Crockpot Bourbon Chicken: A Decadent Slow Cooker Recipe

Imagine a succulent, tender chicken, bathed in a rich, smoky bourbon sauce, all cooked to perfection in the convenience of your slow cooker. That’s the magic of Crockpot Bourbon Chicken – a dish that’s as effortless as it is delicious. This recipe isn’t just about throwing ingredients into a pot and hoping for the best; it’s about crafting a culinary experience that’s both satisfying and impressive. Forget complicated techniques and long cooking times; this recipe unlocks the secret to weeknight gourmet meals with minimal effort. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in a fall-apart tender chicken infused with the sweet, spicy, and subtly smoky notes of bourbon (or a delicious non-alcoholic alternative). Serve it over fluffy rice for a comforting meal the whole family will adore, or use it to elevate your next taco night! Get ready to discover a new slow cooker staple that will become a regular in your recipe rotation. Let’s dive into the details of this amazing recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Bourbon Chicken Recipe

This Crockpot Bourbon Chicken recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights. Its simplicity is unmatched. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, freeing you up to focus on other tasks while dinner practically cooks itself. You just toss the ingredients in, set it, and forget it – pure culinary magic! But the ease of preparation doesn’t compromise on flavor. The long, slow cooking time allows the bourbon (or broth) and other seasonings to completely permeate the chicken, creating unbelievably tender and flavorful results. The result is a juicy, fall-apart chicken that’s bursting with a complex harmony of sweet, savory, and slightly tangy notes. This recipe is also incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the spice level, add vegetables, or even use different types of protein to customize it to your liking. It’s a blank canvas for your culinary creativity! Beyond the taste and convenience, this Crockpot Bourbon Chicken recipe is also incredibly budget-friendly. The ingredients are readily available and inexpensive, making it a fantastic option for those watching their spending. This recipe consistently delivers a delicious, restaurant-quality meal without the restaurant price tag. Finally, the cleanup is a breeze! Simply shred the chicken in the slow cooker and the dish is practically ready to serve. One pot, minimal cleanup – perfect for busy lifestyles.

Why You Should Try This Crockpot Bourbon Chicken Recipe

Beyond its unparalleled convenience and deliciousness, this Crockpot Bourbon Chicken recipe offers several compelling reasons to give it a try. First, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover rice. This recipe is a perfect partner for your favorite rice – jasmine, basmati, or even brown rice. Leftover rice transformed into a delightful and flavorful meal? Yes, please! Second, it’s a crowd-pleaser. This dish is sure to impress your family and friends, regardless of their culinary preferences. The balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors makes it universally appealing, guaranteed to be a hit at potlucks, family gatherings, or simply a cozy weeknight dinner. Third, this recipe is perfect for meal prepping. You can easily double or triple the recipe to prepare meals for the week ahead. Simply store the shredded chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat as needed. This recipe is your secret weapon for efficient and delicious meal prepping! Fourth, it caters to various dietary needs. While the original recipe uses bourbon, you can easily create a delicious non-alcoholic version by substituting chicken broth. You can also easily adapt the recipe to be gluten-free by using tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. The possibilities are endless! Finally, its adaptability is a huge plus. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers. The possibilities for customization are only limited by your imagination.

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils for Crockpot Bourbon Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Choose high-quality chicken for the best flavor. Look for plump, firm breasts with a light pink hue. Avoid breasts that are discolored or have an unpleasant odor. Check out this other great chicken crockpot recipe!
• Bourbon (or Chicken Broth): 1 cup bourbon whiskey, providing depth and smoky notes (optional: substitute with 1 cup of chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version). If using bourbon, ensure it’s a quality bourbon you enjoy the flavor of, as this will significantly impact the overall taste of your Crockpot Bourbon Chicken.
• Chicken Broth: 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth. This adds moisture and helps create a delicious sauce. Opt for low-sodium broth to control the saltiness of the final dish. Homemade broth adds extra flavor, if you have some on hand.
• Soy Sauce: 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce. Low-sodium soy sauce helps balance the sweetness and adds a savory umami flavor without being overly salty. Tamari is a gluten-free alternative.
• Brown Sugar: 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar. The brown sugar provides a lovely sweetness that complements the savory flavors of the soy sauce and bourbon.
• Honey: 2 tablespoons honey. A touch of honey adds extra sweetness and depth to the sauce. You can experiment with different types of honey, like wildflower or clover honey, for a unique flavor profile.
• Rice Vinegar: 2 tablespoons rice vinegar. Rice vinegar provides a touch of acidity that cuts through the richness of the sauce and creates a well-balanced flavor profile. Apple cider vinegar can be used as a substitute.
• Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Cornstarch thickens the sauce, creating a luscious, glossy coating for your chicken. Make sure to whisk it thoroughly into the liquid to prevent lumps.
• Ginger: 1 teaspoon ground ginger. This adds warmth and a subtle spiciness to the sauce. You can experiment with adding a bit more ginger for a bolder flavor.
• Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Garlic powder adds a pungent aroma and enhances the overall flavor of the dish. Fresh garlic could be a substitute, but minced garlic might overpower the other flavors.
• Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Black pepper adds a little bit of heat and enhances the other spices.
• Optional Garnish: 1/4 cup chopped green onions. A fresh garnish adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
• Serving Suggestion: Cooked rice. Serve your Crockpot Bourbon Chicken over a bed of steaming, fluffy rice to soak up all that delicious sauce.

Utensils: You will need a slow cooker (6-quart or larger is recommended), a medium-sized bowl for whisking the sauce, two forks for shredding the chicken, and measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredient measurements. A wooden spoon or spatula could also be helpful for stirring the sauce while it cooks.

Detailed Recipe Steps for Crockpot Bourbon Chicken

1. Prepare the Chicken: Place the 1.5 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Ensure the chicken is evenly distributed in the slow cooker to ensure even cooking.
2. Whisk the Sauce: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the bourbon (or chicken broth), chicken broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, cornstarch, ginger, garlic powder, and black pepper. **Ensure that the cornstarch is fully dissolved** to avoid lumps in your final sauce. This step is crucial for a smooth and delicious sauce. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth and free of any clumps.
3. Combine and Cook: Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Make sure the chicken is mostly submerged in the sauce. If the sauce is not covering the chicken completely, gently tilt the slow cooker to distribute the liquid evenly.
4. Slow Cooking Time: Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork. **Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).** This is the only way to guarantee the chicken is thoroughly cooked and safe to eat.
5. Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker. **Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker.** This helps to incorporate the sauce evenly into the shredded chicken. Discard any large pieces of fat or gristle.
6. Stir and Combine: Stir the shredded chicken into the sauce, ensuring all the pieces are well coated. The sauce will have thickened during the cooking process. If it’s too thin, you can simmer it for a few more minutes on high to thicken it further. If it’s too thick you can add a tablespoon or two of water or broth and mix to get to your desired consistency.
7. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired. Serve your Crockpot Bourbon Chicken over cooked rice. The delicious sauce will perfectly coat the rice, creating a flavourful and comforting meal. Enjoy!

Tip: For an extra layer of flavor, you can sear the chicken breasts briefly in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker. This will give the chicken a nice crust and add depth to the flavor. For an even richer flavor profile, consider using a darker bourbon.

Tips and Variations for Crockpot Bourbon Chicken

This Crockpot Bourbon Chicken recipe is incredibly adaptable. Here are some ideas to make it your own:

• Non-Alcoholic Version: Simply substitute the bourbon with 1 cup of chicken broth for a delicious alcohol-free version. The flavor will be slightly different, but still incredibly tasty.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce for a spicier kick. Adjust the amount to your preference. A drizzle of sriracha after serving can add extra heat and flavor.
• Add Vegetables: Include your favorite vegetables, such as chopped carrots, bell peppers, broccoli florets, or mushrooms, during the last hour or two of cooking. They will add nutrition and flavor to your dish.
• Different Protein: Substitute the chicken with other proteins like pork tenderloin, beef stew meat, or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option. Adjust cooking time accordingly based on the protein’s cooking requirements.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to make the recipe gluten-free.
• Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase the cornstarch to 1.5 tablespoons.
• Avoid Overcooking: Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C). Avoid over-shredding the chicken as it can result in a drier final product.

Nutritional Values and Benefits of Crockpot Bourbon Chicken

While precise nutritional information will vary based on the specific ingredients used, Crockpot Bourbon Chicken generally offers a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. The chicken provides a significant source of lean protein, essential for building and repairing tissues. The added vegetables (if included) contribute essential vitamins and minerals. The sauce, though rich, is not overwhelmingly high in fat or sugar, especially if you use low-sodium soy sauce and moderate amounts of brown sugar and honey. The bourbon (or broth) adds a complex flavor profile, while the ginger and garlic have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The honey provides a natural source of sweetness and contains various nutrients. However, it is important to remember that the nutritional content will vary based on the specific brands of ingredients and the amount of added vegetables. For a more precise nutritional breakdown, you can use online nutrition calculators by inputting the specific ingredients and quantities you used.

Remember to consider portion sizes for calorie control. Crockpot Bourbon Chicken is a flavorful and enjoyable meal, but mindful consumption is essential for maintaining a healthy diet. This recipe is a great base for balanced nutrition, offering a convenient and delicious way to incorporate protein and flavor into your daily meals.

FAQs about Crockpot Bourbon Chicken

Conclusion

This Crockpot Bourbon Chicken recipe is a true testament to the power of slow cooking. It’s a simple, yet remarkably flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. The tender, flavorful chicken, bathed in a luscious, slightly sweet and savory sauce, is sure to become a new family favorite. The best part? It requires minimal effort and cleanup, leaving you with more time to enjoy your delicious meal. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your slow cooker, and prepare for a culinary experience that’s as comforting as it is unforgettable. Don’t forget to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below! And don’t hesitate to share this recipe with your friends and family – they’ll thank you for it! Happy cooking, and don’t forget to check out some of our other amazing slow cooker recipes on our site! Check out our other delicious recipes here!

Crockpot Bourbon Chicken

Tender and flavorful chicken breasts simmered in a rich bourbon sauce (or chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version) in your slow cooker. Perfect for a weeknight meal!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Slow Cooker
• Medium Bowl
• Whisk
• Two Forks

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
• 1 cup Bourbon (or Chicken Broth) Substitute chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.
• 1 cup Chicken Broth
• 0.5 cup Soy Sauce (Low Sodium)
• 0.25 cup Brown Sugar
• 2 tablespoons Honey
• 2 tablespoons Rice Vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon Ground Ginger
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper
• 0.25 cup Chopped Green Onions Optional, for garnish
• 4 servings Cooked Rice For serving

Instructions

 

Instructions

• Place chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.
• In a medium bowl, whisk together bourbon (or chicken broth), chicken broth, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, cornstarch, ginger, garlic powder, and black pepper until the cornstarch is fully dissolved.
• Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker.
• Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
• Once the chicken is cooked, shred it directly in the slow cooker using two forks. Stir to combine the shredded chicken with the sauce.
• If desired, garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
• Serve over rice. Enjoy!

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in half of the sauce for 30 minutes before cooking. You can also add vegetables like sliced carrots or bell peppers to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking.

Keyword bourbon chicken, comfort food, crockpot, easy chicken recipe, slow cooker, weeknight dinner