Forget takeout, this slow cooker bourbon chicken is your new weeknight hero. Packed with flavor and ridiculously easy to make, it’s a dish that promises to deliver on taste without the fuss.
Why This Recipe Works
- The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, melding flavors together over hours for a dish that’s rich and complex.
- Bourbon adds a unique depth and sweetness that elevates the chicken from good to unforgettable.
- It’s incredibly versatile, perfect over rice, noodles, or even as a sandwich filling.
- Minimal prep means more time for you to enjoy the aromas filling your kitchen.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day, making it a great make-ahead meal.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
- Green onions, sliced for garnish
Equipment Needed
- Slow cooker
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Knife and cutting board
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. This ensures they cook evenly and absorb all that bourbon goodness. No one likes a giant, undercooked chunk of chicken, so keep them uniform.
Step 2: Mix the Marinade
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, ground ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes. This is where the magic starts. The bourbon isn’t just for flavor; it tenderizes the chicken, making it melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Step 3: Combine and Cook
Add the chicken pieces to the slow cooker and pour the marinade over them. Give it a good stir to ensure every piece is coated. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. The low and slow method is key here for maximum flavor infusion.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
Once the chicken is cooked, mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker and let it cook for an additional 30 minutes on high. This will thicken the sauce to a glossy, cling-to-your-chicken consistency.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Garnish with sliced green onions for a pop of color and freshness. Serve over rice or noodles, and watch as your family marvels at your culinary prowess.
Tips and Tricks
For an even deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in the bourbon mixture overnight before cooking. If you’re short on time, you can cook the chicken on high for 3 hours, but low and slow is the way to go for the best texture. Don’t skip the cornstarch slurry; it transforms the sauce from watery to restaurant-quality. If you’re not a fan of spice, you can reduce or omit the red pepper flakes. And remember, the alcohol cooks off, leaving just the flavor, so it’s kid-friendly in moderation.
Recipe Variations
- Swap the bourbon for whiskey or rum for a different twist on the flavor profile.
- Add pineapple chunks and juice for a sweet and tangy version.
- Use honey instead of brown sugar for a more natural sweetness.
- Throw in some bell peppers and onions during the last hour of cooking for a more vegetable-packed meal.
- For a thicker sauce, double the amount of cornstarch slurry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but thighs are recommended for their juiciness and flavor. Breasts can dry out more easily in the slow cooker, so if you do use them, consider reducing the cooking time by an hour.
Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for bourbon?
You can substitute the bourbon with apple juice or chicken broth mixed with a teaspoon of vanilla extract for a similar depth of flavor without the alcohol.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Absolutely! Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes with a quick release. Then, remove the chicken, add the cornstarch slurry to the pot, and sauté until thickened before returning the chicken to the pot.
Summary
This slow cooker bourbon chicken is a foolproof way to bring a restaurant-quality dish to your dinner table with minimal effort. Rich, flavorful, and versatile, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.
