If you are looking for an easy, comforting meal that practically cooks itself, this Simple Slow Cooker Bourbon Chicken Dinner is a perfect choice. With tender chicken simmered in a savory-sweet sauce, this slow cooker bourbon chicken is ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or relaxed family dinners.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Simple Slow Cooker Bourbon Chicken Dinner
This recipe is popular for good reason. It delivers big flavor with very little effort.
- The slow cooker does most of the work while you go about your day
- The sauce is rich, slightly sweet, and deeply savory
- Chicken turns out tender and juicy every time
- It is affordable and feeds a crowd
- Easy to customize for spice level and sweetness
- Perfect for leftovers and meal prep
Whether you are cooking for family or guests, this dish feels special without being complicated.
Ingredients for Simple Slow Cooker Bourbon Chicken Dinner
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Bourbon Sauce
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
Thickening Slurry
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Optional Garnishes
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Lime wedges
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Chicken thighs vs breasts: Thighs stay extra juicy and forgiving in the slow cooker. Breasts are leaner and still work well if you prefer them.
- Alcohol free option: Replace the bourbon with chicken broth plus 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for depth of flavor.
- Soy sauce: Use tamari or coconut aminos for a gluten free option.
- Sweetness: Reduce brown sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet sauce.
- Heat: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce if you like a little spice.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker. Season the chicken on both sides with salt and black pepper. Place the chicken in an even layer in the slow cooker.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Stir until the sugar is mostly dissolved.
Step 3: Slow Cook
Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken. Cover and cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours or on HIGH for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce
Remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker and place it on a plate. Pour the cooking liquid into a saucepan and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Slowly whisk the slurry into the simmering sauce. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until thickened to your liking.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Return the chicken to the thickened sauce and turn to coat. Slice or shred the chicken if desired. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds and serve warm.
Pro Tips for Success
- Trim excess fat from chicken thighs to keep the sauce smooth
- Do not overcook chicken breasts on HIGH or they may dry out
- Always dissolve cornstarch in cold water to avoid lumps
- Taste the sauce before thickening and adjust sweetness or salt
- Let the sauce simmer briefly to mellow the garlic and ginger
Flavor Variations
- Spicy Bourbon Chicken: Add 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or sriracha
- Orange Bourbon Chicken: Stir in 1/4 cup orange juice and a little zest
- Honey Bourbon Chicken: Replace half the brown sugar with honey
- Garlic Lover’s Version: Add 2 extra cloves of garlic
- Veggie Boost: Add sliced bell peppers or snap peas during the last hour
Serving Suggestions
This simple slow cooker bourbon chicken dinner is incredibly versatile.
- Serve over steamed white or brown rice
- Pair with jasmine rice or rice noodles
- Spoon over cauliflower rice for a lighter option
- Serve alongside roasted broccoli or green beans
- Add a simple cucumber salad for freshness
It also works well as a filling for lettuce wraps or meal prep bowls.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken and sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much.
Simple Slow Cooker Bourbon Chicken Dinner
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
An easy slow cooker dinner with tender chicken simmered in a savory sweet bourbon sauce, perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
- Sliced green onions, optional
- Sesame seeds, optional
Instructions
- Lightly grease the slow cooker and season the chicken with salt and black pepper.
- Place the chicken in an even layer in the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, whisk together bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 2 1/2 to 3 hours until tender.
- Remove chicken and transfer cooking liquid to a saucepan.
- Bring sauce to a gentle simmer.
- Mix cornstarch and cold water until smooth and whisk into the sauce.
- Simmer 2 to 3 minutes until thickened.
- Return chicken to sauce, coat evenly, garnish if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
Chicken thighs stay extra juicy, and the sauce can be adjusted for sweetness or thickness before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 390 |
| Protein | 32 g |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 780 mg |
Values are approximate and will vary based on ingredients used.
FAQ About Simple Slow Cooker Bourbon Chicken Dinner
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, this recipe is excellent for making ahead. You can cook it fully, store it in the refrigerator, and reheat when ready to serve. The flavors deepen over time, making leftovers even better.
Does the alcohol cook off?
Most of the alcohol cooks off during the long slow cooking process. If you prefer to avoid alcohol completely, use the recommended broth and vinegar substitution.
Can I cook frozen chicken in the slow cooker?
For food safety reasons, it is best to thaw chicken fully before adding it to the slow cooker. Thawed chicken cooks more evenly and reaches a safe temperature faster.
How do I keep the chicken from drying out?
Using chicken thighs helps prevent dryness. If using breasts, cook on LOW when possible and remove the chicken as soon as it is cooked through.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, this recipe doubles well as long as your slow cooker is large enough. Stir the sauce well to ensure even flavor distribution.
What if my sauce is too thin?
If the sauce is thin, simmer it a little longer after adding the cornstarch slurry. You can also add a bit more slurry if needed.
Final Thoughts
This Simple Slow Cooker Bourbon Chicken Dinner is the kind of recipe that earns a permanent place in your meal rotation. It is easy, comforting, and full of flavor without requiring complicated steps or ingredients. Whether you serve it for a weeknight family meal or prep it ahead for busy days, this dish delivers reliable results every time.