Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken: Sweet, Savory, and Sticky Slow Cooker Comfort

There’s a certain type of comfort food that instantly makes you smile the moment you smell it simmering away. For many, that dish is bourbon chicken. If you’ve ever walked through a mall food court and followed your nose toward the sweet and savory aroma of sizzling chicken glazed in a glossy sauce, you already know exactly what I mean.

But instead of waiting in line or ordering takeout, you can make this beloved dish right at home—with even more flavor and a lot less effort. Enter the Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken, a slow cooker twist on the classic recipe. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity: toss everything into your slow cooker, set it, and a few hours later you’ll have tender, fall-apart chicken bathed in a sticky, sweet-savory sauce that tastes like it came straight from your favorite restaurant.

This version is cozy, family-friendly, and ideal for busy weeknights when you want maximum flavor with minimal effort. It’s also fantastic for meal prep because the flavors deepen as it sits, and leftovers taste just as good (if not better) the next day. Let’s dive in and explore why this dish has earned a permanent spot in so many kitchens.

this Recipe

What Is Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

Despite the name, bourbon chicken isn’t originally from Kentucky—it’s a dish that was born in the food courts of America. Its name actually comes from Bourbon Street in New Orleans, not solely from bourbon whiskey, though the alcohol is often included for richness and depth.

Traditionally, bourbon chicken is made by pan-frying chicken and tossing it in a glaze of soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and bourbon. It’s glossy, sticky, and irresistibly flavorful.

The crock pot version takes everything you love about bourbon chicken but makes it even easier. Instead of standing over the stove, you combine all the ingredients in your slow cooker and let time do the work. The low-and-slow cooking method infuses every piece of chicken with layers of flavor, and the sauce reduces into a sticky glaze that clings to the shredded meat. It’s an effortless way to enjoy a dish that tastes gourmet.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe

• Set It and Forget It: The crock pot does the heavy lifting. You just add the ingredients and walk away.
• Sticky, Sweet, and Savory: That perfect balance of brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, and bourbon creates a flavor explosion.
• Tender and Juicy Chicken: Slow cooking makes the chicken melt-in-your-mouth soft.
• Takeout at Home: Skip the food court and enjoy homemade bourbon chicken without leaving your kitchen.
• Family Friendly: A dish that appeals to both adults and kids.
• Great for Meal Prep: The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers even better.
• Budget Friendly: Uses inexpensive ingredients but tastes like a restaurant meal.

How Does It Taste?

The flavor of bourbon chicken is unique and unforgettable. The sauce is glossy and sticky, coating every shred of chicken. It’s sweet from brown sugar and honey, savory from soy sauce, tangy from vinegar, garlicky with a hint of spice from ginger, and rounded out with a smoky depth from bourbon.

The chicken itself is incredibly tender, falling apart with the touch of a fork. Every bite is a balance of salty, sweet, tangy, and umami flavors, with just a whisper of bourbon in the background. Paired with rice or noodles, it’s pure comfort food.

Health & Ingredient Benefits

Even though bourbon chicken feels indulgent, its ingredients each bring something to the table:

• Chicken: A lean, high-protein base that keeps you full.
• Bourbon: Cooks down to leave a subtle richness without overwhelming.
• Soy Sauce (or Tamari): Provides savory umami flavor.
• Garlic & Ginger: Natural immune-boosters with antioxidant benefits.
• Brown Sugar & Honey: Create caramelization and sticky glaze.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds tang and balances sweetness.

This recipe is indulgent yet balanced, and it can easily be made lighter with small swaps like reducing sugar or using low-sodium soy sauce.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• ½ cup bourbon whiskey
• ½ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup honey
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (for slurry)
• 3 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (optional garnish)

Tools You’ll Need

• Crock pot or slow cooker
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small bowl for slurry
• Cutting board and knife
• Forks for shredding chicken

Optional Substitutions & Additions

• Protein Swaps: Use pork, shrimp, or tofu instead of chicken.
• Alcohol-Free: Replace bourbon with apple juice, chicken broth, or cola.
• Spice Lovers: Add sriracha, red pepper flakes, or chili paste.
• Veggie Boost: Add broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers in the last hour of cooking.
• Low-Sugar: Replace some brown sugar with coconut sugar or monk fruit.

How to Make

1. Prepare Chicken: Place chicken breasts or thighs into the crock pot.
2. Mix Sauce: Whisk bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, ketchup, garlic, ginger, and vinegar in a bowl. Pour over chicken.
3. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low 6–7 hours or high 3–4 hours until chicken is tender.
4. Shred & Thicken: Shred chicken with forks. Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook another 15 minutes until sauce thickens.
5. Serve: Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Enjoy over rice or noodles.

What to Serve With

This dish pairs best with sides that soak up the sauce:

• Steamed jasmine or basmati rice
• Brown rice or cauliflower rice for lighter option
• Stir-fried vegetables with garlic and sesame oil
• Egg noodles or lo mein for a takeout-style meal
• Cucumber salad or kimchi for a refreshing contrast

Tips for Success

• Use Chicken Thighs: They stay juicier than breasts in the crock pot.
• Taste as You Go: Adjust sweetness or saltiness before serving.
• Don’t Skip the Slurry: It transforms the sauce from runny to sticky.
• Add Bourbon for Depth: Even a small amount makes a big difference.
• Double It: This recipe freezes beautifully, so make extra for later.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking Chicken: Even in a crock pot, too much time can dry it out.
• Adding Veggies Too Early: They’ll turn mushy; add them in the last hour.
• Skipping the Bourbon: It adds depth of flavor, even if the alcohol cooks off.
• Using Frozen Chicken Without Thawing: Leads to uneven cooking.

How to Store & Reheat

• Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in fridge.
• Reheat: Warm gently on stovetop or microwave with splash of broth if too thick.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does bourbon chicken taste like alcohol?
No, the alcohol cooks off, leaving only depth of flavor.

Can I skip the bourbon?
Yes, use apple juice, chicken broth, or cola instead.

Is bourbon chicken spicy?
Not traditionally, but you can add heat with chili flakes or sriracha.

What cut of chicken works best?
Thighs stay juicier, but breasts work well too.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes—pressure cook on high for 10 minutes, then shred and thicken sauce.

How do I keep sauce from being too thin?
Always use a cornstarch slurry to thicken at the end.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, substitute tamari for soy sauce.

Does it freeze well?
Absolutely—store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.

Nutritional Info (approximate per serving)

• Calories: 370
• Protein: 32g
• Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 22g
• Sodium: 890mg

Conclusion

This Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is the epitome of easy comfort food. With its tender, juicy chicken and glossy, sticky sauce, it delivers all the flavor of a takeout favorite with the convenience of a slow cooker. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something hearty and satisfying, this dish checks all the boxes.

Once you try it, you’ll understand why bourbon chicken has become such a beloved classic and why this crock pot version will become one of your most-requested recipes at home.

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September 16, 2025 by Melissa