Let me tell you, Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is an absolute game changer in my kitchen! Imagine coming home to the intoxicating aroma of tender chicken simmering in a sweet and savory bourbon sauce. It’s like a warm hug after a long day. Seriously, the best part? You just toss everything into your slow cooker and let it work its magic! No fuss, no complicated steps—just pure, mouthwatering goodness waiting for you. I love how the chicken absorbs all those rich flavors while staying juicy and tender. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep or a cozy family dinner. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a staple in your home too!
Ingredients List
- 2 pounds boneless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
How to Prepare Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken
Alright, let’s dive into this deliciousness! Making Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is as easy as 1-2-3. You’ll love how simple it is, and the end result is just heavenly. Here’s how to do it:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, grab your trusty Crock Pot and place those beautiful boneless chicken thighs right in there. Don’t worry about trimming; they’ll cook down perfectly!
- In a separate bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of soy sauce, 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, 1/4 cup bourbon, and 1/4 cup ketchup. Add in the minced garlic, ground ginger, and black pepper. Give it a good stir until everything’s combined. Wow, that smells amazing already!
- Now, pour that tasty sauce right over the chicken in the Crock Pot. Make sure every piece is coated because that’s where the magic happens!
- Cover the Crock Pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for about 4 hours. The chicken will become super tender and soak up all those flavors.
- Once it’s done cooking, shred the chicken right in the sauce and stir it around to mix everything together. It’s ready to serve and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless preparation—just toss everything in the Crock Pot and let it do the work!
- Rich, sweet, and savory flavors that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.
- Perfectly tender chicken that melts in your mouth.
- Great for meal prep; just make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week!
- Versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with rice, noodles, or even a fresh salad.
- Family-friendly—kids love it as much as adults do!
Tips for Success with Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken
Now, let’s make sure your Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken turns out absolutely perfect! First off, don’t be afraid to adjust the bourbon to your taste—if you prefer a milder flavor, just dial it back a bit. You can also use a good quality bourbon; it really makes a difference in the taste!
If you want to sneak in some extra nutrition, consider tossing in some veggies like bell peppers or carrots. They’ll cook down beautifully and soak up all that delicious sauce. Oh, and remember to check the chicken towards the end of cooking; every slow cooker can be a bit different, so just make sure it’s tender and shreds easily.
Lastly, let it cool before storing leftovers—it helps maintain that juicy texture. Trust me, these little tweaks will elevate your dish to a whole new level!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional values for one serving of Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken. Keep in mind, these are estimates and can vary based on ingredients:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
FAQ Section
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Absolutely! Chicken breasts work fine, but thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving to cook. If you go with breasts, just be cautious not to overcook them!
What can I serve with Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken? This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, fluffy noodles, or even a crisp green salad. You can also serve it with some crusty bread to soak up that luscious sauce!
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes! You can prep everything the night before and just pop it in the Crock Pot in the morning. It’s a fantastic meal prep option for busy days!
How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving again.
Can I freeze Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken? Definitely! Just let it cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat to enjoy again!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is super simple! Once it’s cooled down a bit, transfer the leftovers into an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just make sure to label it if you’re feeling organized! When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, or pop it in the microwave. If it seems a bit thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up. Trust me, it’s just as delicious the second time around!
Serving Suggestions for Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken
When it comes to serving Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken, I love to keep it simple yet satisfying. A fluffy bed of steamed white rice is a classic choice—perfect for soaking up that rich, flavorful sauce! If you’re in the mood for something a little different, try serving it over egg noodles; the creamy texture pairs beautifully with the chicken.
For a lighter option, a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can add a nice crunch and balance out the dish. And if you want to impress, a side of roasted vegetables tossed with olive oil and herbs makes for a colorful and delicious accompaniment. Enjoy!
For more delicious recipes, check out our blog for inspiration!
Also, if you’re looking for a great side dish, consider making vegetable stir-fry to complement your meal!
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Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken: 5 Steps to Pure Comfort
- Total Time: 6-8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
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
- 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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
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