup, and a splash of bourbon for depth (optional).
The best part? It cooks low and slow, filling your kitchen with an incredible aroma. Serve it over rice or noodles for a family-friendly meal that’s both comforting and crave-worthy.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ cup bourbon (optional; can substitute apple juice)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water (for thickening)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional)
- Cooked white rice, for serving
- Optional garnishes: sesame seeds, sliced green onions
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Cut chicken into bite-sized chunks. Place it in the bottom of a greased 5- to 6-quart crock pot.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, honey, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes (if using), and bourbon. Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker.
Step 3: Cook
- Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 2.5–3 hours, until chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
- In the last 30 minutes of cooking, mix cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Stir it into the slow cooker and cook uncovered, allowing the sauce to thicken.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
- Stir everything well. Serve hot over rice and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Variation:
- No alcohol version: Substitute bourbon with apple juice or broth for the same rich flavor without alcohol.
- Add vegetables: Toss in bell peppers or broccoli in the last hour of cooking.
- Use chicken breasts: Thighs offer more flavor, but breasts work well too—just avoid overcooking.
- Spicy kick: Add sriracha or more red pepper flakes for heat lovers.
COOKING Note:
Bourbon adds a smoky, deep flavor but cooks off during the slow process. For a thicker sauce, leave the lid cracked open during the final cooking stage or add extra slurry. Stirring the chicken occasionally helps keep the sauce well blended.
Serving Suggestions:
- White rice or jasmine rice: Classic pairing for bourbon chicken.
- Fried rice: For a full takeout-style experience.
- Steamed vegetables: Serve with broccoli or snap peas for balance.
- Lettuce wraps: Spoon chicken into butter lettuce leaves for a low-carb meal.
Tips:
- Use chicken thighs for the juiciest texture and best flavor.
- Make a double batch and freeze leftovers for easy meal prep.
- Store cooked chicken and sauce in the fridge up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave for best texture.
⏱️ Time Overview:
Prep Time: 10–15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 5–6 hours on LOW or 2.5–3 hours on HIGH
- Total Time: ~6 hours
🍽️ Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 6 servings):
- Calories: ~420
- Protein: ~32g
- Carbohydrates: ~20g
- Fat: ~20g
- Sodium: ~980mg
- Sugar: ~16g
- Fiber: ~1g
Estimated values based on common ingredients and may vary.
❓FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
- For food safety, thaw chicken before using in the crock pot.
Is bourbon safe to use in this recipe?
- Yes, the alcohol mostly cooks off during the long cooking time, leaving only the flavor.
Can I make this ahead of time?
- Yes, prep everything the night before and start the crock pot in the morning.
Can I make it in an Instant Pot?
- Yes, cook on high pressure for 10 minutes with a quick release, then thicken the sauce using sauté mode.
How spicy is it?
- It’s mild unless you add red pepper flakes or sriracha. Adjust to taste.
Conclusion:
Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is the ultimate blend of sweet, sticky, and savory—all made with minimal hands-on time. It’s an easy slow cooker recipe that delivers bold takeout-style flavor right from your own kitchen. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or prepping meals ahead, this dish will quickly become a go-to favorite.
Serve it with rice, veggies, or lettuce wraps and enjoy the delicious magic of slow-cooked comfort