This Slow Cooker Bourbon Chicken is a melt-in-your-mouth masterpiece that combines tender, juicy chicken with a rich, sweet-and-savory glaze. With just 15 minutes of prep, your slow cooker does the heavy lifting, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas for 6 hours. The result? Perfectly caramelized chicken infused with the warm, smoky notes of bourbon and a hint of garlic and ginger.
Every bite delivers a harmony of textures—silky sauce clinging to fork-tender chicken—and a flavor profile that’s bold yet balanced. At just 160 calories per serving, it’s a guilt-free indulgence that’s as satisfying as it is simple. Serve it over rice or veggies for a meal that feels like a cozy hug in every bite.
What You’ll Need for Slow Cooker Bourbon Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or substitute with chicken thighs for a juicier result)
- ½ teaspoon minced garlic (fresh or jarred works fine)
- ¼ teaspoon ginger (ground or freshly grated)
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste for more or less heat)
- ¼ cup apple juice (substitute with pineapple juice for a tropical twist)
- ¼ cup brown sugar (packed for best results)
- 2 Tablespoons ketchup
- 1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar (white vinegar works in a pinch)
- ⅓ cup water
- ⅓ cup low sodium soy sauce (or regular soy sauce, but reduce added salt)
- 2 Tablespoons cornstarch (for thickening the sauce)
How to Make Slow Cooker Bourbon Chicken
- Prepare the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Make the sauce: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, apple juice, brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, water, and soy sauce. Stir until well mixed.
- Cook the chicken: Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker. Cover with the lid and cook on low for 5-7 hours (check at 5 hours to avoid overcooking).
- Shred or chop the chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken and shred it with forks or cut it into bite-sized chunks.
- Thicken the sauce: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 Tablespoons of the sauce from the slow cooker. Whisk until smooth, then pour it back into the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Finish and serve: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and let it warm in the thickened sauce for 10-15 minutes. Serve over rice and garnish with extra red pepper flakes if desired.
Serving Suggestions to Elevate Your Meal
While this Slow Cooker Bourbon Chicken is delicious on its own, pairing it with the right sides can take it to the next level. Serve it over steamed jasmine rice for a classic combo, or try cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. For added freshness, top with sliced green onions or a handful of chopped cilantro. A side of steamed broccoli or roasted Brussels sprouts complements the dish perfectly.
Storage and Reheating Tips for Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Alternatively, reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to keep the chicken moist. This dish also freezes well—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Recipe Variations to Keep It Fresh
Want to switch things up? Try using chicken thighs instead of breasts for a richer, more tender result. For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes to ½ teaspoon or add a dash of hot sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, substitute pineapple juice for apple juice to add a tropical twist. Vegetarians can even swap the chicken for firm tofu or chickpeas and enjoy the same bold flavors.
Time-Saving Tips for Busy Cooks
Prep the sauce the night before and store it in the fridge—just pour it over the chicken in the morning and let the slow cooker do the work. If you’re short on time, use pre-minced garlic and ground ginger instead of fresh. For an even quicker shred, use two forks or toss the chicken into a stand mixer with the paddle attachment for 30 seconds on low speed.
Common Questions Answered
Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker? Absolutely! Simply simmer the chicken and sauce in a covered pot on the stovetop over low heat for 20 interviewing25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Is the sauce too sweet for my taste? Feel free to reduce the brown sugar to 2 tablespoons or substitute with honey for a different sweetness profile. Adjust to your preference!
Slow Cooker Bourbon Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- slow cooker
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- ½ teaspoon minced garlic
- ¼ teaspoon ginger
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ¼ cup apple juice
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 Tablespoons ketchup
- 1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ⅓ cup water
- ⅓ cup low sodium soy sauce
- 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in the bottom of slow cooker.
- In a medium sized mixing bowl, combine garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes, apple juice, brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, water and soy sauce.
- Pour sauce on top of chicken.
- Replace lid and cook 5-7 hours on low (every crock pot is different – be sure to not overcook so that your chicken isn’t dry).
- Remove chicken and shred or cut into chunks.
- In a small bowl, mix together 2 Tablespoons cornstarch with 2 Tablespoons of sauce from the crock pot.
- Whisk together and pour back into the crock pot to thicken the sauce.
- Return chicken to the slow cooker and let warm until ready to serve.
- Serve over rice and garnish with additional red pepper flakes.