Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken
Introduction
The Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken recipe is the ultimate comfort food, blending a mix of rich flavors and tender chicken into a delightful dish that’s perfect for busy days or cozy nights at home. With a slow cooker doing most of the work, this meal comes together effortlessly and will have your kitchen smelling amazing. Whether you’re a kitchen novice or a skilled home cook, this recipe promises a delicious, hearty meal your family or guests will love.
Detailed Ingredients with Measures
To bring this delightful dish to life, you’ll want to keep the following ingredients ready:
Chicken thighs: 2 pounds, boneless and skinless
Soy sauce: 1/2 cup
Bourbon: 1/3 cup
Brown sugar: 1/4 cup
Honey: 1/4 cup
Ketchup: 1/4 cup
Apple cider vinegar: 2 tablespoons
Minced garlic: 2 teaspoons
Ground ginger: 1/2 teaspoon
Red pepper flakes (optional): A pinch
Sesame seeds: For garnish
Green onions: Sliced, for garnish
Prep Time
Preparing this dish is as easy as combining flavors in your kitchen. Start by whisking together the soy sauce, bourbon, brown sugar, honey, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes in a bowl. This step is quick and takes only about 10 minutes of your time. Once the sauce is ready, all that’s left is adding the chicken to the Crock Pot and letting the magic happen.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
The beauty of this recipe lies not just in its delicious taste but also in its simplicity. The chicken cooks in the Crock Pot for 4-6 hours on low heat or about 2-3 hours on high, allowing the sauce to infuse into the meat perfectly. This gives you 4-6 servings, making it an ideal choice whether you’re preparing dinner for the family or meal-prepping for the week. With a total preparation and cooking time under 6 hours, this hearty recipe will be worth every minute you wait.
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Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Cut boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized chunks. Set aside for later use.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together chicken broth, bourbon, brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, minced garlic, and ground ginger to create the sauce.
Step 3: Add Chicken to the Crock-Pot
Place the prepared chicken chunks into the Crock-Pot.
Step 4: Pour the Sauce
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the Crock-Pot, ensuring the chicken is well-covered.
Step 5: Cook in the Crock-Pot
Cover the Crock-Pot with the lid and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir occasionally to ensure the sauce evenly coats the chicken.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce
When the cooking time is nearly done, make a cornstarch slurry by whisking together cornstarch and water in a small bowl. Stir the slurry into the Crock-Pot and allow the sauce to thicken while cooking for another 15-30 minutes.
Step 7: Serve the Bourbon Chicken
Once thickened, serve the bourbon chicken over rice, with steamed vegetables, or as desired.
Notes
Serving Suggestions
Serve the bourbon chicken with white rice, brown rice, or even noodles. A side of steamed broccoli or green beans complements this dish well.
Adjusting the Bourbon Flavor
If you prefer a stronger bourbon flavor, you can increase the amount of bourbon slightly. Conversely, if you’d like to reduce the bourbon taste, lessen the quantity to suit your preference.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop until warm, making sure the chicken is heated through.
Substitutions and Additions
For a sweeter variation, you can add pineapple chunks toward the end of cooking. For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or Sriracha sauce to the sauce mixture.
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Cook Techniques
Using the Right Cut of Chicken
For this recipe, using boneless, skinless chicken thighs is ideal as they stay tender and juicy during the slow cooking process. Ensure to trim any excess fat before cooking.
Searing the Chicken
Searing the chicken prior to adding it to the crock pot enhances the flavor. While this step is optional, it adds a slight caramelization to the exterior, locking in juices.
Creating the Sauce
The key to this recipe’s rich flavor lies in mixing the bourbon with soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Combining these ingredients well before adding them to the crock pot will ensure consistency in flavor.
Layering Ingredients
Place the chicken at the bottom of the crock pot and pour the sauce mixture evenly over the top to ensure even flavor distribution.
Thickening the Sauce
To achieve a thicker sauce consistency, mix a small amount of cornstarch with cold water and slowly stir it into the sauce towards the end of the cooking process. Let it simmer for a few minutes to thicken.
Cooking Time
Cooking this dish on low heat for 6 hours or on high heat for 3 hours ensures the chicken becomes tender and soaks up the flavors of the bourbon sauce.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs wonderfully with rice or steamed vegetables, which soak up the bold, sweet, and savory sauce perfectly.
FAQ
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are recommended as they remain tender and juicy during the slow cooking process.
Can I skip searing the chicken?
Yes, searing the chicken is optional but enhances the flavor and texture of the dish.
How do I thicken the sauce?
To thicken the sauce, mix cornstarch with cold water and add it to the crock pot towards the end of the cooking process. Allow it to simmer until the sauce thickens.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but keep in mind they may not be as tender as thighs after slow cooking.
What can I substitute for bourbon?
If you prefer not to use bourbon, you can substitute with apple juice or omit it entirely, but note that the flavor profile will change.
How long should I cook this dish in the crock pot?
Cook on low heat for 6 hours or on high heat for 3 hours for best results.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe. Ensure that your crock pot is large enough, and cooking time may be slightly extended to accommodate the additional volume.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I freeze bourbon chicken?
Yes, you can freeze it. Let the dish cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
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Conclusion
This Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors that makes for a delightful and easy-to-prepare meal. It’s a great choice for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, offering hearty and comforting goodness with minimal effort. Whether served over rice, noodles, or alongside vegetables, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Honey Garlic Chicken
Try making a similar slow-cooked dish using honey, soy sauce, garlic, and a dash of ginger for a slightly different take on sweet and savory poultry.
Teriyaki Glazed Meatballs
Pair this meal with delicious homemade or store-bought meatballs glazed in a tangy teriyaki sauce for a perfect family dinner.
Sticky Mango Chicken
Infuse tropical flavors by using mango puree and a touch of lime juice to create a sweet and tangy variation.
Slow Cooker Ginger Soy Pork
Switch up the protein and use pork with similar ingredients, adding a kick of ginger for an aromatic twist.
Orange Sesame Chicken
Incorporate orange juice, zest, and sesame seeds to elevate the sweet and citrusy flavors within your recipe collection.
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