Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is a delicious dish of chicken thighs, slow cooked in a brown sugar bourbon sauce - it tastes just like you're at the Panda Express in a food court in a mall somewhere.
The history on this dish is somewhat conflicted. Some say Bourbon Chicken originated on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. Others say it's a Chinese recipe.
I'm going to stick with that it was a dish originally from a Chinese restaurant on Bourbon Street.
Jump to:
- What makes this recipe so yummy
- Groceries you'll need: Ingredients
- Recipe walkthrough: Instructions
- Recipe variations and substitute ideas
- Necessary gear: Equipment
- More slow cooker recipes I think you'll love
- How to store leftovers
- Mel's kitchen notes
- Melanie Cagle
- Frequently asked questions: FAQs
- Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken
- 💬 Comments
What makes this recipe so yummy
- The ingredients are easy, mostly what you would have in your pantry at home.
- There's not a lot of chopping or prepping for this recipe.
- Crockpot bourbon chicken is actually a family favorite recipe that even the kids love (the alcohol cooks off so no worries there).
Groceries you'll need: Ingredients
See recipe card at the bottom of this post for quantities.
Recipe walkthrough: Instructions
This is an overview of the recipe steps. For more detailed instructions visit the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Hint: You could leave the chicken whole here - they will fall apart as you stir anyway. Or if you like the chicken to be more shredded you could shred the chicken instead.
Recipe variations and substitute ideas
- Sesame Seeds - sprinkle with some toasted sesame seeds at the end if you like (for garnish).
- Apple Juice - you could use this instead of the bourbon. Or even Chicken Broth.
- Chicken Breast - Use juicy chicken breasts if you prefer. I would chop into 2" pieces as they'll shrink (and cook for less time)... or add the chicken breasts whole and shred after.
- Ketchup - to add another flavor profile.
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Necessary gear: Equipment
The following are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
I used a 7 Quart Crock Pot for this recipe. There's an affiliate link to it in my recipe card below.
As well as any other equipment I used.
More slow cooker recipes I think you'll love
How to store leftovers
Once the crock pot bourbon chicken has cooled completely, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
This recipe will actually freeze well. Store in a freezer safe container for up to 3 months.
Mel's kitchen notes
This dish most definitely should always be served on a bed of white rice. Sprinkle with some toasted sesame seeds and green onions for color. Added spice never goes amiss in a sweet dish if you want a hot and spicy dish.
About The Author
Melanie Cagle
Melanie is a professional cook, food photographer and Cajun food connoisseur. Since 2020 she has been sharing rigorously tested recipes and tutorials right here on this blog.
Her work has been featured on Fox News channels, Yahoo news, Southern Living and more.
Frequently asked questions: FAQs
Definitely. You will need to cook it for a minimum of 3 hours on high though.
Cooking chicken longer will help the chicken to have a more 'fall-apart' texture, if that's what you're looking for.
Traditionally yes, it has Bourbon whisky. This can be substituted though, for apple juice or chicken broth.
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Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken
Video
Equipment
- 1 Whisk
Ingredients
- 3 Pounds Chicken Thighs Boneless, skinless
- 1 Cup Light Brown Sugar
- 1 Cup Soy Sauce
- ⅓ Cup Bourbon Whisky
- 2 Tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
- ½ teaspoon Ground Ginger
- 1 Tablespoon Honey
- ½ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
- 4 Cloves Garlic
- 3 Tablespoons Cornstarch
- 2 Tablespoons Water
- ¼ Cup Green Onions
Instructions
- Place the chicken thighs (well trimmed) into the slow cooker.3 Pounds Chicken Thighs
- In a medium mixing bowl, add the remaining ingredients (except the cornstarch, water and green onions). Mix together with a whisk.1 Cup Light Brown Sugar, 1 Cup Soy Sauce, ⅓ Cup Bourbon Whisky, 2 Tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar, ½ teaspoon Ground Ginger, 1 Tablespoon Honey, ½ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes, 4 Cloves Garlic
- Pour over the top of the chicken thighs.
- Cover and cook on high for 4 hours, or low for 6 hours.
- Remove the chicken thighs to a plate and roughly chop them.
- Add the cornstarch and water to a mixing bowl and mix until cornstarch is dissolved.3 Tablespoons Cornstarch, 2 Tablespoons Water
- Pour into the sauce in the crock pot and mix with a whisk.
- Add the chicken back to the sauce, stir to combine then cover again. Allow to come back to bubbling then turn off the crock pot.
- Sprinkle with chopped green onions and serve over rice.¼ Cup Green Onions
Notes
- Sesame Seeds - sprinkle with some toasted sesame seeds at the end if you like.
- Apple Juice - this can replace the bourbon, if you want to exclude the alcohol.
- Chicken Breast - you could cut up chicken breast into 1" cubes if you prefer, instead of the thighs.
- Ketchup - to boost flavors.
Nutrition
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Anhonestperson says
I wish I could give it a zero star………. Horrible flavor nothing like bourbon st chicken….. Gordon Ramsay might’ve actually passed away if he took a bite!
Melanie Cagle says
Are you talking about the Bourbon Street Chicken from Applebee's? Because if so, that's a totally different dish, with more of a Cajun influence. Bourbon Chicken from Panda Express is an Asian dish with a very particular flavor profile.
Cynthia says
I made this tonight for dinner and the family really enjoyed it! I used chicken breasts instead of the thighs. Very tasty and I'll make this again for sure.
Melanie Cagle says
Thanks Cynthia, so glad you enjoyed it!
Steph says
Way too salty. Threw the rest out
Scott says
Great recipe. Thanks so much. Hard to satisfy 5 kids and this did it.