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Easy Crockpot Chicken Dinner

Featured in Satisfying Hearty Mains.

Set it and forget it slow cooker chicken in a sweet-tangy bourbon sauce. Just 5 minutes prep for tender chicken thighs in a rich Asian-inspired sauce.

Clare Greco
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 16:08:29 GMT
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A bowl of rice topped with succulent chicken pieces covered in a glossy brown sauce and garnished with chopped green onions. Pin it
A bowl of rice topped with succulent chicken pieces covered in a glossy brown sauce and garnished with chopped green onions. | recipesbyclare.com

My slow cooker bourbon chicken brings restaurant flavor right to your kitchen. The tender chicken thighs swim in a sweet and savory sauce with hints of bourbon that make this dish unforgettable. Everyone always asks me for the recipe after their first bite.

Why The Slow Cooker Works Magic

The slow cooker transforms this chicken into something extraordinary. As it simmers low and slow the meat becomes fork tender while soaking up all those amazing flavors. I love setting it up in the morning and coming home to dinner practically ready.

What You'll Need

  • Boneless chicken thighs they stay juicy and tender
  • Low sodium soy sauce I prefer Kikkoman
  • Dark brown sugar for rich caramel notes
  • Red pepper flakes just enough for warmth
  • Fresh green onions from my garden
  • Ground ginger gives that perfect spice kick
  • Local honey adds natural sweetness
  • Fresh garlic cloves minced fine
  • Good bourbon use what you enjoy drinking
  • Apple cider vinegar balances the sweet
  • Cornstarch to thicken our sauce
  • Water for the cornstarch slurry

Lets Get Cooking

First Layer
Arrange chicken thighs in the slow cooker they shouldn't overlap
Sauce Magic
Mix soy sauce brown sugar chili flakes onions ginger honey garlic bourbon and vinegar in a bowl
Set and Forget
Pour sauce over chicken cook high 4 hours or low 6 hours until tender
Shred Time
Take out chicken shred into bite sized pieces
Make it Glossy
Stir cornstarch with water add to sauce cook until thick about 15 minutes
Bring it Together
Put chicken back stir well let bubble 10 more minutes
Final Touch
Top with fresh green onions serve over steamy rice sprinkle sesame seeds if you like
A close-up of a bowl of rice topped with tender chicken pieces in a glossy sauce, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green herbs. Pin it
A close-up of a bowl of rice topped with tender chicken pieces in a glossy sauce, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped green herbs. | recipesbyclare

Mix It Up

Sometimes I use chicken breasts when I want it lighter. No bourbon? Apple juice works great too. A spoonful of ketchup adds a tangy twist my kids love.

Save Some For Later

Pop leftovers in the fridge they're good for 4 days. The flavors get even better overnight making this perfect for meal prep.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I skip the bourbon?

Yes, substitute with apple juice for alcohol-free version while maintaining flavor.

→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, cut breasts into 1-inch cubes and follow same cooking time.

→ How long does it cook?

4 hours on high or 6 hours on low in the slow cooker.

→ Can I make the sauce thicker?

Add cornstarch slurry during last few minutes of cooking until desired thickness.

→ What's best to serve with this?

Serve over rice with green onions. Add sesame seeds for extra crunch.

Bourbon Chicken

Sweet and tangy bourbon chicken made simple in the slow cooker. This takeout-style dish combines brown sugar, soy sauce, and bourbon for amazing flavor.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
240 Minutes
Total Time
245 Minutes

Category: Hearty Mains

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings (6)

Dietary: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 3 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs.
02 1 cup light brown sugar.
03 1 cup soy sauce.
04 1/3 cup bourbon whiskey.
05 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar.
06 1/2 tsp ground ginger.
07 1 tbsp honey.
08 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes.
09 4 cloves garlic.
10 3 tbsp cornstarch.
11 2 tbsp water.
12 1/4 cup green onions.

Instructions

Step 01

Place trimmed chicken thighs in slow cooker.

Step 02

Whisk brown sugar, soy sauce, bourbon, vinegar, ginger, honey, pepper flakes, garlic.

Step 03

Pour over chicken. Cook high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours.

Step 04

Remove chicken and chop roughly.

Step 05

Mix cornstarch with water, whisk into sauce.

Step 06

Return chicken to sauce, stir, and cook until bubbling.

Step 07

Top with green onions, serve over rice.

Notes

  1. Can substitute apple juice for bourbon.
  2. Works with cubed chicken breast.
  3. Add sesame seeds for garnish.

Tools You'll Need

  • 7-quart slow cooker.
  • Mixing bowls.
  • Whisk.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Soy.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 520
  • Total Fat: 9 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 51 g
  • Protein: 49 g