Welcome to your next family dinner win! Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken combines tender chicken thighs with a sweet and savory sauce you’ll love. With just a few ingredients, you’ll have a meal that cooks itself while you enjoy time with family. I’ll guide you step-by-step to create this delicious dish, perfect for any night of the week. Ready to make dinnertime easier and tastier? Let’s dive in!
Ingredients
List of Main Ingredients
– 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
– 1/2 cup apple juice
Additional Ingredients for Sauce
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup ketchup
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
Seasoning and Garnish
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– Sliced green onions (for garnish)
For this Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken, you will need simple yet tasty ingredients. Using chicken thighs gives you juicy meat that stays tender. Low sodium soy sauce helps keep the dish flavorful without too much salt. Apple juice adds a sweet twist that balances the savory sauce.
In the sauce, brown sugar brings sweetness, while ketchup adds a rich flavor. Worcestershire sauce gives depth, and rice vinegar adds a bit of tang. The seasoning mix, with garlic powder and ground ginger, creates a warm aroma. Finally, sliced green onions make a bright garnish, giving your dish a fresh look.
To see the full recipe, check out the details below.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation of Chicken
– Place chicken thighs in the crock pot.
– In a bowl, mix soy sauce, apple juice, brown sugar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, rice vinegar, garlic powder, ground ginger, and black pepper. Whisk until well combined.
Cooking Process
– Pour the sauce over the chicken in the crock pot. Make sure all chicken pieces are coated.
– Cover the pot and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. The chicken should be tender.
– After cooking, take the chicken out and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Final Steps
– In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry. Stir this into the sauce left in the crock pot.
– Turn the heat to high and cook for another 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens.
– Add the shredded chicken back to the pot and stir until it is well mixed with the sauce.
Serve the Bourbon Chicken over cooked rice. Garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh touch. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Cooking Time
Choosing the right heat setting can change your dish. I recommend using low heat for 6 hours. This allows the chicken to soak in flavors. If you’re short on time, use high heat for 3 hours.
To check if your chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should be at least 165°F. This ensures your chicken is safe and juicy. If not, cook it a bit longer.
Enhancing Flavor
For even more flavor, try marinating the chicken before cooking. A simple mix of soy sauce and apple juice works well. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
You can also add extra ingredients for depth. Consider adding chopped bell peppers or carrots to the mix. Fresh garlic or ginger can boost the taste, too.
Serving Suggestions
Bourbon chicken pairs well with simple sides. Steamed rice is a classic choice. You could also serve it with fried rice or a green salad.
For garnishing, sliced green onions add color and freshness. You can also sprinkle sesame seeds for a nice crunch. The right sides and garnishes can elevate your meal.
For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe].
Variations
Substitutions
You can switch out chicken for other proteins. Tofu is a great plant-based option. It soaks up the sauce well. For meat lovers, try using pork. Pork tenderloin cooks nicely in the crock pot.
If you need gluten-free options, use tamari instead of soy sauce. It tastes great and keeps the flavors intact. You can also find gluten-free ketchup to stay on track.
Flavor Tweaks
Want to spice things up? Add sliced peppers or a dash of hot sauce. This will give your dish a nice kick. If you prefer a sweeter taste, swap brown sugar for honey or maple syrup. Both add a unique flavor that complements the dish.
Cooking Methods
Don’t have a crock pot? No worries! You can make this in an Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for about 10 minutes. Then, let it release naturally for the best results.
You can also bake it in the oven. Place the chicken in a baking dish. Pour the sauce over the top. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for about 45 minutes. This method gives a different, yet tasty, outcome.
For the full recipe, check out the Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Delight.
Storage Info
Refrigeration Tips
To store leftover bourbon chicken, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the chicken fresh and tasty. Use glass or plastic containers with tight lids. They help prevent spills and keep odors away.
Freezing Instructions
For freezing bourbon chicken, make sure it is completely cool. Transfer it to a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out excess air to avoid freezer burn. Label the bag with the date. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stove until hot.
Shelf life
Crock pot bourbon chicken lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. If frozen, it can last up to 3 months. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. Enjoy your meal, knowing it’s safe and delicious!
FAQs
What type of chicken is best for bourbon chicken?
For bourbon chicken, I prefer using boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They stay moist and tender during cooking. Thighs have more fat, which adds flavor. Chicken breasts can dry out more quickly. If you use breasts, watch the cooking time closely. Thighs give you a richer dish that everyone will love.
Can I make bourbon chicken without a crockpot?
Yes! You can make bourbon chicken on the stovetop or in the oven. For the stovetop, use a large skillet. Brown the chicken first, then add the sauce. Simmer on low heat until cooked through. In the oven, place the chicken in a baking dish. Pour the sauce over it and bake at 350°F for about 30-40 minutes. Both methods work well and still yield great flavor.
Is bourbon necessary for this recipe?
Bourbon adds depth and a hint of sweetness. It gives the dish its unique taste. However, you can skip it if you want. For a non-alcoholic option, use apple juice or chicken broth. You may miss the original flavor, but the dish will still be tasty. The goal is to enjoy your meal!
This post covered all you need to know about making delicious bourbon chicken in a crock pot. You learned about the simple ingredients, easy steps, and helpful tips. Plus, you found variations to suit your taste and how to store leftovers.
I hope this guide inspires you to create a tasty meal. Enjoy every bite of your homemade bourbon chicken!
