If you are looking for a simple yet delectable dish to impress your family or guests, look no further than this crock pot bourbon chicken. This recipe combines tender chicken with a sweet and savory sauce that simmers to perfection in your slow cooker. Simply prep the ingredients, set your crock pot, and let it work its magic while you attend to other tasks or relax. The wonderful aroma that fills your kitchen will have everyone anticipating dinner. With minimal effort needed, this meal is perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. Plus, the leftovers are just as delightful the next day! Dive into this easy-to-follow recipe that guarantees tasty results every time.
Why You’ll Love This crock pot bourbon chicken
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks
- Flavorful and Versatile: Enjoy outstanding flavor with ingredients you can easily customize by adding your favorites or adjusting spices
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weeknight dinners
Ingredients for crock pot bourbon chicken
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: I recommend using thighs instead of breasts for their juiciness and flavor; around 2-3 pounds will serve a family well.
- Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic adds depth to the dish; use about four cloves minced for optimal flavor.
- Bourbon Whiskey: A good-quality bourbon enhances the sauce’s richness; choose one you enjoy drinking.
- Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels while boosting umami flavor.
- Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness and balances the savory elements; light brown sugar works best.
For the Sauce:
- Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to maintain flavor without overwhelming saltiness; about one cup will suffice.
- Cornstarch: Mix with water to thicken the sauce at the end of cooking; about two tablespoons should do.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make crock pot bourbon chicken
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prep Your Chicken
Start by trimming any excess fat from the boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Cut them into bite-sized pieces if desired; this helps with even cooking.
Step 2: Mix Your Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine minced garlic, bourbon whiskey, soy sauce, brown sugar, and chicken broth. Whisk until everything is well-blended and sugar dissolves completely.
Step 3: Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker
Place the chopped chicken into your crock pot. Pour the sauce mixture over the top ensuring all pieces are coated.
Step 4: Set Your Slow Cooker
Cover your slow cooker and cook on low heat for approximately six hours or on high heat for about three hours until the chicken is tender.
Step 5: Thicken Your Sauce
Once cooked through, mix cornstarch with a little water in a small bowl until smooth. Stir it into the sauce in the crock pot. Cook uncovered on high for an additional 30 minutes until thickened.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer your delicious bourbon chicken onto plates over rice or noodles. Drizzle some extra sauce on top for an enhanced taste experience!
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
- Quality Ingredients: Using fresh and quality ingredients can elevate flavors significantly in any dish
- Preheat Carefully: Allow your slow cooker to preheat slightly before adding ingredients if possible
- Add Fresh Herbs: Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley before serving for added freshness
How to Serve crock pot bourbon chicken
This crock pot bourbon chicken is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
- Rice or Potatoes: A hearty base that soaks up the delicious sauce.
- Fresh Salad: Adds a crisp and refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for enjoying every last drop of the flavorful sauce.
Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the ingredients for crock pot bourbon chicken a day in advance. Chop vegetables and marinate the chicken in the bourbon sauce, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.
- Storing: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe bags, ensuring to remove excess air; they will keep well for up to three months.
- Reheating: To reheat, thaw frozen chicken overnight in the refrigerator. Warm in a saucepan over medium heat until hot, about 10-15 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave it on medium power, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Suggestions for crock pot bourbon chicken
Avoid Overcooking the Chicken
One common mistake when preparing crock pot bourbon chicken is overcooking the chicken. While a slow cooker allows for extended cooking times, leaving the chicken in too long can result in dry, tough meat. Aim to cook your chicken on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, depending on your schedule. Always check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches at least 165°F (75°C). This ensures that the chicken remains juicy and tender while soaking up all those delicious bourbon-infused flavors.
Use Fresh Ingredients
Using fresh ingredients significantly enhances the flavor of your crock pot bourbon chicken. Avoid stale spices or wilted vegetables, as they can negatively impact the taste of your dish. Fresh garlic, ginger, and herbs contribute essential oils that elevate your recipe. Additionally, using high-quality soy sauce and real bourbon will provide a rich depth of flavor that pre-packaged alternatives simply cannot match. Investing in fresh ingredients is vital for achieving that authentic taste everyone loves.
Balance Your Flavors
Another tip is to balance the sweet, savory, and tangy components of your sauce. Many recipes for crock pot bourbon chicken include brown sugar and soy sauce, but overly sweet dishes can become cloying. To avoid this, consider adding a touch of vinegar or citrus juice to brighten up the flavors. Taste as you go and adjust ingredients accordingly to find that perfect harmony. Remember that small tweaks can make a big difference in how enjoyable your dish will be.
Plan Ahead for Better Marinade
Marinating your chicken before cooking is crucial for maximizing flavor in crock pot bourbon chicken. If time allows, marinate the chicken overnight in a mixture of bourbon, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger to allow all those flavors to penetrate deep into the meat. If you’re short on time, even a quick 30-minute soak will improve flavor compared to cooking without marinating at all. Always remember to discard any leftover marinade after removing the chicken to prevent cross-contamination.
FAQs
What is crock pot bourbon chicken?
Crock pot bourbon chicken is a flavorful dish made by slow-cooking chicken pieces with a combination of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and bourbon whiskey. The slow cooking process allows the meat to become tender while absorbing all the rich flavors from the sauce. Many people love this dish because it balances sweetness with savory notes and has a delightful hint of warmth from the bourbon.
Can I use other types of meat?
While traditional recipes feature chicken, you can definitely experiment with other meats in crock pot bourbon dishes. Pork tenderloin works wonderfully due to its ability to absorb flavors similarly to chicken. For a lighter option, turkey can also be used; however, cooking times may vary slightly based on what you choose. Adjust your cooking methods based on how long it takes each type of meat to reach safe internal temperatures.
How do I store leftovers?
Storing leftovers from crock pot bourbon chicken is quite simple! Allow any remaining chicken and sauce mixture to cool down before transferring it into an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze it for longer storage—up to three months works best! When reheating frozen leftovers, make sure they’re thoroughly heated throughout before consuming so you maintain food safety.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Preparing crock pot bourbon chicken ahead of time is not only possible but also convenient. You can chop your ingredients and mix together the marinade a day or two prior; just store everything in separate containers in your fridge until you’re ready to cook. Alternatively, you could assemble everything in your crockpot and refrigerate it overnight before starting it up on the day you plan to serve it.
Conclusion for crock pot bourbon chicken
Crock pot bourbon chicken is an easy yet delicious dish perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings with friends and family. By avoiding common mistakes like overcooking and using stale ingredients, you’ll create a mouthwatering meal that impresses everyone at the table. Balancing flavors through careful seasoning helps enhance this dish’s appeal further while allowing creative substitutions according to personal preference makes it versatile too! With proper planning—like marinating ahead—you’ll ensure maximum flavor infusion resulting in juicy bites every time! Enjoy discovering this delightful recipe as part of your culinary repertoire!
Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is a mouthwatering dish that combines tender chicken thighs with a rich, sweet-savory bourbon sauce. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings, requiring minimal prep and allowing you to savor the delightful aromas as it cooks. By simply tossing the ingredients into your slow cooker and letting it work its magic, you’ll create a flavorful meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds. Serve this delectable chicken over rice or noodles, and enjoy the delicious leftovers the next day. With each bite, you’ll experience the harmonious blend of bourbon whiskey, soy sauce, garlic, and brown sugar that makes this dish a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 2–3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 4 minced garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup bourbon whiskey
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Instructions
- Trim excess fat from the chicken thighs; optionally cut into bite-sized pieces.
- In a bowl, whisk together garlic, bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, and chicken broth until well combined.
- Place chicken in the crock pot and pour sauce over it to coat.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours until chicken is tender.
- Mix cornstarch with water in a small bowl; stir into the sauce in the crock pot.
- Cook uncovered on high for an additional 30 minutes until thickened.
- Serve over rice or noodles with extra sauce drizzled on top.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
