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Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken: Sweet, Savory Comfort on Busy Nights

This Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken recipe features tender chicken thighs in a sticky, bourbon-infused sauce that's sweet and savory, perfect for busy nights.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 3 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs Provides juiciness and flavor; chicken breasts can be substituted, but they may be drier.
For the Sauce
  • 1 cup light brown sugar Adds sweetness and helps achieve a sticky consistency; feel free to adjust for your taste.
  • 1 cup soy sauce Acts as the savory backbone for the sauce; consider using low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier option.
  • ⅓ cup bourbon whiskey Infuses the dish with rich flavor; apple juice or apple cider can be used as non-alcoholic alternatives.
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar Balances the sweetness of the sauce with a hint of acidity.
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger Adds warmth and depth to the overall flavor profile.
  • 1 tablespoon honey Enhances the sweetness and adds complexity to the sauce.
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes Introduces a subtle warmth; adjust according to your spice preference.
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced Enhances flavor complexity with its aromatic notes.
For Thickening
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch Used to thicken the sauce to achieve that luscious texture.
  • 2 tablespoons water Creates a slurry with cornstarch for thickening the sauce.
For Garnish
  • ¼ cup chopped green onions Adds a fresh, vibrant touch upon serving.

Equipment

  • Crock Pot

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Begin by placing the 3 lbs of boneless skinless chicken thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker. Ensure the thighs are evenly spread out for consistent cooking.
  2. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together 1 cup of light brown sugar, 1 cup of soy sauce, ⅓ cup of bourbon whiskey, 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, ½ teaspoon of ground ginger, 1 tablespoon of honey, ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes, and 4 minced garlic cloves.
  3. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken thighs in the slow cooker. Make sure each piece of chicken is generously coated.
  4. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours. The chicken is ready when it becomes tender and easily shredded with a fork.
  5. Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and set it aside. In a small bowl, mix 3 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Add this slurry to the remaining sauce in the slow cooker, stirring well to combine.
  6. Return the chicken to the pot and let it cook on high for an additional 5-10 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
  7. Garnish your Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken with ¼ cup of chopped green onions for a fresh and vibrant touch. This dish pairs well with rice of your choice.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 27gProtein: 24gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 1100mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 1gSugar: 14gVitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 8mg

Notes

Choose fresh, high-quality ingredients and monitor cooking times based on the type of chicken used. Adjust thickness of the sauce as needed and store leftovers for enhanced flavor.

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