Are you looking for an easy yet mouthwatering dish to impress your family or guests? Look no further than crock pot bourbon chicken! This delightful recipe combines tender chicken with a rich, sweet-and-savory sauce that simmers to perfection in your slow cooker. With minimal preparation and hands-on cooking time, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. The best part? You can set it and forget it while you enjoy your day. Whether served over rice or with your favorite side dishes, this flavorful chicken will quickly become a family favorite. Let’s dive into why you’ll absolutely love this crock pot bourbon chicken!

Why You’ll Love This crock pot bourbon chicken

Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks
Flavorful and Versatile: Enjoy outstanding flavor with ingredients you can easily customize by adding your favorites or adjusting spices
Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weeknight dinners

Ingredients for crock pot bourbon chicken

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding
Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor

For the Sauce:

Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce to better control the saltiness
Bourbon: Select a smooth bourbon that you enjoy drinking; its flavor enhances the dish significantly
Brown Sugar: This adds sweetness and helps balance the savory flavors in the sauce
Ketchup: Regular ketchup works well as a base for the sauce; it adds tanginess

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make crock pot bourbon chicken

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by trimming any excess fat from the boneless skinless chicken breasts. Pat them dry with paper towels for better browning.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, bourbon, brown sugar, ketchup, minced garlic, and black pepper until well combined.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients in Crock Pot

Place the prepared chicken breasts in your crock pot. Pour the sauce over them evenly to ensure every piece is coated.

Step 4: Cook on Low

Cover the crock pot and set it on low heat. Let it cook for about 6-7 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

Step 5: Shred Chicken (Optional)

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the crock pot. Use two forks to shred it if desired or serve whole if you prefer.

Step 6: Serve Your Dish

Transfer to plates and drizzle with extra sauce from the crock pot for the perfect finishing touch.

Tips and Tricks

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

Even Cooking: Make sure all ingredients are cut to similar sizes for consistent cooking times
Temperature Control: Let ingredients reach room temperature before starting for better results
Advanced Technique: For enhanced flavor, try marinating the ingredients overnight

How to Serve crock pot bourbon chicken

This crock pot bourbon chicken is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

Rice or Potatoes: A hearty base that soaks up the delicious sauce.
Fresh Salad: Adds a crisp and refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.
Crusty Bread: Perfect for enjoying every last drop of the flavorful sauce.

Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead: You can prepare the marinade for the crock pot bourbon chicken a day in advance. Mix all ingredients and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.
Storing: Leftover crock pot bourbon chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze it in freezer-safe containers for up to three months.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw frozen chicken overnight in the refrigerator. Warm it gently on the stove over low heat for about 10-15 minutes, or microwave it in short intervals, stirring frequently to maintain even heating.

Suggestions for crock pot bourbon chicken

Avoid Overcooking the Chicken

When making crock pot bourbon chicken, it’s essential to avoid overcooking the chicken. Cooking it for too long can lead to dry, rubbery meat that lacks flavor. To prevent this, set your crock pot on low and adhere to the recommended cooking time of 4-6 hours. Always check the internal temperature of the chicken; it should reach at least 165°F for safe consumption. If you’re using frozen chicken, increase the cooking time slightly but be cautious not to leave it for too long. Remember, the beauty of a crock pot lies in its ability to tenderize meat while maintaining moisture.

Skipping Marinade Time

Marinating your chicken is crucial for achieving depth of flavor in your crock pot bourbon chicken. Skipping this step can result in a less flavorful dish. Ideally, allow your chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes or even overnight if possible. This helps the bourbon and other ingredients infuse into the meat, enhancing its taste significantly. If you’re short on time, even a quick 15-minute marinade can make a noticeable difference. Be sure to incorporate salt and sugar into your marinade to help with flavor development and caramelization during cooking.

Using Low-Quality Ingredients

The quality of ingredients directly impacts the outcome of your crock pot bourbon chicken. Using low-quality soy sauce or bourbon can result in an unappealing taste. Opt for good-quality bourbon that you enjoy drinking and use organic or fresh ingredients whenever possible. Fresh garlic and ginger will add vibrant flavors compared to their dried counterparts. Additionally, consider using low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your salt intake; this allows you to control the overall sodium content without sacrificing flavor.

Not Monitoring Liquid Levels

Monitoring liquid levels in your crock pot is crucial when making bourbon chicken. Too much liquid can lead to a watery sauce, while too little can cause the dish to burn or dry out. The key is to have enough liquid for steam but not so much that it dilutes the flavors you’re trying to achieve. As a general rule, start with half a cup of bourbon mixed with soy sauce and other ingredients like honey or brown sugar. Adjust as necessary during cooking; if it seems too dry, add more liquid incrementally.

FAQs

What is crock pot bourbon chicken?

Crock pot bourbon chicken is a savory dish made by slow-cooking chicken in a mixture of bourbon, soy sauce, and other flavorful ingredients like garlic and ginger. This recipe creates tender meat infused with rich flavors that are ideal for serving over rice or noodles. The slow cooking process allows the alcohol from the bourbon to evaporate while leaving behind its distinct taste that enhances the overall dish.

Can I substitute whiskey for bourbon in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute whiskey for bourbon when preparing crock pot bourbon chicken. While both spirits share similarities in flavor profiles, keep in mind that whiskey may have a slightly different aroma and sweetness level compared to bourbon. This substitution can still yield delicious results; however, expect some variation in taste based on the specific brand of whiskey used.

How do I store leftovers from crock pot bourbon chicken?

Storing leftovers from your crock pot chicken is easy! Allow any remaining food to cool completely before transferring it into airtight containers for refrigeration. Your dish should last for 3-4 days in the fridge or up to three months if frozen properly. When reheating, ensure that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before serving again.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! To make gluten-free crock pot bourbon chicken, substitute regular soy sauce with gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. These alternatives provide similar flavors without containing gluten. Check all other ingredients such as condiments and marinades as well to ensure they meet gluten-free standards while still delivering that delicious flavor profile you love.

Conclusion for crock pot bourbon chicken

In conclusion, crafting perfect crock pot bourbon chicken requires attention to detail regarding ingredient quality and cooking times. By avoiding common mistakes like overcooking or skipping marinade time, you’ll achieve tender meat bursting with flavor every time you make this dish. Don’t forget about monitoring liquid levels carefully; balance is vital for creating an enjoyable sauce consistency! Lastly, experimenting with substitutions can help cater this recipe to personal preferences or dietary restrictions while maintaining its delicious essence! Enjoy this comforting meal any night of the week!

Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

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Author: Aimee
Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is a mouthwatering dish that effortlessly combines tender chicken with a sweet and savory bourbon sauce. This easy slow cooker recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, allowing you to prepare it in just a few minutes and then set it aside to simmer throughout the day. The rich flavors of soy sauce, brown sugar, and bourbon meld beautifully, creating a delightful meal that pairs perfectly with rice or your favorite sides. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a cozy family dinner, this dish will impress everyone at the table. Get ready to savor every bite of this sensational crock pot creation!

Ingredients

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Instructions

Trim excess fat from the chicken breasts and pat dry.
In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, bourbon, brown sugar, ketchup, garlic, and black pepper.
Place the chicken in the crock pot and pour the sauce evenly over it.
Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours until the chicken is tender.
Shred the chicken if desired and serve with extra sauce drizzled on top.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Category: Main
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition