Slow Cooker Bourbon Chicken

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Slow Cooker Bourbon Chicken

Sweet, savory, and incredibly tender, this Slow Cooker Bourbon Chicken delivers that iconic take-out flavor with minimal effort. Diced chicken slowly cooks in a rich brown-sugar soy sauce until perfectly glazed and juicy. Serve it over rice for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal.

Description

Bourbon Chicken is a beloved take-out dish known for its sticky-sweet sauce and bold umami flavor. Despite the name, it’s not boozy—most of the alcohol cooks off, leaving behind a deep caramelized taste. This slow cooker version is easy, hands-off, and perfect for busy days.

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced

  • ¾ cup brown sugar (light or dark)

  • ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce

  • ¼ cup bourbon (or apple juice for alcohol-free)

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced (or 1 tsp ground)

  • 2 tbsp ketchup

  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

  • 2 tbsp cornstarch

  • 2 tbsp water

Instructions

  1. Add to Slow Cooker
    Place diced chicken into the slow cooker.

  2. Make the Sauce
    In a bowl, whisk brown sugar, soy sauce, bourbon, garlic, ginger, ketchup, vinegar, pepper, and red pepper flakes.

  3. Cook
    Pour sauce over chicken. Cover and cook:

    • LOW: 5–6 hours

    • HIGH: 2½–3 hours

  4. Thicken Sauce
    Mix cornstarch and water. Stir into slow cooker during last 20–30 minutes.

  5. Serve
    Spoon over rice and garnish with green onions or sesame seeds.

Tips for Best Results

  • Use chicken thighs for extra tenderness

  • Don’t overcook once thickened—the sauce can get too sticky

  • For extra glaze, remove lid for last 15 minutes

  • Add steamed broccoli or bell peppers at the end for a full meal

Servings

  • Serves: 6

  • Serving Size: ~1 cup chicken with sauce

Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)

  • Calories: 380

  • Protein: 32g

  • Carbohydrates: 34g

  • Sugar: 22g

  • Fat: 9g

  • Sodium: 780mg

(Values vary based on ingredients used)

Benefits

  • ✔ High in protein

  • ✔ Budget-friendly

  • ✔ Great for meal prep

  • ✔ Minimal prep & cleanup

  • ✔ Take-out flavor at home

Q & A

Q: Can I make this without bourbon?
A: Yes! Substitute apple juice or chicken broth.

Q: Can I freeze bourbon chicken?
A: Absolutely. Freeze up to 3 months in an airtight container.

Q: Can I make it spicy?
A: Add chili garlic sauce or extra red pepper flakes.

Q: What goes best with it?
A: White rice, fried rice, lo mein, or steamed vegetables.

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