Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken –The Best 2025 Slow Cooker Recipe

Q: Can I make Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken without bourbon?

Absolutely. If you’re avoiding alcohol, try apple juice , chicken broth , or even a bit of vanilla extract with a splash of apple cider vinegar for that sweet and tangy balance. The sauce will still taste rich, flavorful, and comforting—just with a slightly different twist.

Q: How long does bourbon chicken last in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container, leftovers last up to 3 days in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freeze in individual portions and enjoy within 3 months . It’s a great make-ahead meal for busy weeks.

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Craving a homemade meal that’s better than takeout and practically cooks itself? This Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken brings together sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavors in a sticky glaze that clings to every bite of tender chicken. Whether you’re a slow cooker newbie or a weeknight dinner pro, this recipe will earn a spot in your regular rotation. You’ll learn how to make it, adapt it for dietary needs, and even store it for delicious leftovers. Looking for inspiration? Try our Crock Pot Chicken and Rice Recipe for another family-friendly favorite.

JUMP TO

A Flavorful Dish With Southern and Asian Roots

Where Does Bourbon Chicken Come From?

Despite the name, bourbon chicken isn’t strictly Southern or Asian—it’s a fusion dish that reflects both cultures. It likely originated from a Chinese restaurant on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. It combines Asian-style sauces like soy and ginger with the unmistakable kick of American bourbon. The result? A glossy, flavorful sauce that balances sweet and salty just right.

Why It’s Perfect for the Slow Cooker

The slow cooker transforms this takeout-inspired classic into an easy, dump-and-go meal. Long, gentle cooking helps the sauce thicken naturally while the chicken soaks in all that deep, rich flavor. This makes it the ideal “set it and forget it” weeknight dinner. Plus, using a crock pot means no standing over a stove—just prep and walk away.

How Bourbon Enhances Flavor Without Overpowering

Think bourbon will make this taste boozy? Think again. The alcohol cooks off, leaving behind subtle notes of vanilla, caramel, and spice. It deepens the flavor of the sauce without overwhelming it. Don’t want to use alcohol? No problem. You can substitute apple juice or chicken broth and still get that rich, comforting taste. Check out our Sticky Pineapple Chicken for another sweet-savory blend that uses fruit instead of spirits.

The Ultimate Bourbon Chicken Ingredient List

Chicken Thighs vs. Chicken Breasts

While you can use chicken breasts, chicken thighs are hands-down the better choice for this dish. They stay juicy and flavorful throughout long cooking hours. Breasts tend to dry out, especially in the crock pot. For best results, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs, about 1.5 lbs. If you only have breasts on hand, monitor closely and reduce the cook time.

Cut of Chicken	Juiciness	Best For Crock Pot
Chicken Thighs	★★★★★	✔️ Yes
Chicken Breasts	★★☆☆☆	⚠️ Use with caution

Bourbon Options and Substitutes (Non-Alcoholic Too)

You don’t need anything fancy—use a mid-range bourbon you’d drink. Bulleit, Maker’s Mark, or Evan Williams are all great options. Looking for a family-friendly alternative? Use:

Apple juice (adds sweetness)
Chicken broth (adds savory depth)
A splash of vanilla and cinnamon for complexity

Even if you skip the alcohol, this recipe still holds its bold character.

Saucy Add-ins: Soy Sauce, Maple, Garlic, Vinegar

The secret to this dish’s unforgettable sauce is a medley of pantry staples:

Soy Sauce: umami and saltiness
Maple Syrup: sticky sweetness
Garlic & Ginger: punch of flavor
Brown Sugar: molasses richness
Apple Cider Vinegar: cuts the sweetness with zing

These combine into a sauce that clings like a dream. For a flavor twist, discover great ideas like our Honey Garlic Chicken that use similar staples.

The Best Method for Cooking in a Slow Cooker

Should You Marinate First? Pros and Cons

Marinating the chicken ahead of time isn’t required, but it makes a big difference in flavor. Even an hour in the fridge lets the soy, garlic, and bourbon soak deep into the meat. Ideally, let it marinate overnight. But if you’re short on time, toss everything in the slow cooker right away—it’s still delicious. Don’t miss our Oven Baked Chicken and Rice for another dish that benefits from a simple marinade.

Cook Time for High vs. Low Settings

Set your slow cooker to match your schedule. Here’s a quick breakdown:

Setting	Cook Time	Result
LOW	6–7 hours	Extra tender
HIGH	2.5–3 hours	Quick and juicy

Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm. The next step? Turn that slow cooker sauce into a glossy glaze.

How to Thicken the Sauce After Cooking

Remove the remaining liquid and bring it to a simmer in a saucepan. Mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water into a slurry. Stir that into the sauce and cook it until thick and shiny—this takes just 2 minutes. Pour the sauce over the chicken before serving. It’s this finishing touch that sets it apart from your average crock pot meal.

Check out our Beef Stew Delicious Recipe if you’re looking for another cozy, slow-simmered favorite with thick, rich gravy.

Tips for Serving Bourbon Chicken Perfectly

Best Side Dishes: Rice, Noodles, or Quinoa?

Rice is the classic choice—and brown rice offers a wholesome texture that balances the sauce’s sweetness. Jasmine rice, quinoa, farro, or even cauliflower rice are fantastic alternatives. You could also spoon this over noodles for a takeout-style bowl.

Looking for inspiration? Try our Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl for more protein-packed dinner ideas that start with rice.

Topping Ideas: Green Onions, Sesame Seeds, Spice

Top it off right! Add:

Chopped green onions – for freshness
Sesame seeds – for crunch
Red pepper flakes – for heat

These little extras take the dish from good to unforgettable.

What to Do with Leftovers and Freezing Tips

Leftovers? You’ll be glad. Bourbon chicken reheats beautifully and even thickens a bit more by the next day.

To Store: Keep in an airtight container up to 3 days.
To Freeze: Portion and freeze for up to 3 months.
To Reheat: Microwave or warm in a skillet with a splash of water.

Bonus: It’s perfect for meal prep lunches too!

Answers to Common Questions

Can I make Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken without bourbon?

Absolutely. If you’re avoiding alcohol, try apple juice, chicken broth, or even a bit of vanilla extract with a splash of apple cider vinegar for that sweet and tangy balance. The sauce will still taste rich, flavorful, and comforting—just with a slightly different twist.

Can I use frozen chicken in the slow cooker?

Using frozen chicken directly in the slow cooker is not recommended for food safety. Always thaw it completely in the refrigerator first. This ensures even cooking and helps the marinade absorb properly.

How long does bourbon chicken last in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container, leftovers last up to 3 days in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freeze in individual portions and enjoy within 3 months. It’s a great make-ahead meal for busy weeks.

Can I use bone-in chicken?

Yes, though the cook time may increase slightly. Be sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F. You’ll also want to remove the bones before serving for easier eating.

Why This Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Deserves a Spot in Your Weekly Menu

There’s a reason why this Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken has become a dinner favorite—it’s easy, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing. The combination of sweet maple, savory soy, and zesty vinegar creates a restaurant-quality glaze without needing any special equipment. Whether you’re hosting a weeknight family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this is the kind of comfort food that hits all the right notes.

Don’t miss our Crock Pot Pork Chops Recipe for another easy slow cooker winner that’ll become part of your regular rotation.

Table of Contents