Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Recipe: Sweet, Savory, and Perfectly Tender

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Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is the ultimate easy weeknight dinner that combines sweet, savory, and a little kick of spice for a flavor-packed meal.

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Tender chicken thighs slow-cooked in a rich, flavorful sauce make it a comforting dish best served over rice. This American-Chinese and Southern fusion is perfect for busy days when you want a delicious home-cooked meal with minimal effort.

Emma Franklin

Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

A sweet, savory, and slightly spicy slow cooker chicken dish with tender thighs simmered in a rich sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, served best over rice.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours 10 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American-Chinese, Southern Fusion
Calories: 465
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, trimmed
  • 1 cup light brown sugar
  • 1 cup soy sauce
  • 0.33 cup grape juice
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 0.5 tsp ground ginger
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust for heat preference)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsp water (for slurry)
  • 0.25 cup chopped green onions, for garnish

Equipment

  • slow cooker
  • mixing bowl for sauce
  • whisk to mix sauce
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • knife and cutting board for garlic and green onions

Method
 

  1. Add chicken thighs to the bottom of the slow cooker.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, grape juice, apple cider vinegar, ground ginger, honey, red pepper flakes, and garlic.
  3. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
  4. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours until chicken is tender and cooked through.
  5. Remove chicken and shred or chop to preferred texture.
  6. Mix cornstarch and water to make slurry, stir into the slow cooker sauce.
  7. Return chicken to the slow cooker, stir, and cook an additional 5-10 minutes until sauce thickens.
  8. Turn off heat, garnish with green onions, and serve over rice.

Notes

Swap chicken breasts for thighs if preferred, though thighs stay juicier in slow cooking. For a stronger bourbon-style flavor, use ½ cup grape juice and reduce soy sauce slightly. Leftovers store well in the fridge up to 4 days or freezer up to 3 months. Adjust red pepper flakes for desired heat.

Why You’ll Love Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

  • Hands-off slow cooking for busy schedules
  • Juicy chicken thighs with bold, layered flavors
  • A balanced sweet and tangy sauce with subtle spice
  • Flexible to serve over white, brown, or cauliflower rice
  • Great for meal prep and freezes well for leftovers

Ingredients

  • 3 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, trimmed
  • 1 cup light brown sugar
  • 1 cup soy sauce
  • ⅓ cup grape juice
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for heat preference)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • ¼ cup chopped green onions, for garnish

Method:

  • Add chicken thighs to the bottom of the slow cooker.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, grape juice, apple cider vinegar, ground ginger, honey, red pepper flakes, and garlic.
  • Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
  • Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours until chicken is fully cooked and tender.
  • Remove chicken and shred or chop to preferred texture.
  • Mix cornstarch and water to make slurry, stir into the slow cooker sauce.
  • Return chicken to the slow cooker, stir, and cook an additional 5-10 minutes until sauce thickens.
  • Turn off heat, garnish with green onions, and serve over your choice of rice.

Notes

Chicken breasts can be swapped for thighs but thighs remain juicier in slow cooking.

For bolder bourbon flavor, increase grape juice to ½ cup and slightly reduce soy sauce.

Leftovers store well in the fridge for 3-4 days and freeze beautifully.

Adjust red pepper flakes to control spice heat.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dish over fluffy white rice, hearty brown rice, or a low-carb cauliflower rice for a lighter option. Garnish with green onions for a fresh touch.

This recipe captures the sweet and savory warmth of bourbon chicken, perfect for family-friendly, fuss-free cooking any night of the week.