If your kitchen had a soundtrack, this dish would play something slow and soulful. There’s something comforting about a meal that cooks low and slow, filling your home with a savory-sweet aroma that makes everyone wander into the kitchen asking, “What’s for dinner?” Bourbon Chicken Crock Pot is that kind of meal — simple to prepare, deeply flavorful, and undeniably satisfying.

This cozy, sticky, sweet-savory chicken dish is a Southern-inspired favorite that found its fame in mall food courts but truly shines when made at home. Using a crock pot transforms it into a melt-in-your-mouth comfort meal, perfect for busy days or lazy Sundays.

Imagine tender chicken pieces bathing in a glossy sauce made from bourbon, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger — it’s indulgent yet approachable, bold yet balanced. Whether served over white rice or noodles, every bite captures that deep caramelized richness that defines bourbon chicken.

Ingredients:

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup bourbon whiskey (or apple juice for non-alcoholic version)
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp minced garlic
1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
2 tbsp sesame oil or olive oil
1/2 cup sliced green onions (for garnish)
Cooked rice or noodles (for serving)

Instructions:

Prepare the chicken: Cut your chicken into small, even chunks to ensure even cooking.
Make the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, bourbon, brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
Load the crock pot: Add the chicken to your slow cooker and pour the sauce mixture on top. Stir gently to coat all the pieces.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is tender.
Thicken the sauce: In the last 15 minutes of cooking, stir in the cornstarch slurry. Cover again and let it thicken into that signature glossy glaze.
Finish: Drizzle with sesame oil and stir to coat evenly.
Serve: Spoon over fluffy rice or noodles and sprinkle generously with green onions.

Bourbon Chicken Crock Pot

Sweet, savory slow cooker chicken glazed in a rich bourbon-infused sauce, perfect over rice for a cozy dinner.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 4

Total Time 4 15

Servings: 6 people

Course: Dinner, Main Dish

Cuisine: Asian Fusion, Southern

Calories: 340

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs cut into chunks
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup bourbon whiskey or apple juice
1/4 cup brown sugar packed
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp minced garlic
1 tbsp grated ginger fresh
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional
2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
2 tbsp sesame oil or olive oil
1/2 cup green onions sliced for garnish

Equipment

Crock Pot
Mixing bowl
Measuring cups
Whisk

Method

Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Mix soy sauce, bourbon, brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes in a bowl.
Add chicken and sauce to crock pot and stir to coat.
Cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours until tender.
Add cornstarch slurry during the last 15 minutes to thicken sauce.
Finish with sesame oil and garnish with green onions.

Notes

Serve over rice or noodles for a complete meal. Can be made alcohol-free using apple juice.

Tips & Tricks

For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce overnight before cooking.
Add a touch of honey for extra sweetness, or a splash more bourbon for a bolder kick.
If you love spice, toss in a teaspoon of chili paste or Sriracha.

Variations

Non-Alcoholic: Swap bourbon for apple juice or chicken broth for the same depth of flavor without alcohol.
Healthy Twist: Use low-sodium soy sauce and serve with brown rice or quinoa.
Asian Fusion: Add a splash of hoisin sauce or a few drops of sesame oil for an even richer umami note.

Serving Suggestions
This Bourbon Chicken Crock Pot dish pairs beautifully with steamed broccoli, stir-fried veggies, or roasted green beans. A sprinkle of sesame seeds and fresh scallions on top makes it restaurant-worthy. Serve it family-style from the crock pot for cozy dinners or meal prep for the week — it reheats like a dream!

Storage Information
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. For longer storage, freeze portions for up to 3 months — the flavors only deepen over time.

FAQ
Can I make this without bourbon?
Yes! Simply replace bourbon with apple juice or chicken broth — you’ll still get a deliciously sweet and savory flavor.

Can I use frozen chicken?
You can, but thaw it first for best texture and safety.

What’s the best way to serve it?
Over white rice, jasmine rice, or even noodles. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for that perfect finish.

History / Fun Facts
Despite the name, Bourbon Chicken doesn’t originate from Kentucky — it was named after Bourbon Street in New Orleans, where it first became popular. The sauce reflects a blend of Southern charm and Asian inspiration, combining the smoky notes of bourbon with the umami depth of soy sauce. Its sticky-sweet glaze and glossy finish make it a comfort food classic, beloved in homes and restaurants alike.

So next time you crave something cozy, flavorful, and satisfying, let your slow cooker do the work — and let Bourbon Chicken Crock Pot fill your kitchen with the scent of home.

Bourbon Chicken Crock Pot – Sweet, Sticky, and Irresistible