Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken – Sweet, Savory & Set-It-and-Forget-It Delicious

I still remember the first time I made this Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken—it was a chilly Thursday, and I was scrambling to get dinner ready between school pickups and laundry piles. The smell that filled the kitchen by 5 p.m.? Pure comfort. Sweet, savory, with a hint of warmth from the bourbon—this is a set-it-and-forget-it hero you’ll want on repeat.

Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

This Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken brings all the cozy vibes of mall-style takeout straight to your kitchen, but with a flavor twist inspired by New Orleans. It’s irresistibly sweet and savory, with just a whisper of tang and heat—plus that rich, caramel-kissed note from the bourbon (don’t worry, the alcohol cooks off!). Everything simmers down into a thick, sticky glaze that hugs every tender bite of chicken. And the best part? It’s wildly easy. Toss everything into the slow cooker, walk away, and come back to dinner practically done. This dish is family-friendly, crowd-pleasing, and flexible enough to serve over rice, noodles, or even crisp-tender veggies.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is all about pantry-friendly ingredients and bold, balanced flavor. You’ll need boneless, skinless chicken thighs (because they stay juicy and tender), garlic powder, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes for warmth. The magic comes from the sauce: a blend of apple juice, brown sugar, soy sauce, ketchup, cider vinegar, and a splash of bourbon. Everything slow cooks into a glossy, sweet-savory glaze. You likely already have most of these on hand!

Optional Add-Ins or Substitutes

Don’t have chicken thighs? Chicken breasts work too—just be careful not to overcook. Want a tropical vibe? Toss in some pineapple chunks. Avoiding alcohol? Swap the bourbon for apple cider or a splash of vanilla extract for depth.

How to Make Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces—about 1-inch cubes work perfectly. Add them directly to the crock pot.

Next, grab a medium mixing bowl and whisk together your sauce ingredients: garlic powder, ground ginger, crushed red pepper flakes, apple juice, brown sugar, ketchup, cider vinegar, soy sauce, water, and bourbon. This sauce will simmer low and slow, infusing the chicken with layers of sweet and savory goodness.

Pour the sauce over the chicken and cover. Cook on LOW for 4 hours—this gentle heat keeps the chicken tender and flavorful.

Once your timer dings, it’s time to thicken the sauce. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with cold water to form a slurry. Stir it into the slow cooker and let everything cook for another 10 to 15 minutes. The sauce should bubble and thicken into a luscious glaze.

Serve it warm over fluffy white rice or however you love it best. It’s that simple—and ridiculously good.

Pro Tips for Best Results

• Want even deeper flavor? Sear the chicken in a hot skillet before adding it to the slow cooker.
• Prefer a thicker sauce? Let the dish cook uncovered for the last 10–15 minutes after adding the slurry, or double the cornstarch mix.
• Don’t overcook! Four hours on LOW is the sweet spot for juicy, tender chicken thighs. Any longer, and you risk drying things out.

Serving Suggestions

This dish was made for white rice, but it’s just as tasty with noodles or spooned over a bowl of stir-fried vegetables. For a low-carb twist, wrap it in crisp lettuce leaves for an Asian-inspired lettuce wrap moment. It also makes a fantastic meal prep option for the week ahead!

Storage & Reheating

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To freeze, portion into meal-size servings and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water to loosen the sauce if needed. The flavors deepen beautifully overnight, making leftovers even more delicious.

If you’re a fan of cozy, slow-simmered meals like this one, don’t miss this Slow Cooker Beef and Noodles – a comfort food classic with tender chunks of beef or our Hearty Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole for busy weeknights. Craving more takeout-style flavor? Try this Crockpot Pepper Steak with a savory soy-based sauce—it’s another slow cooker favorite that never disappoints.

For even more cozy dinner inspiration, check out Kai’s Pinterest collection—it’s packed with weeknight wonders and slow cooker gold.

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