Crockpot Bourbon Chicken Asian

This crockpot bourbon chicken recipe is a lifesaver for busy weekdays and long nights of parenthood. When teething made sleep a rare luxury in my house I turned to easy slow cooker meals just like this. With minimal effort and lots of flavor this dish makes family dinner something you can actually look forward to.

I threw this together after a sleepless night and my husband raved about it all week Now anytime I know a day will be tough I dump this in the crockpot first thing

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs: You can use either depending on your preference but thighs stay extra juicy in the slow cooker
• Apple juice: Brings a fresh fruity sweetness Choose one labeled as not from concentrate if you want the cleanest flavor
• Soy sauce: Gives salty umami body Go for a naturally brewed option for best flavor
• Light brown sugar: Creates rich sweetness and helps caramelize the sauce Pack it firmly for an accurate measure
• Ketchup: Adds a hint of tang and body Choose a no high fructose corn syrup variety if possible
• Bourbon: Gives a classic Southern touch with mellow oak flavor A mid range bourbon works well but nothing fancy is needed
• Apple cider vinegar: Sharpens and balances the sweetness Choose raw unfiltered for extra zing
• Honey: Boosts the sweet notes and creates a silky texture Use a mild clover or wildflower honey
• Garlic: Fresh cloves make a real difference here Mash or mince finely for best infusion
• Fresh ginger: Wakes up the sauce with gentle warmth Choose a firm plump root
• Red chili flakes: Add gentle heat Start with less if you are heat sensitive
• Cornstarch: Needed for thickening Make sure it’s fresh so it mixes easily
• Water: To dissolve the cornstarch to create a slurry
• Green onion: For garnish Offers color and a fresh bite

Step by Step Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

Pat the chicken dry and trim any excess fat cutting larger pieces into even chunks if needed for even cooking

Mix the Sauce:

In a medium bowl combine apple juice soy sauce brown sugar ketchup bourbon apple cider vinegar honey garlic ginger and chili flakes Whisk thoroughly until everything is well blended and the sugars dissolve completely

Assemble in the Crockpot:

Layer the chicken evenly on the bottom of your slow cooker then pour the sauce mixture on top making sure the chicken is fully coated

Slow Cook:

Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours until the chicken is very tender and easy to shred with a fork

Thicken the Sauce:

Whisk together cornstarch and water to form a smooth slurry Pour into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes and stir gently leaving the lid slightly ajar to help the sauce thicken

Finish and Serve:

Remove the chicken and shred or cut into bite sized pieces Return to the crockpot stir to coat with the sauce and top with sliced green onion before serving

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I always look forward to tasting the vibrant ginger each time I make this recipe It reminds me of my mom who taught me to always keep fresh ginger at hand for those nights when dinner just needs a little pick me up

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop stirring in a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much It also freezes beautifully just thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as usual

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have bourbon try using apple cider or chicken broth for a kid friendly version Maple syrup can stand in for honey if that is what you prefer Tamari or coconut aminos work as a gluten free alternative to soy sauce For extra protein toss in some cooked edamame right before serving

Serving Suggestions

Spoon the chicken over hot cooked rice jasmine or basmati both work great It is also fantastic with steamed veggies on the side or layered into lettuce wraps for a low carb option My family sometimes goes for fluffy white rolls to soak up every drop of sauce

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Cultural Notes

Bourbon chicken has roots in New Orleans where bourbon the drink inspires both the sauce and the name While American Chinese takeout popularized the dish it shines in a slow cooker for an easy home cooked twist

Commonly Asked Questions

→ What cut of chicken works best?

Both boneless, skinless breasts and thighs are suitable. Thighs offer extra juiciness and richer flavor, while breasts yield a leaner result.

→ Can I substitute for bourbon?

If you prefer to omit alcohol, try using apple juice, chicken stock, or a splash of white grape juice for sweetness and depth.

→ Is this dish spicy?

The level of spice depends on the amount of red chili flakes. Add less for mild flavor or more for a noticeable kick.

→ How do I thicken the sauce?

Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry and stir it in near the end of cooking. This gives the sauce a glossy, rich consistency.

→ What are good serving suggestions?

Serve the chicken and sauce over steamed rice, and garnish with sliced green onions. Add steamed broccoli or snap peas on the side for extra veggies.