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crockpot bourbon chicken

🍗 Crockpot Bourbon Chicken – Sweet, Savory, and Totally Hands-Off

Tender chicken smothered in a sweet and tangy bourbon sauce is easier than you think! This Crockpot Bourbon Chicken recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with zero stress — just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic. Perfect for weeknights or meal prep.
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Prep Time 9 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American, Asian-Inspired
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • ½ cup bourbon
  • ½ cup soy sauce
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup ketchup
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp ginger minced or grated
  • 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water optional, for thickening
  • 2 tsp vegetable oil
  • Optional garnish: green onions sesame seeds

Equipment

  • Slow cooker / Crockpot
  • Skillet (optional, for browning)
  • Mixing bowl & whisk
  • Spoon or tongs

Method
 

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, garlic, and ginger.
  2. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat (optional). Brown chicken 2–3 minutes per side for extra flavor, then transfer to slow cooker.
  3. Pour bourbon sauce over the chicken, making sure each piece is coated.
  4. Cover and cook on Low for 4–5 hours or High for 2–3 hours until chicken is tender and cooked through.
  5. (Optional) For a thicker sauce, remove chicken and stir in cornstarch slurry. Turn slow cooker to Sauté for 5–10 minutes until sauce thickens, then return chicken.
  6. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.

Notes

Chicken thighs stay juicier than breasts, but either works.
Serve over steamed rice or noodles to soak up the sweet bourbon sauce.
Leftovers store in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently.