Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken – Sweet, Sticky & Comforting Slow Cooker Classic

There’s something magical about the scent of sweet and savory sauce bubbling away while the house fills with cozy, comforting aromas. This Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is my go-to when I want dinner to feel like a warm hug—rich, tender, and packed with that irresistible sticky-sweet glaze. And yes, it’s made for real-life kitchens like mine.

Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

This isn’t just another slow cooker chicken recipe—it’s that one everyone asks for seconds of. Why? Because it hits that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and a gentle kick of heat. Made with pantry staples like soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and a splash of bourbon (or apple juice if you’re skipping the booze), it delivers bold flavor with zero fuss. The chicken becomes fall-apart tender, the sauce thickens into sticky goodness, and the whole dish tastes like it simmered all day—because it did. Plus, it’s family-friendly, freezer-friendly, and perfect for weeknight meals or Sunday batch cooking.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Main Ingredients

• 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 1 cup soy sauce
• ⅓ cup bourbon (or use apple juice or chicken broth for an alcohol-free version)
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon honey
• ½ teaspoon red chili pepper flakes
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

Optional Add-ins & Toppings

• Chopped green onions – adds color and a fresh bite
• Toasted sesame seeds – for a nutty crunch
• Extra chili flakes or sriracha – if you want more heat
• A spoonful of ketchup – for a subtle tangy twist

For full instructions and a printable recipe card, scroll to the bottom of the page.

How to Make Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Place the chicken directly into your slow cooker—no need to brown first.
2. In a bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, bourbon (or sub), vinegar, ginger, honey, red pepper flakes, and garlic until well mixed.
3. Pour the sauce over the chicken.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 4 hours, until chicken is tender and easy to shred.
5. Remove chicken and roughly chop or shred.
6. Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Whisk it into the sauce in the slow cooker.
7. Return chopped chicken to the pot, stir to coat, and let the sauce thicken for a few more minutes on warm.
8. Turn off heat, garnish with green onions, and serve!

Pro tip: Want a thicker sauce? Let the slurry simmer in the crock pot uncovered for 10–15 minutes before returning the chicken.

Easy Ingredient Swaps & Variations

• No bourbon? Try apple juice, chicken broth, or even cola for a fun twist.
• Chicken breasts work too—just cube before cooking or shred after.
• Add sriracha or extra flakes for a spicy version.
• Need it gluten-free? Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
• Feeding picky eaters? Omit chili flakes for a milder, kid-friendly version.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Got leftovers? You’re in luck—this dish reheats beautifully.

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Portion into freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much.

Serving Suggestions

This sticky chicken begs for something to soak up the sauce:

• Classic steamed white rice
• Jasmine or brown rice for a nuttier base
• Over noodles or even cauliflower rice if you’re cutting carbs
• With stir-fried broccoli, snow peas, or a crisp Asian-inspired slaw
• Garnish with toasted sesame seeds or extra green onions for added crunch and flair

FAQs – Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

More Crock Pot Recipes You’ll Love

Craving more slow cooker comfort food? Don’t miss these favorites:

• Try this Sweet and savory Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken—it’s saucy, easy, and a total crowd-pleaser.
• Love creamy pasta? This Creamy Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is rich, dreamy, and totally addictive.
• For a hearty option, check out Tender Crockpot Pepper Steak with Asian flair—big flavor with minimal prep.

Let’s stay connected! You can find more kitchen-tested slow cooker recipes and behind-the-scenes goodness over on Pinterest and Facebook.

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