Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken! This dish is a game changer, bursting with flavor and easy enough to whip up any night of the week. Imagine tender, juicy chicken thighs simmering in a sweet and tangy bourbon sauce that fills your kitchen with the most amazing aroma. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl! I remember the first time I made this for a family gathering; everyone was raving about how delicious it was. The best part? You can just toss everything into the Crock Pot and let it work its magic while you sit back and relax. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’s going to become a staple in your home too!

Ingredients for Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

2 pounds boneless chicken thighs
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup bourbon
1/4 cup ketchup
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Just a quick tip: Make sure to check the quality of your bourbon—it really makes a difference in flavor! And don’t shy away from using those chicken thighs; they’re perfect for this recipe because they stay so juicy as they cook. Happy cooking!

How to Prepare Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

Now, let’s dive into the magic of making this Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken! It’s super simple, and I promise you, the hardest part is just waiting for it to cook. So grab your ingredients and let’s get started!

Step-by-Step Instructions

First things first, place the boneless chicken thighs right into your Crock Pot. I like to arrange them in a single layer for even cooking.
In a separate bowl, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, bourbon, ketchup, minced garlic, ground ginger, and black pepper. Give it a good stir until everything is well mixed. This sauce is where all the flavor magic happens!
Now, pour that delicious sauce over the chicken thighs. Make sure every piece is coated—this is key for juicy, flavorful chicken.
Cover the Crock Pot with the lid and set it to cook on low for about 6-8 hours or on high for 4 hours. Trust me, low and slow is the way to go for that tender goodness!
Once the cooking time is up, take two forks and shred the chicken right in the pot. Mix it back into the sauce so every bite is bursting with flavor. Wow, it smells incredible!

And there you have it! Serve this delightful dish over rice or noodles, and enjoy every heavenly bite. You’re going to love how easy and satisfying this meal is!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortlessly easy to prepare—just toss everything in the Crock Pot!
Rich, sweet, and tangy flavors that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Perfect for meal prep; make it ahead of time and enjoy later.
Versatile dish—serve it over rice, noodles, or even in a wrap!
Leftovers taste even better the next day—if there are any!

Tips for Success

Here are a few handy tips to ensure your Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken turns out absolutely delicious every time!

Don’t skip the marinating: If you have a little extra time, let the chicken marinate in the sauce for a couple of hours before cooking. It boosts the flavor even more!
Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, feel free to add a touch more brown sugar or even a splash of honey. Taste as you go to get it just right!
Mix in veggies: For a healthier twist, add in some bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas during the last hour of cooking. They’ll soak up all that flavor!
Thicken the sauce: If you like a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Use a meat thermometer: If you’re unsure about doneness, check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of at least 165°F (75°C) for safety.

With these tips, you’ll be a Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken pro in no time! Enjoy the process and let the flavors shine!

Variations of Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

One of the best things about this Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is how adaptable it is! You can easily customize it to fit your taste or even to use up ingredients you have on hand. Here are some fun variations to consider:

Veggie Boost: Toss in some chopped bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas during the last hour of cooking for a colorful and nutritious addition.
Spicy Kick: If you like things a bit spicy, add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture. It’ll give your dish a delightful warmth!
Sweet and Savory Twist: Swap out half of the brown sugar for honey or maple syrup to create a different sweetness profile. It’s a lovely change if you want something a bit different!
Pineapple Delight: Add some pineapple chunks to the pot for a tropical twist. The sweetness of the pineapple pairs beautifully with the bourbon sauce!
Asian Fusion: Try using hoisin sauce instead of ketchup for a unique flavor. You might also toss in some sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving for a fun finish!

Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create your perfect bowl of Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken. The possibilities are endless, and I can’t wait for you to try them out!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Alright, so you’ve made this mouthwatering Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken and now you have some leftovers (if you’re lucky!). Here’s how to store and reheat it so it stays just as delicious as when it was freshly cooked.

First, let it cool down a bit before transferring it to an airtight container. This helps prevent any sogginess. You can store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it for longer, consider freezing it! Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. It’ll last up to 2 months in the freezer!

When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, just take them out of the fridge or freezer. If it’s frozen, let it thaw overnight in the fridge. For reheating, you can either pop it in the microwave or warm it on the stove. If using the stove, heat it on low, stirring occasionally until it’s heated through. Oh, and if you find the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge, just add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen it up. This way, you’ll keep that amazing flavor and texture intact!

Enjoy every last bite, because trust me, this dish is just as delightful the next day!

Nutritional Information for Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

Alright, let’s talk about the nutritional side of this delicious Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken! It’s always good to know what you’re putting on your plate, right? Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values per serving based on typical ingredients:

Calories: 350
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Sugar: 10g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 30g
Sodium: 800mg
Cholesterol: 100mg

Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific brands and ingredients you use. It’s always a good idea to double-check if you’re keeping an eye on specific dietary needs or restrictions. Enjoy this flavorful dish without any guilt—it’s packed with protein and tons of flavor!

FAQ Section

Got some questions about making this mouthwatering Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most common inquiries I get, along with my trusty answers:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! While I love the juicy flavor of chicken thighs, you can definitely use boneless chicken breasts. Just keep in mind that they may cook a little faster, so check for doneness after about 4 hours on low.

What if I don’t have bourbon?

No bourbon? No problem! You can replace it with chicken broth for a savory touch or use apple juice for a sweeter flavor. It won’t have the same depth, but it’ll still be delicious!

How do I serve this dish?

This Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is fantastic served over fluffy rice or noodles. You can also turn it into a wrap with some fresh veggies for a fun twist. Honestly, it’s versatile enough to pair with just about anything!

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You sure can! This dish is perfect for meal prep. Just cook it ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together!

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have one, just make sure it’s no longer pink in the center and shreds easily!

Still have questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out! I’m here to help you create the best Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken ever!

Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken: 5 Easy Steps to Flavor Bliss

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours
Total Time: 6-8 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is a flavorful dish made in a slow cooker. It features tender chicken pieces cooked in a sweet bourbon sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds boneless chicken thighs
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup bourbon
1/4 cup ketchup
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Place chicken thighs in the Crock Pot.
In a bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, bourbon, ketchup, garlic, ginger, and pepper.
Pour the sauce over the chicken.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours.
Shred the chicken and stir it into the sauce before serving.

Notes

Serve with rice or noodles.
Adjust bourbon quantity to taste.
Add vegetables for extra nutrition.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken, Slow Cooker Chicken, Bourbon Chicken Recipe

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