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Can't wait to tell you about my Slow Cooker Bourbon Chicken! Whenever I whip this up, my house fills with the sweetest smell of bourbon mixed with spices. You'll get all those tasty New Orleans flavors at home without any fuss - your slow cooker handles everything!
What Makes This Dish Special
The thing I can't get enough of is how the flavors balance perfectly when poured over rice. It's become a staple in my house because it's incredibly simple, my family can't get enough, and I'm free to do other stuff while dinner practically makes itself.
Ingredients You'll Want
- Chicken Thighs: Get the boneless, skinless kind for maximum juiciness. They really soak up the flavor, but you can swap in chicken breasts if you want something lighter.
- Bourbon: Gives that rich, deep taste. Feel free to use regular whiskey, apple juice, or just chicken broth instead.
- Brown Sugar: Brings just the right sweetness to the sauce.
- Soy Sauce: Adds that savory, salty depth that makes everything pop.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic for that wonderful aroma.
- Cornstarch: Makes your sauce thick and shiny.
- Cold Water: You'll need this to mix with cornstarch for a smooth, lump-free sauce.
Cooking Steps
- Add Flavor to Chicken
- Sprinkle salt and pepper all over the chicken thighs. Drop them into your slow cooker base.
- Mix Your Sauce
- Grab a bowl and stir together the bourbon, brown sugar, soy sauce, and minced garlic. Pour this yummy mixture right over your chicken.
- Let It Cook
- Put the lid on and set to low for 4 hours or high for 3 hours. The chicken should end up super tender and full of flavor.
- Make It Thick
- Mix cornstarch with cold water in a small bowl until smooth. Stir this into your sauce about 30 minutes before you're ready to eat.
- Ready to Eat
- Put your chicken on a bed of rice, pour that thick sauce all over, and top with some chopped green onions for color.
Insider Tricks
I always go for thighs because they turn out way juicier than breasts. If bourbon isn't your thing, try apple cider instead - it's fantastic! And don't worry about adding some red pepper flakes if you want a bit of heat, we always do!
Storing Leftovers
This chicken stays good in your fridge for around 4 days. When you warm it up, make sure to spoon some sauce over it so it doesn't dry out. Truth is, it often tastes even better the day after!
Try These Twists
What I really dig about this dish is how easy it is to change up. Sometimes I'll try different whiskeys to get new flavors or add sriracha for some kick. You can totally use chicken breasts too, just keep an eye on them so they don't overcook.
What To Serve With It
We usually put this over fluffy jasmine rice because it soaks up all that tasty sauce. Some roasted broccoli or a simple salad on the side makes a complete meal. I sometimes throw together some quick cornbread too, it's great for mopping up extra sauce!
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Must-Try Dinner Option
This has become my favorite for crazy weeknights and when company comes over. The slow cooking really makes the chicken fall apart while building amazing flavor. And I haven't found anyone who doesn't love it yet!
Southern Comfort Food
Making this always takes me back to the awesome flavors of Bourbon Street. The sauce is just the perfect mix of sweet and savory, and bringing those New Orleans tastes into your kitchen is something you won't regret!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I switch chicken thighs for breasts?
- Sure, but thighs hold up better for slow cooking. Breasts can dry out, so keep an eye on them earlier.
- → What’s a good swap for bourbon?
- Apple juice or chicken broth keeps the flavor without the alcohol and works just fine.
- → What does cornstarch do here?
- Stirring in a cornstarch mix at the end thickens the sauce the perfect amount without overdoing it.
- → Can I prepare this in advance?
- Absolutely! Reheats easily, and it might even taste better the next day. Keep it airtight in the fridge.
- → Why go for kosher salt?
- It spreads flavor evenly and dissolves better. If using table salt, start with less since it’s saltier.