Name: Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 h
Total time: 5 h 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs; ½ cup bourbon; ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce; ⅓ cup brown sugar; ¼ cup ketchup; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening); 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening); 2 tablespoons sliced green onions (for garnish)

Hey y'all! If you're craving a delicious, fuss-free dinner that'll wow your taste buds and make your kitchen smell heavenly, you have to try this Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe. It combines juicy chicken thighs with a bold, sweet-and-savory bourbon sauce, slow-cooked to perfection. Whether you're feeding your family on a busy weeknight or hosting friends for a cozy get-together, this recipe is sure to become a top pick in your meal rotation. Let's get cooking!

Why You'll Love This Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe

Super easy set-it-and-forget-it Crock Pot preparation for busy days.
Tender, juicy chicken infused with a rich, sweet, and slightly smoky bourbon sauce.
Perfect for meal prep—flavors only get better the next day!
Family-friendly with customizable heat and sweetness.
Versatile enough for weeknights, potlucks, or game day gatherings.

Ingredients for Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
½ cup bourbon (see notes for substitutions)
½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
¼ cup honey
¼ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
¼ cup ketchup
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger (or ½ teaspoon ground ginger)
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
Sliced green onions and sesame seeds, for garnish

How to Make Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe: Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Trim excess fat from the chicken thighs and pat them dry with paper towels.
Arrange the thighs in an even layer on the bottom of your slow cooker.

Step 2: Mix the Bourbon Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together bourbon, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, ketchup, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection

Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours, or on HIGH for 2.5-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
Remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker, tent with foil.
Stir the slurry into the sauce in the Crock Pot. Cover and cook on HIGH for 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency.
Return the chicken to the slow cooker, shred if desired, and stir to coat in sauce.

Notes & Helpful Tips for Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

No bourbon or cooking for kids? Substitute equal parts apple juice or broth for the bourbon and reduce the brown sugar slightly. Learn more about alcohol substitutions from The Kitchn.
Chicken thighs provide the juiciest results, but you can use chicken breasts for a leaner meal—just watch the cook time so they don't dry out.
Add steamed veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for a healthier, more colorful meal.