Best Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken: Sweet, Sticky & Slow-Cooked Perfection

Craving takeout-style bourbon chicken but want something easier—and healthier—right from your own kitchen? This Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is the answer. With a sweet, savory, slightly tangy sauce and melt-in-your-mouth tender chicken, this slow cooker version tastes just like your favorite mall food court classic… only better.

Named after Bourbon Street in New Orleans, not the whiskey (though yes, it does include bourbon!), this dish is a Southern-Chinese-American fusion that’s become wildly popular across the U.S. The slow cooker version simplifies the cooking process while letting all those bold flavors develop beautifully over hours. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or feeding a crowd.

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Ingredients Overview: Sweet, Savory, and Slow-Cooked to Flavor

The flavor of bourbon chicken hinges on a sticky-sweet sauce with just the right balance of umami, acidity, and warmth. Here’s what you’ll need:

Chicken

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: Ideal for slow cooking. Stay juicy and tender without drying out.

• Chicken Breasts: Can be used for a leaner option but may be slightly less tender.

The Bourbon Sauce

• Bourbon Whiskey: A small amount infuses warmth and depth. Most alcohol cooks off during slow cooking.

• Soy Sauce: Adds umami saltiness and balances the sweetness.

• Brown Sugar: Essential for the sticky glaze and signature sweetness.

• Ketchup: Rounds out the sauce with acidity and a touch of sweetness.

• Apple Cider Vinegar: Brightens the sauce and cuts through the richness.

• Garlic & Ginger: Provide classic Asian-inspired aromatics.

• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, but add gentle heat.

• Cornstarch Slurry: Thickens the sauce near the end of cooking to achieve that signature glaze.

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Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

1. Prep the Chicken

• Cut 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces (or leave whole to shred later).

• Pat dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.

2. Mix the Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

• ½ cup bourbon

• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce

• ½ cup brown sugar

• ¼ cup ketchup

• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger (or ½ tsp ground)

• Optional: ¼–½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes

3. Add to Crock Pot

• Place chicken in a 4–6 quart slow cooker.

• Pour the sauce over the chicken and stir to coat evenly.

4. Cook Low and Slow

• Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 2½–3½ hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

5. Thicken the Sauce

• In the last 30 minutes of cooking, mix:

  • 2 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp cold water

• Stir into the crock pot. Cover and cook until sauce thickens.

6. Finish & Serve

• Taste and adjust seasoning (more soy sauce for salt, vinegar for tang, or brown sugar for sweetness).

• Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.

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Tips, Variations, and Substitutions

Pro Tips

• Use chicken thighs for the most tender, juicy results.

• Thicken with cornstarch at the end so the sauce coats beautifully.

• Cut chicken evenly to ensure consistent cooking.

Variations

• Spicy Bourbon Chicken: Add extra red pepper flakes, sriracha, or chili garlic sauce.

• Honey Bourbon Chicken: Replace 2–3 tbsp brown sugar with honey for a richer, more floral sweetness.

• Pineapple Bourbon Chicken: Add pineapple chunks in the last hour of cooking for a sweet tropical twist.

• Bourbon-Free: Sub with apple juice for a kid-friendly version.

Substitutions

• No Bourbon? Use apple juice, white grape juice, or chicken broth with a splash of vanilla for similar depth.

• Low-Carb Version: Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and a sugar substitute like monk fruit or erythritol.

• Gluten-Free: Use tamari or certified GF soy sauce.

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Serving Ideas & Occasions

This dish is incredibly versatile. Here’s how to serve it:

Perfect Pairings

• Steamed White or Brown Rice: Classic and simple to soak up the sauce.

• Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb option.

• Stir-Fried Vegetables: Broccoli, snap peas, or bell peppers add color and crunch.

• Lo Mein or Noodles: Toss the chicken with cooked noodles for a takeout-style twist.

Ideal Occasions

• Weeknight Dinners: Set it and forget it.

• Meal Prep: Store in individual containers with rice and veggies.

• Potlucks or Family Gatherings: Easy to scale up and serve from the crock pot.

• Freezer Meals: Make ahead, freeze in portions, and thaw for quick dinners.

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Nutritional & Health Notes

While bourbon chicken is known for its indulgent flavor, making it at home allows for healthier swaps and portion control.

Nutrition Estimate (Per Serving, approx. 6 servings)

• Calories: ~350

• Protein: 30g

• Carbs: 20g

• Fat: 15g

• Sugar: 15g

• Sodium: 650mg (use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce)

Health Tips

• Use chicken breasts for lower fat.

• Serve with steamed vegetables to round out the meal.

• Reduce sugar by half if you prefer a less sweet sauce.

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FAQ: Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

1. Does bourbon chicken actually have bourbon in it?

Yes, traditionally it does—named after Bourbon Street in New Orleans. But you can make it without bourbon (sub apple juice or broth) and still get amazing flavor.

2. Can I make this without a slow cooker?

Absolutely. You can cook the chicken and sauce on the stovetop in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-low heat for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Will the alcohol cook off?

Yes—most of it cooks off during the long slow cooking process, leaving just the flavor. You can also simmer the bourbon briefly before adding it to be sure.

4. Can I freeze bourbon chicken?

Yes. Let it cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop or microwave.

5. How do I make this less sweet?

Reduce the brown sugar to ¼ cup or use honey as a more balanced sweetener. Adding extra vinegar or soy sauce can also temper the sweetness.

6. Can I use frozen chicken?

It’s best to thaw the chicken before adding to the slow cooker to ensure safe, even cooking. Using frozen chicken in a slow cooker is not recommended due to food safety.

7. What type of bourbon is best?

Any mid-range bourbon works well—nothing too fancy. Jim Beam, Wild Turkey, or Evan Williams are all solid choices. Avoid flavored bourbons.

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