CROCKPOT BOURBON CHICKEN PERFECTION – omarezepte24

I’ll never forget the first time I tasted bourbon chicken. It was at a tiny food court stall, and the aroma alone drew me in. That sweet, tangy, slightly boozy flavor was unlike anything I’d ever had! I knew I had to recreate it at home, but the thought of all the stovetop babysitting intimidated me. That’s when I discovered the magic of making Crockpot Bourbon Chicken – an easy, hands-off way to achieve that same incredible flavor. Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most amazing Crockpot Bourbon Chicken you’ll ever make! Get ready for a flavor explosion that’s surprisingly simple.

Why Crockpot Bourbon Chicken is a Weeknight Winner

Let’s be honest, life is busy! Between work, family, and everything in between, finding time to cook a delicious and satisfying meal can feel impossible. That’s where the crockpot comes in as your ultimate kitchen hero. And this Crockpot Bourbon Chicken recipe? It’s a total game-changer. Seriously, it’s the answer to “What’s for dinner?” on those hectic evenings when you’re tempted to order takeout.

What makes this recipe so special? Well, besides being incredibly easy (we’re talking dump-and-go levels of easy!), it delivers big on flavor. The combination of sweet, savory, and just a hint of bourbon creates a truly irresistible sauce that coats every piece of chicken. Plus, the slow cooking process ensures that the chicken is unbelievably tender and juicy. Trust me, it’s a winner!

The Beauty of Slow Cooking

I’m a huge fan of slow cooking, and for good reason. It’s not just about convenience; it’s about unlocking deeper, richer flavors. When you cook chicken in a crockpot, the low and slow heat allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. The chicken becomes incredibly tender, practically falling apart with a fork. And the sauce? It thickens and intensifies, creating a glaze that’s simply divine.

Think about it: you can prep everything in the morning (or even the night before!), toss it in the crockpot, and then walk away. When you come home, dinner is ready and waiting. No more stressing about mealtime! It’s like having your own personal chef, but without the hefty price tag.

The Ultimate Crockpot Bourbon Chicken Recipe

Alright, let’s get down to business. Here’s my go-to recipe for Crockpot Bourbon Chicken. I’ve perfected it over the years, and I’m confident that you’ll love it just as much as I do.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• ½ cup soy sauce
• ½ cup bourbon (I use Jim Beam, but any good quality bourbon will work)
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons cold water
• Cooked rice, for serving
• Chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)
• Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. This ensures even cooking and allows the chicken to absorb the delicious sauce.
2. Combine sauce ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, bourbon, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, honey, ketchup, sesame oil, minced garlic, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). The mixture should be well combined and smell wonderfully fragrant.
3. Add chicken to the crockpot: Place the cubed chicken into the crockpot.
4. Pour sauce over chicken: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, making sure that all the pieces are evenly coated.
5. Cook on low: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
6. Prepare cornstarch slurry: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. This will create a slurry that will thicken the sauce.
7. Thicken the sauce: Pour the cornstarch slurry into the crockpot and stir gently to combine.
8. Cook on high: Turn the crockpot to high and cook for an additional 15-30 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
9. Serve and enjoy: Serve the Crockpot Bourbon Chicken over cooked rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. The aroma alone will make your mouth water!

Success Tips for Perfect Crockpot Bourbon Chicken

Want to guarantee that your Crockpot Bourbon Chicken turns out perfectly every time? Here are a few of my top tips:

• Don’t skip the bourbon! While you can technically make this recipe without bourbon, it’s what gives it that signature flavor. Don’t worry, most of the alcohol will cook off during the slow cooking process, leaving behind a delicious, slightly sweet, and complex taste.
• Use good quality bourbon: You don’t need to use the most expensive bourbon, but avoid the bottom-shelf stuff. A mid-range bourbon will give you the best flavor.
• Adjust the sweetness to your liking: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of brown sugar. If you like it sweeter, add a little more honey.
• Don’t overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Check the internal temperature of the chicken after 4 hours of cooking on low. If it’s already at 165°F (74°C), you can turn off the crockpot and let it sit until you’re ready to serve.
• Serve immediately: Crockpot Bourbon Chicken is best served immediately after cooking. If you need to make it ahead of time, store it in the refrigerator and reheat it gently before serving.

Variations and Add-Ins

One of the things I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few ideas:

• Add vegetables: Toss in some broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, or chopped onions along with the chicken for a complete meal. They will cook along with the chicken and absorb all that amazing sauce.
• Spice it up: If you like a little heat, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
• Make it gluten-free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Add pineapple: For a tropical twist, add some chunks of pineapple to the crockpot. The sweetness of the pineapple pairs perfectly with the bourbon and soy sauce.

Serving Suggestions

While Crockpot Bourbon Chicken is delicious served over rice, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy it. Here are a few of my favorite serving suggestions:

• Serve it over quinoa: For a healthier option, serve the chicken over quinoa instead of rice.
• Make lettuce wraps: Spoon the chicken into crisp lettuce leaves for a light and refreshing meal.
• Serve it with noodles: Toss the chicken with your favorite noodles for a comforting and satisfying dish.
• Use it as a filling for tacos or sliders: Shred the chicken and use it as a filling for tacos or sliders. Top with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cabbage, pickled onions, and a drizzle of sriracha mayo.

Other Delicious Crockpot Chicken Recipes to Try

If you’re a fan of easy and flavorful crockpot chicken recipes, you’re in luck! I have a few more that I think you’ll absolutely love. They are all incredibly easy to make and packed with flavor, perfect for busy weeknights.

For a sweet and savory option, try Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken. The combination of pineapple, soy sauce, and ginger is simply irresistible. Or, if you’re craving something comforting and creamy, Crock Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta is a must-try. It’s loaded with flavor and so easy to make!

And for a classic, family-friendly meal, you can’t go wrong with Crock Pot Chicken & Rice. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that everyone will love. If you’re a fan of garlic, you’ll adore Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken. It’s perfect served over pasta or with a side of roasted vegetables.

Don’t forget about Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken! This is a guaranteed family favorite, offering a sticky and delicious sauce that complements the chicken perfectly. And lastly, for those who prefer chicken thighs, Honey Garlic Slow Cooker Chicken Thighs are incredibly tender and flavorful.

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

One of the best things about Crockpot Bourbon Chicken is that it can be made ahead of time. You can prepare the chicken and sauce mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, simply pour the mixture into the crockpot and follow the recipe instructions.

Leftover Crockpot Bourbon Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply microwave it or heat it in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.

You can also freeze Crockpot Bourbon Chicken for longer storage. Let the chicken cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, place the container in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat as directed above.

Conclusion: Your Crockpot Bourbon Chicken Adventure Awaits!

So there you have it – my ultimate recipe for Crockpot Bourbon Chicken. It’s easy, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights. I promise, once you try this recipe, it will become a staple in your dinner rotation. The combination of sweet, savory, and slightly boozy flavors is simply irresistible, and the slow cooking process ensures that the chicken is incredibly tender and juicy. Grab your crockpot, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy the most amazing Crockpot Bourbon Chicken you’ve ever made! Happy cooking!

Crockpot Bourbon Chicken Perfection

Amelia

This Crockpot Bourbon Chicken recipe is a weeknight winner, offering an easy, hands-off way to achieve an incredible sweet, tangy, and slightly boozy flavor. The slow cooking process ensures that the chicken is unbelievably tender and juicy, making it a perfect dump-and-go meal for busy evenings.

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Total Time 4 hours hrs 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 450 kcal

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• ½ cup soy sauce
• ½ cup bourbon
• ½ cup packed brown sugar
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons cold water
• Cooked rice, for serving
• Chopped green onions, for garnish optional
• Sesame seeds, for garnish optional

• Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes.

• Combine sauce ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, bourbon, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, honey, ketchup, sesame oil, minced garlic, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).

• Add chicken to the crockpot: Place the cubed chicken into the crockpot.

• Pour sauce over chicken: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, making sure that all the pieces are evenly coated.

• Cook on low: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).

• Prepare cornstarch slurry: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth.

• Thicken the sauce: Pour the cornstarch slurry into the crockpot and stir gently to combine.

• Cook on high: Turn the crockpot to high and cook for an additional 15-30 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

• Serve and enjoy: Serve the Crockpot Bourbon Chicken over cooked rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.

For the best flavor, use a good quality bourbon, but avoid the very bottom shelf. You can adjust the sweetness by reducing the brown sugar or adding more honey. To prevent dry chicken, check the internal temperature after 4 hours of cooking. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 2-3 months. Consider adding vegetables like broccoli florets or bell peppers for a complete meal. For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce. You can also add pineapple chunks for a tropical twist.