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Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken - featured image
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Sticky, savory-sweet Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is an easy slow cooker dinner that delivers bold, comforting flavor with minimal effort. Inspired by the mall food court classic, this recipe features tender chicken in a glossy, sweet-and-savory sauce with a subtle bourbon kick.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/4 cup bourbon (or apple juice as substitute)
  • 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup ketchup
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated (or 1/2 tsp ground ginger)
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp water (for slurry)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional garnish: sliced green onions and sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Trim excess fat from chicken thighs and cut into large chunks (about 2 inches), or leave whole if you prefer shredded chicken.
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, honey, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes (if using), apple cider vinegar, and water until smooth and sugar dissolves.
  3. Place chicken pieces in the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour sauce over the chicken and stir gently to coat.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 2.5-3 hours, until chicken is very tender and easily shredded.
  5. About 30 minutes before the end of cooking, whisk cornstarch with 2 tbsp water to make a slurry. Stir into the slow cooker, mixing well. Cover and finish cooking until sauce is thick and glossy.
  6. Shred or slice the chicken in the slow cooker and stir to coat with sauce.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

For gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce and check labels on ketchup and vinegar. Adjust sweetness and heat to taste. Add bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli in the last hour for extra veggies. If sauce is too thin, add more cornstarch slurry or cook uncovered for 10-15 minutes. Leftovers taste even better the next day and freeze well.

Nutrition

Keywords: bourbon chicken, crock pot, slow cooker, easy dinner, family meal, sticky chicken, takeout copycat, gluten-free option, meal prep, comfort food

Find it online: https://blairrecipes.com/crock-pot-bourbon-chicken-recipe-easy-slow-cooker-dinner-for-families/