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–+ servings

Slow Cooker Bourbon Chicken

Slow Cooker Bourbon Chicken is sweet, savory, and fall apart tender with classic food court flavor made easy in the crockpot.
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A plate of white rice topped with a saucy meat and vegetable stew, garnished with chopped green onions, served with broccoli and leafy greens on the side.
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Prep Time:5 minutes
Cook Time:6 hours
Total Time:6 hours 5 minutes

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.

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Servings: 4 people
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