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Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

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This Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is a sweet, savory, and slightly smoky slow cooker dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Juicy chicken thighs simmer in a sticky bourbon sauce for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup bourbon
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or Tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger (or 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger)
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water
  • Cooked white or brown rice, for serving (optional)
  • Steamed broccoli or snap peas, for serving (optional)
  • Sliced green onions and sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
  2. Arrange chicken in a single layer in the bottom of your slow cooker.
  3. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together bourbon, soy sauce, ketchup, honey, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
  4. Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken in the crock pot and stir to coat.
  5. Cover and cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours, or on HIGH for 2.5 to 3 hours, until chicken is tender and easy to shred.
  6. Remove chicken to a plate and shred with two forks.
  7. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Stir the slurry into the sauce in the slow cooker.
  8. Return shredded chicken to the crock pot, stirring to coat well.
  9. Cover and cook on HIGH for 20-30 minutes, until the sauce is thick and glossy.
  10. Serve over hot cooked rice with steamed vegetables, and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, use Tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. Chicken breasts can be substituted but cook faster—check after 4 hours on LOW. Sauce too thin? Cook with the lid off for 20 minutes. Too thick? Add a splash of water. Leftovers keep well and taste even better the next day. For a kid-friendly version, substitute apple juice or broth for bourbon.

Nutrition

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Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/crock-pot-bourbon-chicken-recipe-best-easy-slow-cooker-dinner/