Savory Slow-Cooked Bourbon Chicken with Sweet and Tangy Glaze

Indulge in the comforting embrace of Crockpot Bourbon Chicken, a delightful dish that transforms everyday dinners into something special

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Savory Slow-Cooked Bourbon Chicken with Sweet and Tangy Glaze
Chef profile

JUE

Enjoy home-cooked meals made with love and shared from a family kitchen.

Chef's Essential Tips

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

Garnishing:
Add a final touch by garnishing with fresh herbs or additional toppings like crushed peanuts for a delightful crunch and flavor contrast.
Customizing Ingredients:
Feel free to add vegetables to the crockpot for a one-pot meal. Bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots can complement the chicken and add nutritious value.
Meal Prep Tips:
This dish is perfect for meal prep. Portion it into individual servings and store in airtight containers for easy reheating during the week. It freezes well too!
Serving Techniques:
Serve bourbon chicken over a bed of rice or quinoa to soak up the savory sauce. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds to add bright color and enhanced flavor.
Balancing Flavors:
Taste your sauce towards the end of cooking. If it's too sweet, a splash of soy sauce can balance it out, while additional brown sugar can enhance sweetness if needed.
Shredding Chicken:
Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot. This allows the meat to soak up the sauce while maintaining moisture and flavor.
Thickening Sauces:
If your sauce is too watery, removing the lid and cooking it uncovered for the last half hour can help it thicken. Alternatively, a cornstarch slurry can be added to create a glossy finish.
Slow Cooking:
Using a crockpot allows for a low and slow cooking method, which ensures the chicken becomes incredibly tender. Cook on low heat to fully develop flavors, and avoid opening the lid too frequently to maintain temperature.
Marinating Chicken:
Marinating your chicken in a well-balanced sauce enhances both flavor and tenderness. A mixture of bourbon, soy sauce, and brown sugar works wonders, and allowing time for the chicken to soak in the marinade yields the most mouthwatering results.
Savory Slow-Cooked Bourbon Chicken with Sweet and Tangy Glaze

The Complete Guide to Mastering Crockpot Bourbon Chicken

Garnishing:
Add a final touch by garnishing with fresh herbs or additional toppings like crushed peanuts for a delightful crunch and flavor contrast.
Customizing Ingredients:
Feel free to add vegetables to the crockpot for a one-pot meal. Bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots can complement the chicken and add nutritious value.
Meal Prep Tips:
This dish is perfect for meal prep. Portion it into individual servings and store in airtight containers for easy reheating during the week. It freezes well too!
Serving Techniques:
Serve bourbon chicken over a bed of rice or quinoa to soak up the savory sauce. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds to add bright color and enhanced flavor.
Balancing Flavors:
Taste your sauce towards the end of cooking. If it's too sweet, a splash of soy sauce can balance it out, while additional brown sugar can enhance sweetness if needed.
Shredding Chicken:
Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot. This allows the meat to soak up the sauce while maintaining moisture and flavor.
Thickening Sauces:
If your sauce is too watery, removing the lid and cooking it uncovered for the last half hour can help it thicken. Alternatively, a cornstarch slurry can be added to create a glossy finish.
Slow Cooking:
Using a crockpot allows for a low and slow cooking method, which ensures the chicken becomes incredibly tender. Cook on low heat to fully develop flavors, and avoid opening the lid too frequently to maintain temperature.
Marinating Chicken:
Marinating your chicken in a well-balanced sauce enhances both flavor and tenderness. A mixture of bourbon, soy sauce, and brown sugar works wonders, and allowing time for the chicken to soak in the marinade yields the most mouthwatering results.
Pro Chef Secrets to Perfect Bourbon Chicken
Depending on your sweetness preference, feel free to adjust the brown sugar quantity.
This recipe is perfect for meal prep; simply double the ingredients to ensure you have plenty for the week.
Explore different garnishes, such as cilantro or crushed peanuts, for an added twist.
Use pre-cut chicken for less prep time, making it even easier to throw together.
Savory Slow-Cooked Bourbon Chicken with Sweet and Tangy Glaze

Savory Slow-Cooked Bourbon Chicken with Sweet and Tangy Glaze

Indulge in the comforting embrace of Crockpot Bourbon Chicken, a delightful dish that transforms everyday dinners into something special. With succulent chicken thighs, rich bourbon, and a sweet blend of brown sugar and soy sauce, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory flavors. Each bite offers a tender texture that melts in your mouth, complemented by a glossy glaze that promises to please. Ideal for weeknight dinners, festive gatherings, or meal prep for busy days, this dish resonates with warmth and nostalgia, making it a family favorite. The enticing aroma as it cooks brings everyone to the table, creating moments of connection and joy. Revitalize your culinary repertoire with this easy yet impressive recipe that’s sure to become a cherished tradition in your home.

Savory Slow-Cooked Bourbon Chicken with Sweet and Tangy Glaze
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Ingredients

For the Chicken:
01
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs - These provide the ideal tenderness and flavor, absorbing the sauce beautifully.
02
1 cup bourbon - Essential for authentic flavor, adding a slight smoky sweetness; substitute with apple juice for a non-alcoholic option.
03
1/2 cup soy sauce - The base of the marinade, adding umami depth; gluten-free soy sauce can be used for dietary needs.
04
1/2 cup brown sugar - Adds the sweet component to balance the savory flavors; can substitute with coconut sugar for a healthier option.
05
2 tablespoons minced garlic - Enhances the overall aroma and flavor profile with its pungent essence.
06
1 tablespoon minced ginger - Provides a zesty kick that brightens the dish.
07
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Optional for a touch of heat; adjust to taste.
For Serving:
08
Cooked rice or quinoa - Perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
09
Chopped green onions - For garnish, adding a fresh crunch and color.
10
Sesame seeds - Optional garnish for added texture and visual appeal.

Instructions

01
Step 1: In a large bowl, combine bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, minced ginger, and red pepper flakes to create a flavorful marinade.
02
Step 2: Place the chicken thighs in the crockpot and pour the marinade over them, ensuring they are fully covered.
03
Step 3: Set the crockpot to low heat and cover, cooking for 6 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender.
04
Step 4: About 30 minutes before the cooking time is up, taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if necessary.
05
Step 5: If the sauce is too runny, remove the lid and let it cook for the last 30 minutes uncovered to thicken.
06
Step 6: Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it with two forks.
07
Step 7: Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot, mixing it well with the sauce to coat evenly.
08
Step 8: Cook for an additional 10 minutes on low to heat through.
09
Step 9: Serve the bourbon chicken over cooked rice or quinoa, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
10
Step 10: Enjoy the delicious, comforting flavors of this savory dish with family and friends.