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I'm excited to share my Crockpot Bourbon Chicken recipe with you! Every time I make this dish my kitchen fills with the most amazing aroma of sweet bourbon and savory spices. It brings all those wonderful New Orleans flavors right to your table and the best part? Your crockpot does all the work!
Why This Recipe Works
What I love about this dish is how the sweet and savory flavors come together perfectly over rice. It's become a regular in my meal rotation because it's so easy my family adores it and I can get on with my day while dinner cooks itself.
What You'll Need
- Chicken Thighs: Boneless and skinless for the juiciest results. Opt for thighs to soak up the rich flavors, or substitute with chicken breasts for a leaner option.
- Bourbon: Adds a deep, robust flavor. Substitute with whiskey, apple juice, or chicken broth if preferred.
- Brown Sugar: Creates the perfect balance of sweetness in the sauce.
- Soy Sauce: Enhances the umami flavor with its salty, rich depth.
- Garlic: Freshly minced for an aromatic kick.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to a glossy, luscious consistency.
- Cold Water: Necessary to dissolve cornstarch effectively for a smooth sauce.
Let's Make It Together
- Season Chicken
- Generously season chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides. Place them in the crockpot base.
- Prepare Sauce
- In a medium bowl, whisk together bourbon, brown sugar, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Pour the mixture evenly over the chicken.
- Slow Cook
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 3 hours. Ensure the chicken cooks until tender and infused with flavor.
- Thicken Sauce
- Combine cornstarch with cold water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Whisk the slurry into the sauce 30 minutes before the cooking time ends.
- Serve
- Plate the chicken over steamed rice, drizzle with the thickened sauce, and garnish with fresh green onions for a pop of color.
My Best Tips
I always recommend using chicken thighs they stay so much more tender and flavorful. If you're skipping the bourbon apple cider makes an amazing substitute. And don't be afraid to spice things up with some red pepper flakes we love that extra kick!
Keep It Fresh
This chicken keeps beautifully in the fridge for about 4 days. When reheating make sure to include some of that delicious sauce to keep everything moist and flavorful. It's actually even better the next day!
Mix It Up
One of my favorite things about this recipe is how versatile it is. Sometimes I use different whiskeys for unique flavor profiles or add some heat with sriracha. You can even use chicken breasts if you prefer just watch the cooking time.
Perfect Pairings
We love serving this over fluffy jasmine rice it soaks up all that amazing sauce perfectly. Adding some roasted broccoli or a fresh salad makes it a complete meal. Sometimes I'll make some quick cornbread too it's amazing for sauce-soaking!
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Why You Need This Recipe
This dish has become my go-to for both busy weeknights and special occasions. The slow cooking makes the chicken so tender while developing those incredible flavors. Plus it's always a crowd-pleaser no matter who I'm serving it to.
A Taste of New Orleans
Every time I make this it reminds me of the amazing flavors of Bourbon Street. That rich sweet and savory sauce is just incredible and bringing those classic New Orleans flavors into your own kitchen is such a treat!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
- Yes, though thighs stay more tender during long cooking. If using breasts, check doneness earlier as they can cook faster.
- → What can I substitute for bourbon?
- Apple juice or chicken broth work well as alcohol-free alternatives while maintaining flavor.
- → Why add cornstarch at the end?
- Adding cornstarch slurry in the last 30 minutes thickens the sauce without making it too thick during cooking.
- → Can this be made ahead?
- Yes, it reheats well and flavors often improve the next day. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- → Why use kosher salt?
- Kosher salt dissolves better and provides more even seasoning. Table salt can be substituted using less amount.