Slow Cooker Bourbon Chicken
There are some smells that instantly take me back. For me one of them is that sweet savory scent drifting through the mall food court back when the kids were little and nobody cared about carbs or sodium. You know the one. Bourbon chicken sizzling away under heat lamps while we pretended we were just walking by and not absolutely planning lunch around it.
These days I am not hanging around malls nearly as much. What I am doing is leaning hard on my slow cooker. Especially on busy days when homework needs checking, laundry needs folding, and dinner needs to magically handle itself. That is where this Slow Cooker Bourbon Chicken comes in. It is one of those recipes that feels like cheating because you barely do anything, yet dinner tastes like you worked all day on it.
This is the kind of meal I throw together in the morning with a cup of coffee in my hand and zero motivation. Chicken thighs go in. Sauce gets whisked together. Lid goes on. Then I go live my life. By dinnertime the house smells incredible, the chicken is fall apart tender, and everyone suddenly wanders into the kitchen asking when dinner will be ready like it has not been cooking all day.
It is sweet, savory, a little sticky, and full of flavor. Just like the mall classic but better because you know exactly what went into it and you did not have to fight for a plastic fork. This is comfort food for busy families, tired parents, and anyone who loves letting the slow cooker do the heavy lifting.
What Is Slow Cooker Bourbon Chicken?
Slow Cooker Bourbon Chicken is a cozy take on the classic food court favorite made with tender chicken thighs slow cooked in a sweet and savory sauce made from soy sauce, apple juice, brown sugar, honey, ketchup, garlic, ginger, and a splash of bourbon if you want it. The result is juicy shredded chicken coated in a thick glossy sauce that tastes nostalgic, comforting, and downright addictive.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Hands off cooking: The slow cooker does all the work while you go about your day without babysitting the stove.
- Big bold flavor: Sweet, salty, and savory flavors cook together low and slow for maximum taste.
- Family friendly: It tastes just like the mall version but made at home where everyone can enjoy it.
- Forgiving and flexible: Easy to adjust ingredients based on what you have on hand.
- Great leftovers: The flavors get even better the next day making lunches something to look forward to.
When to Serve This Recipe
- Comfort food cravings: When you want something cozy and familiar without takeout.
- Busy weeknights: Perfect for days when dinner needs to be effortless but still satisfying.
- Meal prep Sundays: Makes enough to feed the family and still have leftovers.
- Casual entertaining: Easy crowd pleaser when served over rice with a big spoon.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs: Thighs stay juicy and tender during long slow cooking and give that authentic texture.
- ¼ cup sliced green onions plus more for garnish: Adds mild onion flavor and a fresh finish.
- ¼ teaspoon powdered ginger: Brings warmth and classic bourbon chicken flavor.
- 4 cloves garlic minced: Essential for depth and savory balance.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Adds gentle heat without overwhelming the dish.
- ⅓ cup apple juice: Adds sweetness and helps tenderize the chicken.
- 1 ½ tablespoons honey: Gives the sauce that sticky sweet finish.
- ¼ cup brown sugar: Deepens the sweetness and creates a rich sauce.
- ¼ cup ketchup: Adds tang and body to the sauce.
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar: Balances the sweetness with acidity.
- ¼ cup bourbon optional: Adds classic flavor but can be skipped if preferred.
- ¼ cup soy sauce: Brings salty umami depth to the dish.
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch: Thickens the sauce at the end.
- 3 tablespoons water or more apple juice: Helps dissolve the cornstarch smoothly.
How to Make Slow Cooker Bourbon Chicken
Step 1: Add the Chicken
Place the chicken thighs directly into the bottom of your slow cooker. Scatter the sliced green onions over the top. No need to cut the chicken beforehand. It will shred easily later once it is cooked.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a mixing bowl whisk together the powdered ginger, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, apple juice, honey, brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, bourbon if using, and soy sauce. Take a second to smell it. That is the magic starting already.
Step 3: Pour and Cook
Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken. Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours. Try not to lift the lid too often. Let the slow cooker do its thing.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is fully cooked and tender, use two forks to lightly shred it right in the slow cooker. The chicken should fall apart easily and soak up even more of that sauce.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl whisk together the cornstarch and water or apple juice until smooth. Stir it into the slow cooker. Cover and cook for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken beautifully.
Substitutions
- Chicken breasts: Can be used instead of thighs but may be slightly less juicy.
- Apple juice replacement: Pineapple juice works well for a slightly tropical flavor.
- Soy sauce alternative: Use coconut aminos for a lower sodium option.
Variations
- Spicy bourbon chicken: Add extra red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
- Orange bourbon chicken: Swap apple juice for orange juice for a citrus twist.
- Honey heavy version: Increase honey slightly for a sweeter sauce.
Tips and Tricks
- Do not skip shredding: Shredding helps the chicken absorb the sauce fully.
- Let it thicken fully: Give the cornstarch time to work before serving.
- Taste and adjust: Add a little more soy sauce or honey if needed.
FAQs
Does the alcohol cook out?
Most of the alcohol cooks off during the long slow cooking process, leaving behind the flavor.
Can I make this without bourbon?
Absolutely. Just substitute more apple juice and it will still be delicious.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes as long as your slow cooker is large enough and not overfilled.
Serving Ideas
- Over steamed rice: Classic and perfect for soaking up the sauce.
- With fried rice: Makes a complete takeout style meal at home.
- In lettuce wraps: A lighter way to enjoy the flavors.
- With roasted vegetables: Adds balance to the sweet sauce.
Storage and Make Ahead Tips
- Refrigerator storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stove or microwave with a splash of water.
- Make ahead friendly: Flavors deepen overnight making leftovers even better.
Slow Cooker Bourbon Chicken
Ingredients
- 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- ¼ cup sliced green onions plus more for garnish
- ¼ teaspoon powdered ginger
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ⅓ cup apple juice
- 1 ½ tablespoons honey
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup bourbon optional
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons water or more apple juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Add the Chicken – Place the chicken thighs directly into the bottom of your slow cooker. Scatter the sliced green onions over the top. No need to cut the chicken beforehand. It will shred easily later once it is cooked.
- Step 2: Make the Sauce – In a mixing bowl whisk together the powdered ginger, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, apple juice, honey, brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, bourbon if using, and soy sauce. Take a second to smell it. That is the magic starting already.
- Step 3: Pour and Cook – Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken. Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours. Try not to lift the lid too often. Let the slow cooker do its thing.
- Step 4: Shred the Chicken – Once the chicken is fully cooked and tender, use two forks to lightly shred it right in the slow cooker. The chicken should fall apart easily and soak up even more of that sauce.
- Step 5: Thicken the Sauce – In a small bowl whisk together the cornstarch and water or apple juice until smooth. Stir it into the slow cooker. Cover and cook for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken beautifully.
Notes
Substitutions
- Chicken breasts: Can be used instead of thighs but may be slightly less juicy.
- Apple juice replacement: Pineapple juice works well for a slightly tropical flavor.
- Soy sauce alternative: Use coconut aminos for a lower sodium option.
Variations
- Spicy bourbon chicken: Add extra red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
- Orange bourbon chicken: Swap apple juice for orange juice for a citrus twist.
- Honey heavy version: Increase honey slightly for a sweeter sauce.
Tips and Tricks
- Do not skip shredding: Shredding helps the chicken absorb the sauce fully.
- Let it thicken fully: Give the cornstarch time to work before serving.
- Taste and adjust: Add a little more soy sauce or honey if needed.
Serving Ideas
- Over steamed rice: Classic and perfect for soaking up the sauce.
- With fried rice: Makes a complete takeout style meal at home.
- In lettuce wraps: A lighter way to enjoy the flavors.
- With roasted vegetables: Adds balance to the sweet sauce.
Storage and Make Ahead Tips
- Refrigerator storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stove or microwave with a splash of water.
- Make ahead friendly: Flavors deepen overnight making leftovers even better.
Private Notes
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Bourbon Chicken is one of those recipes that earns a permanent spot in the rotation. It is easy, comforting, and brings a little nostalgia to the dinner table without any stress. I love recipes like this because they remind me that good food does not have to be complicated. Sometimes it just needs time and a slow cooker doing its thing in the background while life happens.
If you try this one I hope it fills your kitchen with that same cozy smell and gives you one less thing to worry about at dinnertime. From one tired parent to another, this one has your back.
