Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

INTRODUCTION

Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is a delicious dish that is perfect for busy days. The slow cooker makes it easy to prepare a warm and flavorful meal without standing over the stove. The combination of tender chicken, sweet brown sugar, and spicy red pepper flakes gives this dish its signature taste. Plus, making it in the crock pot allows the flavors to meld beautifully while you go about your day. This recipe is not only simple to make, but it also impresses friends and family alike.

Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just want a comforting meal for your family, Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is a great choice.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

There are many reasons why you will love Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken. First, it requires minimal preparation time. Simply combine the ingredients, place them in the slow cooker, and let it do the work for you. You can attend to other tasks while waiting for a nice meal.

Second, the flavor of the sauce is rich, sweet, and slightly spicy, making it very enjoyable. The bourbon adds a unique taste that enhances the dish, but anyone can use a substitute if they prefer not to use alcohol.

Lastly, this dish feeds a crowd. You can easily adjust the ingredients to serve more people, or simply enjoy the leftovers the next day. It’s a great option for busy weeknights or casual gatherings when you want something special without too much effort.

HOW TO MAKE Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

Learning how to make Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is simple and straightforward. This guide will lead you through the entire process step by step.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

To prepare this dish, you will need a few basic kitchen tools:

• A crock pot or slow cooker
• A mixing bowl for the sauce
• A whisk for combining ingredients
• A cutting board and knife for chopping garlic
• Tongs or a fork for shredding chicken
• Measuring cups and spoons for accuracy

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Chicken Thighs (boneless, skinless, 3 lbs)
• Light Brown Sugar (1 cup)
• Soy Sauce (1 cup)
• Bourbon Whiskey (⅓ cup; or substitute apple juice or chicken broth)
• Apple Cider Vinegar (2 tbsp)
• Ground Ginger (½ tsp)
• Honey (1 tbsp)
• Red Pepper Flakes (½ tsp)
• Garlic Cloves (4, minced)
• Cornstarch (3 tbsp)
• Water (2 tbsp)
• Green Onions (¼ cup, chopped for garnish)

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

1. Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker. Make sure the thighs are arranged evenly at the bottom of the pot.

2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, bourbon (or apple juice or chicken broth), apple cider vinegar, ground ginger, honey, red pepper flakes, and minced garlic. Mix well until the brown sugar dissolves and all ingredients are combined smoothly.

3. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken thighs in the crock pot. Ensure that the chicken is well coated with the sauce.

4. Cover the crock pot with the lid. Cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 6 hours, depending on your time constraints.

5. After cooking, carefully remove the chicken thighs from the liquid and set them aside. Use tongs or a fork to shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

6. Mix cornstarch with water in a small bowl until smooth. Stir this mixture into the sauce left in the crock pot. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens to your liking.

7. Return the shredded chicken to the crock pot. Toss the chicken in the thickened sauce until it’s well coated.

8. Garnish the dish with chopped green onions, adding a pop of color.

9. Serve the Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken over cooked rice for a hearty meal.

HOW TO SERVE Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is best served over a bed of fluffy rice. The sauce will soak into the rice, adding wonderful flavor. You can also serve it with steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Some popular choices include broccoli, snap peas, or carrots. Additionally, this dish works well with a side salad or egg rolls for a more substantial dinner.

STORAGE & FREEZING : Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

If you have leftovers, you can store them in the refrigerator. Place the cooled chicken and sauce in an airtight container. It will keep well for about 3 to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stove until heated through.

For longer storage, you can freeze the dish. Place the cooled chicken and sauce in freezer bags, ensuring to remove as much air as possible before sealing. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you are ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, and then reheat as needed.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken can be enjoyed in several ways. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Serve over white or brown rice for a classic dish.
• For a lighter option, serve on a bed of lettuce or mixed greens.
• Try it in a wrap with your favorite vegetables.
• Use it as a filling for tacos or burritos.
• Pair it with steamed rice or quinoa for a nutritious side.

VARIATIONS

There are plenty of ways to make this recipe your own! Here are some variations to consider:

• Spice it up by adding diced bell peppers or onion to the slow cooker for added veggies.
• Replace chicken with pork tenderloin or shrimp for a different protein option.
• For a more tropical flavor, add crushed pineapple or mango to the sauce.
• You can adjust the level of spice by increasing or decreasing the red pepper flakes.
• For a gluten-free version, use tamari sauce in place of soy sauce.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

   • Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. However, chicken thighs tend to stay juicier and more tender in the slow cooker.

2. What can I use instead of bourbon?

   • If you don’t want to use bourbon, you can substitute it with apple juice or chicken broth.

3. Can I cook this recipe without a slow cooker?

   • Yes, you can make this recipe on the stovetop in a large pot over medium heat, but the cooking time will vary. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

4. How can I make this dish spicier?

   • To add more heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add sliced jalapeños to the crock pot.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

If you want to save time, you can prepare the sauce a day in advance. Mix the ingredients and store them in the fridge. When you are ready to make the dish, add the sauce to the chicken in the slow cooker and cook as directed.

You can also chop the garlic and prepare the chicken ahead of time, making it easier to put everything together when you need a quick meal. This way, you can enjoy a flavorful and satisfying dinner without the hassle of last-minute prep.

Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is an easy and delicious recipe that allows you to enjoy a tasty meal with minimal effort. With its rich flavors and tender chicken, it’s hard not to love this dish. Prepare it for your next family dinner or get-together, and watch as it becomes a new favorite!

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