Crockpot Bourbon Chicken

Right then, let’s talk about dinner, shall we? There are days when the thought of standing over a hot hob after the school run, football practice, and trying to decipher Little Timmy’s homework fills me with utter dread. That’s when my slow cooker becomes my best friend. And this crockpot bourbon chicken? It’s a lifesaver. After countless attempts to get the perfect blend of sweet and savoury, this recipe is the one my family begs for. It’s proper comfort food, without the fuss. So, if you’re after a delicious, easy dinner that even the fussiest eaters will devour, look no further. I promise this will become a family favourite in your house too!

Why This Recipe Works

This crockpot bourbon chicken recipe isn’t just another dish; it’s a testament to easy, flavourful family cooking. After 8+ years of tackling the dinner-time rush, I’ve discovered what works and what doesn’t. This recipe? It definitely works. Here’s why:

• Minimal Effort: Simply throw everything in the slow cooker and let it do its thing. Perfect for busy weeknights.
• Child-Approved Flavours: The sweetness from the bourbon (don’t worry, the alcohol cooks off!) combined with savoury notes creates a flavour profile that even my picky eaters adore.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses readily available ingredients you can find in any local supermarket.

Ingredients

• 1.5 kg boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 120 ml bourbon (or apple juice for alcohol-free)
• 180 ml soy sauce
• 120 ml apple juice
• 120 ml ketchup
• 60 ml brown sugar, packed
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• 2 tbsp cornflour
• 2 tbsp water
• Cooked rice, for serving
• Chopped spring onions, for garnish (optional)

Ingredient Notes

Let’s break down a few key ingredients:

• Bourbon: It adds a wonderful depth of flavour, but don’t fret if you don’t have any. Apple juice makes a brilliant substitute, especially for a family-friendly version.
• Soy Sauce: Use a good quality soy sauce for the best flavour. Low-sodium works well too, if you’re watching your salt intake.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a lovely caramelised sweetness. Light or dark brown sugar will both work.
• Red Pepper Flakes: These are optional, but a tiny pinch adds a lovely warmth without being overpowering. My little ones don’t mind it at all.
• Cornflour: This is essential for thickening the sauce at the end.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Right, let’s get cooking! Don’t be put off by the number of steps, it’s all very straightforward, I promise.

1. Step 1: Combine Ingredients: In your slow cooker, combine the bourbon (or apple juice), soy sauce, apple juice, ketchup, brown sugar, minced garlic, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Give it all a good stir to combine.
2. Step 2: Add Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the slow cooker, making sure they’re evenly coated in the sauce. This is important for even cooking and flavour distribution.
3. Step 3: Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. The longer it cooks, the more tender the chicken will become.
4. Step 4: Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornflour and water to make a slurry. Pour the slurry into the slow cooker and stir well.
5. Step 5: Finish Cooking: Cover and cook on high for another 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your liking. You’ll see it go from a watery consistency to a nice, glossy sauce.
6. Step 6: Serve: Serve the crockpot bourbon chicken hot over cooked rice, garnished with chopped spring onions, if desired. A simple side salad or some steamed greens completes the meal perfectly.

My Kitchen Tips & Tricks

Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks to make this recipe even easier and more delicious. Here are my top tips:

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Whilst it’s quite forgiving in the slow cooker, overcooking can dry it out. Keep an eye on it towards the end of the cooking time.
• Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of brown sugar slightly.
• Spice It Up: If you like a bit more heat, add a pinch more red pepper flakes, or even a dash of hot sauce.
• Make it Kid-Friendly: My children are quite happy with this as it is, but I sometimes reduce the soy sauce slightly to make it even milder.
• Prep Ahead: You can easily prep this the night before. Simply combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker insert and store it in the fridge overnight. In the morning, just pop it into the slow cooker and turn it on.
• Use a Slow Cooker Liner: For super easy clean-up, use a slow cooker liner. It’s a game-changer!

Storage & Meal Prep

This crockpot bourbon chicken is fantastic for meal prepping and leftovers.

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or in a saucepan over medium heat until heated through. Add a splash of water if the sauce seems too thick.
• Freezing: This recipe freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Meal Prep: Make a big batch on Sunday and portion it out into containers with rice for easy lunches throughout the week.

Substitutions & Variations

Fancy tweaking the recipe? Here are some substitutions and variations I’ve tried (and tested!):

• Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make it gluten-free.
• Vegetarian: I haven’t personally tried it with tofu, but I reckon firm tofu would work well! Just make sure to press it well to remove excess water before adding it to the slow cooker.
• Chicken Breasts: While I prefer thighs, you can use chicken breasts. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out more easily. Reduce the cooking time slightly.
• Pineapple: Add a tin of pineapple chunks for a tropical twist!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare this the night before?

Absolutely! In fact, I often do this on Sunday evenings before the busy school week. Simply combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker insert, cover tightly, and refrigerate. In the morning, just pop it into the slow cooker and turn it on. It’s a fantastic time-saver.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The chicken is done when it’s cooked through and no longer pink inside. Use a fork to check. It should flake easily when pulled apart. If using a meat thermometer, it should reach an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F).

Can I use a different type of sugar?

Yes, you can substitute the brown sugar with honey or maple syrup. The flavour will be slightly different, but still delicious. I’d recommend starting with a slightly smaller amount and adding more to taste.

How do I store leftovers properly?

Allow the chicken to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Will my children enjoy this?

In my experience, yes! The sweet and savoury flavour combination is generally a hit with kids. However, if your little ones are particularly sensitive to spice, you might want to omit the red pepper flakes altogether. You can always add a little to your own portion later.

Can I scale this recipe for a larger or smaller family?

Absolutely! This recipe is easily scalable. Simply adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly. For a smaller family, you can halve the recipe. For a larger family, double it. Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate all the ingredients.

What if the sauce is too thin?

If the sauce isn’t thickening up enough with the cornflour slurry, you can add a little more cornflour. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornflour with 1 tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the slow cooker. Cook for another 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

Serving Suggestions

This crockpot bourbon chicken is delicious served with:

• Fluffy white rice or brown rice
• Steamed broccoli or green beans
• A simple side salad
• Egg noodles

I usually just plate it up simply with a side of rice and some steamed broccoli. Job done!

So there you have it – a foolproof crockpot bourbon chicken recipe that’s perfect for busy families. I hope you give it a go and that it becomes a regular on your dinner rotation. It’s a simple, delicious, and comforting meal that I know you and your family will love. Don’t forget to let me know what you think in the comments below – I always love hearing your honest feedback! And if you’re looking for more easy family recipes, be sure to have a browse around FamiliesRecipes.com. Happy cooking!

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