Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

My easy Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken takes tender, juicy chicken thighs and slow cooks them in a rich brown sugar bourbon sauce that’s pure magic. I’ve perfected this recipe so that it’s fail-proof so you can nail it every time, giving you better-than-takeout results right at home!

Shredded chicken in a rich brown sauce, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green onions, in a white crockpot.

Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe

Bourbon Street Chicken is known for its sweet, savory, and slightly boozy flavor—a dish that keeps people coming back to their favorite takeout spots. But here’s the truth: not all recipes deliver that same restaurant-quality flavor, and many leave you disappointed. That’s why I’ve spent countless hours testing and perfecting this crockpot Bourbon Chicken recipe, ensuring it’s the best version you’ll ever make at home.

This isn’t just another online recipe; it’s the result of careful tweaking and testing to guarantee you get tender, juicy chicken every time. The secret lies in the perfectly balanced bourbon glaze, a rich combination of brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, and bourbon that clings to every piece of chicken. As the dish slow-cooks, the flavors deepen, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience that’s unmatched.

I’ve taken extra steps to make sure this recipe is foolproof and beginner-friendly, so anyone can achieve incredible results. Whether you’re an experienced home cook or just starting out, this recipe will make you feel like a pro. As your chicken simmers away, your kitchen fills with the enticing aroma of sweet and savory perfection—better than anything from the food court.

Why My Bourbon Chicken Is the Best

Delicious flavors – The homemade sweet and savory bourbon sauce is rich and delicious; better than any Chinese restaurant.
Easy recipe – Just toss everything in the Crockpot and let it do the work. It’s great for busy days!
Juicy chicken – Slow cooking ensures the chicken turns out tender and juicy, perfect for soaking up the yummy sauce.
Tested recipe – I’ve been testing this recipe so that you know it will work when you make it.

Ingredients for Bourbon Chicken

Below is a list of the ingredients you’ll need to make this recipe. Scroll down to the full recipe card for the specific amounts.

Ingredients for Crockpot Bourbon Chicken on a marble counter: chicken, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, bourbon, brown sugar, garlic cloves, fresh ginger, cornstarch, chopped green onions, cooked white rice, salt and black pepper to taste.

Chicken – We use boneless skinless chicken thighs because they are so tender, perfect for absorbing all the flavors of the sauce.
Soy sauce – Adds a rich flavor to bourbon sauce. Use low sodium soy sauce if you prefer less salt.
Apple cider vinegar – Balances the sweetness with a tangy kick.
Bourbon – The star ingredient, it adds warmth and depth to the sauce. Use your favorite brand for the best flavor.
Brown sugar – Dark or light brown sugar gives the sauce its signature sweetness and helps create a sticky, glossy texture.
Garlic cloves, minced – Fresh garlic adds a savory flavor to the sauce.
Fresh ginger, grated or minced – A touch of ginger gives the sauce a subtle warmth and classic Asian flavor.
Cornstarch – Mixed with water to make a slurry for thickening the sauce.
Chopped green onions, for serving – Adds a fresh, bright garnish that complements the rich sauce.
Cooked white rice, for serving – This is optional but it’s awesome for soaking up all the flavorful sauce.
Salt and black pepper, to taste – Seasons the tender chicken and delicious sauce.

How to Make This Slow Cooker Bourbon Chicken Recipe

Here are my step-by-step instructions so you can make this recipe with ease. For the full, printable recipe with amounts and temperatures, scroll down to the recipe card below.

Step One: Season the Chicken

First step in making Crockpot Bourbon Chicken is to season the chicken pieces on a plate next to a bottle of soy sauce, bourbon, garlic, ginger, green onions, and a checkered cloth on a marble surface.

Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides. Lightly coat a 6-quart Crockpot with nonstick cooking spray.
Arrange chicken thighs in the bottom of the Crockpot.

Step Two: Make the Sauce

A glass measuring cup filled with a soy marinade mixture on a marble countertop, surrounded by garlic, ginger, a bottle of soy sauce, a bottle of bourbon, green onions, and a kitchen towel for Crockpot Bourbon Chicken

In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, bourbon, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger.
Pour the marinade over the chicken.

Step Three: Cook Until Tender

Raw chicken marinating in a sauce in a white bowl, surrounded by soy sauce, a whiskey bottle, garlic, ginger, green onion, and a plaid cloth on a marble surface for Crockpot Bourbon Chicken recipe.

Cover with the lid and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 3 hours.

Step Four: Add Slurry, Simmer, and Serve

Crockpot Bourbon Chicken in a slow cooker with vegetables in sauce, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions. Nearby are a bowl of brown rice, a striped towel, ginger, green onions, and a pepper mill.

In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry.
Pour the cornstarch slurry into the Crockpot 30 minutes before the chicken is done cooking. Stir to combine.
Garnish with green onions and serve over rice or noodles.

Pick the right bourbon – Go for a mid-range bourbon. Skip the cooking-specific ones because they just don’t have the same rich flavor.
Thicken the sauce if needed – If your sauce is still a little thin after adding the cornstarch slurry, pour it into a saucepan and simmer until it thickens up nicely.
Trim the chicken thighs – Removing any excess fat before cooking gives you a cleaner, less greasy sauce.
Use fresh garlic and ginger – Fresh ingredients make all the difference. Pre-minced works in a pinch, but fresh adds so much more flavor.
Marinate for extra flavor – If you have time, let the chicken sit in a quick marinade of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for 30 minutes before cooking.

Can I Make This Without Alcohol?

Yes, to make this an alcohol-free recipe, you can swap the bourbon for 1/4 cup of chicken stock or apple juice.

Suggestions and Alternatives

This is a simple recipe that is easily adaptable to your needs.

Add some heat – Add red pepper flakes or Sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Veggies – Some ideas for veggies are sliced bell peppers, snap peas, broccoli, or chopped asparagus. Stir in vegetables during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Crunch – Garnish with crushed peanuts for added texture.
Ginger – If you can’t find fresh ginger you can use ground ginger. Just remember that it has a more concentrated and slightly different flavor, so it’s best to start small.
Other protein options – Swap the chicken thighs for chicken breasts, shrimp, or steak

A wooden spoon holds a portion of Crockpot Bourbon Chicken in a glossy, reddish-brown sauce, garnished with green onions. The dish appears rich and spicy.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerate – Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze – You can freeze cooked Bourbon chicken in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat – Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth and soy sauce to thin the sauce.

A plate of Crockpot Bourbon Chicken topped with sliced sausages, vegetables, and sauce, garnished with sesame seeds and green onions. Cutlery and a condiment bottle are in the background.

What to Serve with Crockpot Bourbon Chicken

There are many options for serving suggestions with my chicken recipe. Here are a few of our favorites.

Serve over steamed white rice, jasmine rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Lo mein, rice noodles, or soba noodles.
Steam broccoli, roasted Brussels sprouts, salted edamame, sautéed green beans, or zucchini.
Cucumber and tomato salad, mixed greens salad with ginger dressing, or Asian slaw.

FAQs

Can you taste the alcohol in the Bourbon Chicken Sauce?

As it cooks, most of the alcohol in the bourbon whiskey will cook down, leaving a subtle, rich depth of flavor. If you prefer a non-alcoholic option, replace the bourbon with an equal amount of apple juice or chicken broth.

Where did Bourbon chicken originate?

Bourbon chicken is believed to have originated on New Orleans’ famous Bourbon Street, blending Chinese and Cajun flavors.

Can I make this recipe stovetop?

Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time! Simmer the chicken and sauce ingredients in a large skillet for about 25-30 minutes until cooked through.

How do I fix thin sauce?

If your sauce is too thin, add an extra cornstarch mixture (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water) and simmer until it thickens.

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Categories:

Chicken, Crockpot, Food, Main Courses,

Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe

Why My Bourbon Chicken Is the Best

Ingredients for Bourbon Chicken