For saucy shredded chicken that’s ridiculously full of flavor, you have to try this Crockpot Bourbon Chicken recipe! Tender shredded chicken in a sweet-and-savory sauce, and only 10 minutes prep time. I am obsessed with this slow cooker bourbon chicken recipe!
Crockpot chicken recipes are such a lifesaver! When I know I have a busy week ahead, I always include at least one easy slow cooker chicken recipe into our meal plan. This Crockpot Bourbon Chicken has become a fast family favorite.
There are a lot of bourbon chicken recipes out there, but I have to say, I really think this is the best bourbon chicken recipe! Cooking the chicken low and slow in the Crockpot means fall-apart tender chicken simmering together with the sauce for so much flavor.
Why I LOVE this recipe!
- Super easy – This bourbon chicken recipe is just so easy. Add the chicken and sauce ingredients to the Crockpot, turn it on, and walk away!
- Saucy deliciousness – Seriously, that sauce! It’s the perfect combination of savory and sweet with just a touch of heat.
- Great for meal prep – This bourbon chicken recipe is perfect for whipping up on Sunday for easy lunches/dinners during the week. It makes a great freezer meal, too!
What is Bourbon Chicken?
Bourbon Chicken is a saucy chicken dish that originated in New Orleans and is popular in food courts all over the U.S. With soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, bourbon chicken takes flavor inspiration from Asian cuisine, too.
Many bourbon chicken recipes do call for a splash of bourbon, but I find this slow cooker bourbon chicken to be plenty flavorful (and more family-friendly!) without it.
Recipe Notes
This Crockpot Bourbon Chicken recipe is as simple as promised! Just 9 ingredients and 10 minutes hands-on time for a family friendly dinner.
In this section I am going to go through a few tips and tricks I use for how to make Crockpot Bourbon Chicken to get the absolute best and most delicious results.
Make sure to scroll to the bottom for the FULL recipe card.
Ingredients + Substitutions
- Chicken – While boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the more traditional choice for a bourbon chicken recipe, we really like to use chicken breasts and it works well. Either one will work.
- Cornstarch – Helps to create a thick, velvety sauce.
- Soy sauce – For gluten-free bourbon chicken, choose Tamari instead of traditional soy sauce. Or if you want less sodium than traditional soy sauce has, go for a lower sodium version.
- Brown sugar – For a touch of sweetness and caramelization.
- Ketchup – Use your favorite brand.
- Apple cider vinegar – For a smidge of tangy flavor.
- Garlic – Three fresh cloves of garlic, peeled and minced.
- Ginger – You’ll need a very small amount of minced ginger (1/2 teaspoon), but it adds a nice bit of flavor that’s not overpowering.
- Red pepper flakes – For a touch of heat. Add more or less to taste.
Make sure to see the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the full quantities and ingredients list.
Recipe Variations
If you love this recipe as much as we do and want some quick ways to change it up for variety, these little tips will do the trick!
- Extra Saucy Bourbon Chicken– If you like super saucy chicken or want some extra bourbon chicken sauce to spoon over rice when serving, double all of the sauce ingredients (everything but the chicken).
- Bourbon Chicken & Broccoli– Stir in two cups of fresh broccoli florets to the Crockpot and cook for 30 minutes to an hour more, until tender.
Recipe Step by Step
I am going to highlight a few key steps in the recipe here, but make sure to jump down to the recipe card for comprehensive instructions on how to make Crockpot Bourbon Chicken.
Add the soy sauce and brown sugar to a small bowl or cup.
Stir in the ketchup, vinegar, garlic, cornstarch slurry, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
Add the chicken to the Crock Pot and pour the sauce over the top.
Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook until the chicken is fall-apart tender.
Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and place it on a plate. Shred the chicken.
Add the chicken back into the sauce in the slow cooker.
Recipe Tips
- Use forks to shred the chicken – I find the easiest way to shred the chicken is to place it on a large plate and shred it with two forks.
- Check the internal temp – The most accurate way to determine if chicken is completely cooked is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the probe into the thickest part of the chicken, and if the temp reads 165°F or higher, it’s done.
- Thighs can be used, too – Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are more traditionally used for bourbon chicken. If you prefer bourbon chicken thighs, simply swap them in for the chicken breasts in this recipe.
Recipe Short Cuts
If you need to make this recipe, but are extra short on time, here are a few ideas that can help make this recipe even faster!
- Prep ahead – You can stir together the bourbon sauce for chicken recipe and place it in an airtight container up to 3 days ahead of time. Keep it in the fridge, then when you’re ready to make bourbon chicken, just add the chicken to the slow cooker and pour the sauce over the top.
- Make it a freezer meal – I love Crock Pot freezer meals! You can freeze a batch (or several) of this slow cooker bourbon chicken before cooking. Just add the chicken and sauce ingredients to a freezer safe bag, close and label it, and freeze for up to 6 months. When you’re ready for the best bourbon chicken, thaw overnight in the fridge then add to the Crockpot to cook in the morning. Easy!
Freezer Meal Instructions
Making this Crockpot Bourbon Chicken recipe into a freezer meal is simple! Follow the steps below and you can store this recipe in the freezer for up to 6 months.
To freeze before cooking
- Add ingredients to a freezer safe container or freezer bag.
- Seal shut, label, and place in the freezer.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge, then pour it into the Crockpot and cook!
How to Freeze Crockpot Bourbon Chicken After Cooking
- Let the bourbon chicken cool to room temp.
- Separate into individual serving sizes and place in freezer safe, airtight containers or freezer bags.
- Label and freeze.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge then reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of water if needed while reheating.
What to Serve with Crockpot Bourbon Chicken
Since this protein based dinner has the delicious flavors of New Orleans and Asian cuisine, it will pair well with many of your favorite southern or Asian-inspired side dishes.
Choose one or several of these side dishes to create a wholesome, well-rounded dinner. There are both classic options and some healthy options to keep it light.
Side Dish Ideas
- White rice, brown rice, Southwest Rice, or Cilantro Lime Rice
- Creamy Southern Coleslaw or Spicy Sriracha Asian Coleslaw
- Southwest Corn or Oven-Roasted Vegetables
Crockpot Bourbon Chicken Leftovers
If you have leftovers after making this recipe, then it is your lucky day! They save and reheat well, and can make the start of another delicious dish.
To save leftovers, separate into meal sized portions and then place in an airtight container and store:
- in the refrigerator for 3-4 days
- in the freezer up to a month
Leftover Recipes
Here are a few ways to repurpose those leftovers and give them a delicious makeover!
- Bourbon Chicken Mac & Cheese– Make a batch of baked mac and cheese and reheat leftover bourbon chicken. Serve the mac and cheese with a pile of bourbon chicken over the top.
- Bourbon Chicken Sandwich– Butter and toast brioche buns then pile reheated bourbon chicken inside. Top with shredded cabbage and sweet onion or coleslaw.
- Bourbon Chicken Bowl– Serve leftover bourbon chicken over rice in a bowl. Add steamed broccoli, sliced scallions, and pineapple chunks, then spoon some extra bourbon sauce over the top.
Recipe FAQ’s
Can you put raw chicken straight into a slow cooker?
Absolutely! It’s perfectly safe to add raw chicken straight to your slow cooker. The most important thing is to make sure it’s cooked through. I like to check the internal temperature with an instant-read meat thermometer once it’s done cooking. If the temp is 165°F or higher, it’s done.
Does chicken in a Crock Pot need water?
No, chicken in a Crock Pot does not need water. You will want some moisture, yes, but not a lot. The Crock Pot seals in moisture and it needs very little. In the case of this Crockpot Bourbon Chicken recipe, it does call for a small amount of water to dissolve the cornstarch; the rest of the liquid comes from the soy sauce, ketchup, and vinegar – and it’s plenty.
More EASY Chicken Recipes
If you enjoyed this recipe, I really hope you will take a moment to grab a few more easy recipes for another busy night!
You can check out all of my easy chicken recipes here, or see a few of our readers favorite recipes below.
Crockpot Bourbon Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoon water
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon minced ginger
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Garnish (optional)
- sesame seeds
- sliced green onions
Instructions
- Combine the cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, garlic, cornstarch slurry, ginger and red pepper flakes.
- Lay the chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the soy sauce mixture over the chicken.
- Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook for 2.5-3 hours on high, or 3-4 hours on low.
- Remove chicken from the slow cooker and shred, then stir back into the bourbon sauce.
Recipe Notes
- Chicken: Can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts.
- Soy sauce: For a gluten-free version (or if you’re looking for less sodium), swap in Tamari.
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