Crockpot Bourbon Chicken

This Crockpot Bourbon Chicken is a delightful fusion of sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors. Slow-cooked to tender perfection, each bite bursts with the rich umami of soy sauce and the subtle warmth of bourbon. Paired with rice, it makes for a comforting and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.

The best part of this dish is how effortlessly it comes together in a crockpot. Whether you’re preparing a hearty weeknight dinner for the family or meal prepping for the week, this bourbon chicken is a versatile, flavorful option that will quickly become a favorite. Serve it with a sprinkle of green onions for a fresh, colorful garnish, and you’ll have a dinner that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious.

Full Recipe:

• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• ½ cup bourbon
• ½ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup ketchup
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsp water
• Cooked white rice for serving
• Green onions for garnish

Directions:

1. Place chicken thighs in the crockpot.
2. In a bowl, whisk together bourbon, soy sauce, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Pour the mixture over the chicken.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-6 hours until the chicken is tender.
4. Remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it.
5. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to form a slurry. Add the slurry to the sauce in the crockpot and stir. Cook on high for 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens.
6. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and coat with the thickened sauce.
7. Serve the bourbon chicken over cooked white rice and garnish with sliced green onions.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 6 hours | Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 400 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Why Use a Crockpot?

The crockpot allows the ingredients to slowly meld together over hours, resulting in deeply infused flavors and tender chicken. Using a crockpot also makes this dish incredibly convenient. You can set it in the morning and have a fully cooked, delicious meal waiting for you by dinnertime.

Customization Options:

• Spicier: Add extra crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for more heat.
• Less Sweet: Reduce the brown sugar if you prefer a more savory flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free: Swap out the soy sauce for a gluten-free alternative like tamari.

What to Serve with Bourbon Chicken?

This dish pairs beautifully with steamed white rice, but you can also serve it over brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Add a side of stir-fried or roasted vegetables to balance the meal with some greens. For a complete Southern-inspired meal, you can also serve it with classic sides like cornbread or a fresh garden salad.

Storage and Reheating Tips:

Bourbon chicken stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It’s an excellent meal-prep dish because the flavors often deepen overnight. Simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. If the sauce thickens too much after cooling, add a tablespoon or two of water to loosen it.

Fun Fact:

While bourbon is typically associated with Kentucky and the South, Bourbon Chicken actually has an interesting connection to Louisiana, where the French influence and Creole cuisine often include rich, flavorful sauces. There’s also a common belief that Bourbon Chicken was named after Bourbon Street in New Orleans, where many variations of the dish were reportedly first served in local eateries.

Origins and Cultural Background of Bourbon Chicken:

Though Bourbon Chicken has a Southern flair and is often associated with Creole and Cajun cuisine, its true origins remain a bit of a mystery. Some believe it gets its name from Bourbon Street in the heart of New Orleans, known for its rich culinary history, while others think it’s named for the use of bourbon whiskey in the recipe. Despite this, the dish has grown in popularity across the United States, becoming a staple at both Chinese-American restaurants and food courts. This fusion of cultures highlights the dish’s versatility, blending Southern comfort with Asian-inspired flavors like soy sauce and garlic.

Why Chicken Thighs?

This recipe specifically calls for boneless, skinless chicken thighs because they are more flavorful and forgiving than chicken breasts. Chicken thighs contain more fat, which helps them stay moist during the slow cooking process, making them ideal for recipes that require long cooking times. Unlike chicken breasts, which can dry out, thighs remain tender and juicy, soaking up all the rich flavors of the sauce.

For those who prefer leaner meat, you can substitute chicken breasts, but be mindful that the cook time may need to be adjusted slightly to prevent them from drying out.

Bourbon Chicken Flavor Profile:

The star of this dish is the sauce, a beautiful balance of sweetness, savory umami, and a touch of spice. The combination of brown sugar and ketchup provides a natural sweetness and slight tang, while soy sauce and apple cider vinegar add layers of salty and acidic flavors. The bourbon whiskey rounds everything out, imparting a slightly smoky, caramel-like flavor that enhances the richness of the dish. Finally, the ginger and garlic lend an aromatic punch that keeps the dish tasting fresh.

Bourbon Chicken: Family-Friendly and Adaptable

Although the recipe calls for bourbon, it’s worth noting that the alcohol content largely evaporates during cooking, leaving behind just the flavor, making it a family-friendly meal. You can feel comfortable serving this dish to kids or those who prefer not to consume alcohol. However, if you prefer to omit the bourbon entirely, you can replace it with apple juice or chicken broth. This will still give the dish a rich, sweet base without the use of alcohol.

Make It a Full Meal:

While Crockpot Bourbon Chicken is excellent served over rice, it’s also versatile enough to pair with different sides, allowing you to create a balanced and flavorful meal. Here are some side dish ideas:

• Stir-Fried Vegetables: Broccoli, snap peas, and carrots with a light soy sauce glaze make an excellent accompaniment.
• Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Lightly seasoned vegetables like zucchini, green beans, or Brussels sprouts offer a crisp, healthy side.
• Mashed Potatoes or Sweet Potatoes: A creamy and hearty side, perfect for soaking up the rich bourbon sauce.
• Asian Noodles: Serve with lo mein or rice noodles for an Asian-inspired twist.
• Grain Bowls: For a healthier option, pair the chicken with quinoa or farro.

How to Store, Reheat, and Freeze:

This dish is perfect for meal prep as it tastes even better the next day when the flavors have had time to develop further.

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, you can either microwave the chicken or gently warm it on the stovetop. Add a little water or chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much during storage.
• Freezing: Bourbon chicken freezes exceptionally well. Allow the chicken to cool completely, then transfer it (with the sauce) into a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Health Benefits of Bourbon Chicken:

While this dish is a comfort food classic, it can also fit into a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation. Here’s why:

• Protein-Rich: The chicken provides a high-protein base, which helps with muscle repair and keeps you feeling full.
• Healthy Fats: Chicken thighs contain healthy fats, which are important for satiety and flavor.
• Customizable: You can make small tweaks, such as reducing the brown sugar or using low-sodium soy sauce, to create a healthier version of the dish.
• Fiber Boost: Serve the dish with fiber-rich sides like brown rice, quinoa, or steamed vegetables for added nutrients.

Cooking Tips and Tricks:

• Marinating the Chicken: For an even more intense flavor, you can marinate the chicken in the bourbon sauce for a few hours or overnight before placing it in the crockpot. This allows the chicken to fully absorb the flavors before cooking.
• Texture: If you prefer crispy chicken, you can remove the chicken thighs from the crockpot once they’re cooked, briefly pan-sear them in a hot skillet to develop a crispier outer layer, and then return them to the sauce.
• Crockpot Liner: Use a crockpot liner for easy cleanup! The sauce can get sticky as it cooks down, and a liner will help make post-dinner cleanup a breeze.

Nutritional Profile:

While it’s essential to enjoy this dish as a hearty and flavorful meal, it also provides solid nutritional benefits:

• Calories: A typical serving of this dish comes in at about 400 kcal, but this can be adjusted depending on portion size and serving accompaniments.
• Protein: With the chicken thighs as the primary ingredient, this dish is packed with protein, which is essential for muscle health and overall body repair.
• Carbohydrates: The brown sugar and soy sauce give it a moderate carbohydrate count, which can be balanced by serving it with healthy whole grains.
• Fat: The natural fats from the chicken thighs and small amounts of added oils contribute to its savory richness.

Cooking in Advance:

If you’re planning a gathering or want to save time, you can easily make Bourbon Chicken ahead of time and let it warm in the crockpot on the “Keep Warm” setting. This makes it an ideal option for buffets, potlucks, or meal prep. The chicken and sauce hold up well, and the flavors will only get richer as they sit.

Conclusion:

This Crockpot Bourbon Chicken is a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors that will delight your taste buds and satisfy your family’s cravings. Its effortless preparation and versatile nature make it an ideal choice for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or entertaining guests. Whether you’re a seasoned slow cooker enthusiast or trying it out for the first time, this recipe promises tender, flavorful chicken that pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Give it a try and experience the rich, comforting goodness that makes Bourbon Chicken a beloved favorite in many households!