Name: Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces; ¼ cup bourbon; ½ cup soy sauce; ¼ cup brown sugar; ¼ cup ketchup; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 2 tablespoons water; 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Hey y'all! If you're searching for a family-favorite dinner that's bursting with sweet, sticky, and savory flavors, this Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is here to save your day. With tender chunks of chicken slow-cooked to perfection in a tangy bourbon sauce, it’s ideal for busy weeknights, friendly get-togethers, or cozy Sunday suppers. This recipe is foolproof, easy to prep, and always a crowd-pleaser. Let’s get cooking!

Why You'll Love This Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

Super easy, hands-off crockpot cooking means less time in the kitchen.
Pairs perfectly with rice, noodles, or steamed veggies for a versatile meal.
Sweet and savory bourbon sauce creates that craveable takeout flavor at home.
Great for meal prepping—leftovers taste even better the next day.
Customizable heat level for both kid-friendly and spicy-loving palates.

Ingredients for Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
¼ cup bourbon whiskey
½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
⅓ cup apple juice
¼ cup ketchup
¼ cup brown sugar
3 tablespoons honey
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
Sesame seeds (for garnish)

How to Make Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

1. Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken pieces on all sides for about 2-3 minutes per side (in batches if necessary), then transfer to the crock pot.

2. Mix the Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together bourbon, soy sauce, apple juice, ketchup, brown sugar, honey, garlic, ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes until well combined.

3. Slow Cook the Chicken

Pour the bourbon sauce over the browned chicken in the crockpot. Stir to coat all pieces well. Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and infused with flavor.

4. Thicken the Sauce

About 30 minutes before serving, mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Add to the crock pot and stir gently. Cook uncovered for the remaining 30 minutes so the sauce thickens. Stir occasionally.

5. Serve and Garnish

Sprinkle the cooked bourbon chicken with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving. Enjoy hot over rice, noodles, or steamed vegetables!

Notes for the Best Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

For extra flavor, let the chicken marinate in the sauce ingredients for 30 minutes before cooking.
Low-sodium soy sauce helps control the saltiness and keeps this dish balanced (learn more about soy sauce nutrition).
Bourbon adds authentic taste, but you can substitute with apple juice for an alcohol-free version (why cook with alcohol?).

Variations for Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

Spicy Bourbon Chicken: Add an extra teaspoon of crushed red pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
Vegetable-Packed: Add bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots to the crockpot about 1 hour before it's done for more nutrition.
Honey Mustard Bourbon Chicken: Swap half the ketchup for Dijon mustard for a tangy twist.

Required Equipment

6-quart Crock Pot (slow cooker)
Large skillet for browning
Mixing bowl
Cutting board and knife
Measuring cups and spoons

Storing & Shelf Life for Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

Allow any leftovers to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm in a saucepan over medium-low heat. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months (thaw in fridge overnight before reheating). See official storage guidelines.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Serve over fluffy white rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice.
Pair with steamed broccoli or snap peas for a crisp, fresh contrast.
Add a simple cucumber salad or Asian slaw for a refreshing side.

Pro Tips for Perfect Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

Use chicken thighs for extra-juicy texture and richer flavor.
Don’t skip browning the chicken—it seals in juices and builds deep flavor (read more).
Taste the sauce before thickening; adjust honey or soy sauce as needed so it's just right for your family.

FAQ: Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

Can I make Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken without bourbon?: Absolutely! Substitute with extra apple juice or low-sodium chicken broth for a tasty, alcohol-free version.
Can I use frozen chicken?: For food safety, always thaw chicken before adding to the crock pot to ensure even cooking.
Does this taste like traditional takeout bourbon chicken?: Yes! The sweet and savory sauce with a hint of bourbon is reminiscent of your favorite mall restaurant, but even better homemade.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5-6 hours (LOW), or 3 hours (HIGH)
Total Time: 5-6 hours 10 minutes

Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken