Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe is a must-try dish!

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Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe is a must-try dish!

The Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe is a must-try dish! This comforting meal combines tender chicken thighs with a sweet and savory sauce, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings. The slow cooker does all the work, leaving you free to enjoy the delicious aroma wafting through your kitchen. With its rich flavor and easy preparation, this dish will quickly become a favorite for any occasion.

Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe is a must-try dish!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Effortless Preparation: Simply toss the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it do the work.
  • Rich Flavor Profile: The combination of bourbon, soy sauce, and spices creates a mouthwatering sauce that elevates the chicken.
  • Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it over rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
  • Perfect for Meal Prep: Make it in advance and store leftovers easily for quick meals throughout the week.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dish: Ideal for gatherings and family dinners, this recipe never fails to impress guests.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe is a must-try dish, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

  • Slow cooker
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Chopping board
  • Knife

Importance of Each Tool

  • Slow cooker: This is crucial for cooking the chicken low and slow, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
  • Mixing bowl: Perfect for combining your sauce ingredients before adding them to the chicken.
  • Whisk: Helps to thoroughly mix the sauce ingredients for an even flavor distribution.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed

For the Sauce

  • 1 cup light brown sugar
  • 1 cup soy sauce
  • ⅓ cup bourbon whiskey
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

For Thickening

  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water

For Garnish

  • ¼ cup chopped green onions

How to Make Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe is a must-try dish!

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Place the chicken thighs in the bottom of a slow cooker.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together:
1. Brown sugar
2. Soy sauce
3. Bourbon whiskey
4. Apple cider vinegar
5. Ground ginger
6. Honey
7. Red pepper flakes
8. Minced garlic

Pour this sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.

Step 3: Cook

Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and chop or shred it according to your preferred texture.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Stir this into the sauce in the slow cooker.

Step 6: Combine

Return chopped chicken to the slow cooker and stir everything together. Let it cook for another 5–10 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Step 7: Serve

Turn off heat and garnish with chopped green onions before serving. Enjoy your delicious Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken over white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option!

How to Serve Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe is a must-try dish!

Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. You can enjoy this flavorful dish in various ways that enhance its taste and presentation.

Over Rice

  • White Rice: The classic choice, providing a neutral base for the savory sauce.
  • Brown Rice: A healthier option that adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber.
  • Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb alternative, cauliflower rice absorbs the sauce beautifully.

In a Wrap

  • Tortilla Wraps: Use flour or whole grain tortillas to wrap up the chicken with some lettuce and tomato for a fresh crunch.
  • Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter option, serve the chicken in large lettuce leaves topped with your favorite veggies.

With Vegetables

  • Steamed Broccoli: Adds vibrant color and nutrients while balancing the richness of the chicken.
  • Sautéed Bell Peppers: Sweet bell peppers complement the flavors of the bourbon sauce nicely.

As Sliders

  • Mini Buns: Serve shredded bourbon chicken on small buns for tasty sliders perfect for gatherings or game days.
Crock

How to Perfect Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe is a must-try dish!

To ensure your Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken turns out perfectly every time, here are some essential tips.

  • Use Quality Ingredients: Select fresh chicken thighs and high-quality bourbon for the best flavor.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Slow Cooker: Make sure there’s enough space for heat circulation; otherwise, cooking times may vary.
  • Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Feel free to tweak the amount of red pepper flakes or honey based on your preferred sweetness and spice level.
  • Let It Rest Before Serving: Allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps meld the flavors together.

Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe is a must-try dish!

Pairing side dishes with your Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken enhances your meal experience. Here are some great options to consider:

  1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make an excellent companion that soaks up the sauce.
  2. Coleslaw: A crisp coleslaw adds crunch and freshness, balancing out the rich flavors of the chicken.
  3. Roasted Asparagus: Lightly seasoned asparagus offers a healthy side that complements the savory dish beautifully.
  4. Cornbread: Sweet cornbread provides a delightful contrast to the savory bourbon chicken.
  5. Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad with veggies can add texture and nutrition to your plate.
  6. Green Beans Almondine: Sautéed green beans with almonds add elegance and flavor, making them an ideal pairing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe, avoiding these common mistakes can enhance your dish’s flavor and texture.

  • Using the wrong cut of chicken: Choosing bone-in chicken instead of boneless thighs can result in a tougher texture. Always use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the best results.
  • Skipping the browning step: Not browning the chicken beforehand can make your dish less flavorful. Searing the chicken adds depth to the overall taste.
  • Overloading the slow cooker: Filling your slow cooker too full can lead to uneven cooking. Ensure there’s enough space for heat circulation by following recommended serving sizes.
  • Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Failing to taste and adjust the sauce for sweetness or spice levels can ruin the balance. Always sample the sauce and tweak it to your liking before serving.
  • Not letting it rest before serving: Serving immediately after cooking can make the chicken tough. Allowing it to rest for a few minutes helps improve texture and flavor absorption.

Refrigerator Storage

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container.
  • They will last for up to 3 days in the fridge.
  • Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.

Freezing Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe is a must-try dish!

  • Portion into freezer-safe bags or containers.
  • It can be frozen for up to 3 months without loss of quality.
  • Label containers with dates for easy tracking.

Reheating Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe is a must-try dish!

  • Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat in a covered dish for about 20-25 minutes.
  • Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Use a microwave-safe container.
  • Stovetop: Place in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe a must-try dish?

The combination of sweet brown sugar, savory soy sauce, and rich bourbon creates a balance that tantalizes your taste buds. It’s both comforting and delicious!

Can I use other types of meat in this recipe?

You can substitute chicken with pork or turkey; however, cooking times may vary based on the type of meat used.

How spicy is this Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe?

The spice level depends on how much red pepper flakes you add. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your preference.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare everything ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just pop it into the slow cooker when you’re ready to cook.

What should I serve with this dish?

This Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken pairs well with rice—white, brown, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.

Final Thoughts

The Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile! With its sweet and savory profile, it’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Don’t hesitate to customize it by adding extra vegetables or adjusting spices. Try this must-try dish today!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe is a must-try dish!

Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken


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  • Author: Jennifer
  • Total Time: 0 hours
  • Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x

Description

Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is a must-try dish that combines tender chicken thighs with a sweet and savory bourbon sauce, perfect for any dinner occasion. This easy-to-make recipe allows the slow cooker to do all the work while you enjoy the tantalizing aroma filling your kitchen. Ideal for family gatherings or meal prep, this dish is both comforting and versatile. Serve it over rice or in wraps, and watch it become a new favorite!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 cup light brown sugar
  • 1 cup soy sauce
  • ⅓ cup bourbon whiskey
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • Cornstarch and water for thickening

Instructions

  1. Place chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, ginger, honey, red pepper flakes, and garlic. Pour over chicken.
  3. Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours until chicken is tender.
  4. Remove chicken and shred it. Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry; stir into the sauce in the slow cooker.
  5. Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker and cook for an additional 5–10 minutes until sauce thickens.
  6. Serve warm over rice or cauliflower rice.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours (high) or 6 hours (low)
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 370
  • Sugar: 22g
  • Sodium: 950mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 44g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 24g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

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