There’s something magical about walking through New Orleans’ French Quarter, the air thick with jazz and the scent of incredible food wafting from every restaurant. My first taste of bourbon chicken came from a small corner spot just off Bourbon Street, where the sweet-savory glaze had me immediately hooked. Today, I’m sharing my recipe for the Best Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken, a dish that brings those vibrant flavors home with minimal effort.
This slow cooker version transforms simple ingredients into a meal that tastes like it came straight from a restaurant kitchen. Don’t worry – despite the name, this dish won’t leave you tipsy! The bourbon cooks down to create a deep flavor base that’s family-friendly and absolutely irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken
This recipe has become a staple in my household for good reasons:
- Set it and forget it convenience – Just 15 minutes of prep, then your slow cooker does all the work
- Budget-friendly ingredients that transform into something extraordinary
- Complex flavors without complex techniques – ideal for beginners and busy cooks
- Better than takeout taste with significantly less sodium and no MSG
- Versatile leftovers that taste even better the next day
- Kid-friendly despite the bourbon (the alcohol cooks off completely)
The combination of sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavors creates a dish that appeals to nearly everyone. It’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or impressing guests without being chained to the stove.
Ingredients for the Best Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken
For the chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
For the bourbon sauce:
- 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 cup apple juice
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for thickening later)
- 2 tablespoons cold water (for the cornstarch slurry)
For serving:
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Steamed rice or cauliflower rice
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Preparing the Chicken
Season the chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels and lightly season with salt and pepper.
Optional browning step: While not strictly necessary, I find that browning adds flavor. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, brown the chicken pieces for 1-2 minutes per side. Don’t worry about cooking them through.
Prepare the slow cooker: Transfer the chicken to your slow cooker (4-6 quart size works best). Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
Making the Bourbon Sauce
Combine sauce ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the bourbon, soy sauce, apple juice, brown sugar, honey, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, red pepper flakes, and black pepper until well combined.
Add to slow cooker: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and stir gently to ensure everything is coated.
Slow Cooking
- Set and forget: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The chicken is done when it’s tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Thickening the Sauce
Create a slurry: About 30 minutes before serving, mix the cornstarch and cold water in a small bowl until smooth.
Thicken the sauce: Stir the cornstarch slurry into the slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for an additional 20-30 minutes until the sauce thickens to a beautiful glaze.
Serving
Final touches: Just before serving, stir the sauce and chicken to ensure even coating. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
Garnish and serve: Transfer to a serving dish or individual plates over steamed rice. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
Pro Tips for Perfect Bourbon Chicken
Ingredient Tips
- Chicken choice matters: While chicken breasts will work, thighs deliver more flavor and stay juicier in the slow cooker.
- About the bourbon: Use a mid-range bourbon you’d enjoy drinking. The flavor concentrates as it cooks, so quality matters. Jim Beam or Maker’s Mark work well.
- No bourbon option: Apple juice with 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract can substitute in a pinch, though the flavor profile will be different.
- Reduce sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce to 1/3 cup if you’re watching your salt intake.
Technique Tips
- Don’t skip the thickening step: The cornstarch slurry transforms the thin cooking liquid into that signature glossy sauce that clings to the chicken.
- Avoid opening the lid: Each peek extends cooking time by about 20 minutes.
- For extra flavor: Add a tablespoon of hoisin sauce or a teaspoon of five-spice powder to the sauce mixture.
Delicious Variations
- Spicy bourbon chicken: Double the red pepper flakes and add 1 tablespoon of sriracha to the sauce.
- Pineapple twist: Add 1 cup of pineapple chunks during the last hour of cooking.
- Veggie-packed version: Add diced bell peppers and snap peas during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Low-carb option: Serve over cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
Serving Suggestions
The Best Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken pairs beautifully with:
- Steamed jasmine or basmati rice
- Simple steamed broccoli or green beans
- A side of Asian cucumber salad
- Quick pickled vegetables for acidity to balance the sweet sauce
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving, without rice)
- Calories: 385
- Protein: 29g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 890mg
A New Family Favorite Awaits
This Best Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken brings the flavors of New Orleans right to your dinner table with minimal effort. There’s something deeply satisfying about coming home to the rich aroma of this dish after it’s been simmering all day. The complex flavors belie how easy it is to prepare, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
I love seeing how recipes travel and transform – from a Bourbon Street specialty to a slow cooker favorite in homes across the country. Don’t be surprised if this becomes your family’s new most-requested meal! The combination of convenience and incredible flavor makes this a recipe you’ll return to time and again.
So dust off that slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a taste of the Big Easy – no plane ticket required. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and your taste buds will thank you.
