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Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Flavorful Family Delight

by on March 9, 2025

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Are you ready to impress your family with an easy and tasty meal? My Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken is packed with flavor and sure to be a hit. This dish combines tender chicken, sweet bourbon, and savory spices, making every bite a delight. Follow my simple steps and tips for a perfect finish. Let’s dive into cooking this family favorite that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

To make this tasty dish, you need a few key items. Here’s what you’ll need: - 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1/2 cup soy sauce - 1/4 cup pure maple syrup - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1 teaspoon onion powder These ingredients come together to create a sweet and savory flavor. The chicken thighs are juicy and tender. The soy sauce adds saltiness, while the maple syrup brings sweet depth. Ginger and garlic give it a warm kick. If you want to spice things up, consider adding these optional ingredients: - 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (for heat) - 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish) These additions can make your bourbon chicken even more exciting. The red pepper flakes add a nice kick, while the green onions brighten up the dish. When it’s time to serve, you have tasty options. Spoon the chicken and sauce over cooked rice or quinoa. This pairing soaks up the flavors and makes the meal filling. You can also sprinkle sliced green onions on top for a fresh touch. Serve with a side of steamed veggies for a balanced plate. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather a medium bowl. In this bowl, mix together the soy sauce, maple syrup, grated ginger, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, sesame oil, black pepper, onion powder, and optional red pepper flakes. Whisk these ingredients well until they blend into a smooth sauce. This marinade is key. It adds rich, sweet, and savory flavors to the chicken. Next, take your boneless, skinless chicken thighs and place them in the crock pot. This is where the magic happens! Pour your freshly made marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated. Use a spoon to make sure all the chicken is covered. This helps the flavors soak in during cooking. Now, it's time to cook! Cover the crock pot and set it to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. If you’re in a hurry, you can set it to high for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken is done when it becomes tender and shreds easily with a fork. About 30 minutes before serving, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the pot. Stir the shreds back into the sauce for extra flavor. If the sauce seems thin, leave the lid off and cook on high for the last 30 minutes. This helps thicken the sauce nicely. When you’re ready to serve, spoon the chicken and sauce over cooked rice or quinoa. Garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh touch. Enjoy your flavorful family delight! To shred chicken, wait until it cooks fully. Use two forks to pull apart the meat. Start at the thicker end and work your way to the thinner parts. Shredding works best when the chicken is hot. If you find it tough, let it cook longer. You want it tender and easy to pull apart. If your sauce is too thin, remove the lid and cook on high. This helps steam escape and thickens the sauce. Stir it a bit every 10 minutes. If it’s still not thick enough, you can mix a cornstarch slurry. Just combine one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water. Stir this into the sauce, and let it cook for a few minutes. To boost the flavor, add more ginger or garlic. You can also try using honey instead of maple syrup for a different taste. If you like heat, increase the crushed red pepper flakes. Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can brighten the dish. Taste the sauce before serving and adjust seasoning with salt or pepper. Pro Tips Marinating Time: For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour or overnight in the refrigerator. Thickening the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Spice Level: Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes according to your heat preference. Start with less if you're unsure! Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed broccoli or a fresh salad for added nutrition and color. {{image_2}} You can add veggies to your bourbon chicken for more color and taste. Try adding bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas. These veggies cook well in the crock pot. Chop them into bite-sized pieces. Mix them in with the chicken before you pour in the sauce. The vegetables will soak up the flavors and add nutrition to your meal. Want a kick? You can spice up your bourbon chicken. Just add more crushed red pepper flakes. Start with one teaspoon and adjust to your taste. If you love heat, add some diced jalapeños. They bring a fresh flavor and lots of spice. Mix the spices into the marinade for a bold taste. Your family will love this spicy twist! While rice is classic, try other grains too! Quinoa is a great choice. It’s high in protein and has a nice texture. You could also use farro or barley. These grains will soak up the sauce and make your meal heartier. Cook them according to the package directions. Serve the bourbon chicken on top for a filling dish. Storing leftovers is easy. First, let the bourbon chicken cool down. Then, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to store it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing. Reheating is simple and quick. You can use the microwave, stovetop, or oven. If using the microwave, put the chicken in a bowl. Add a splash of water to keep it moist. Heat it for one to two minutes. Stir halfway through to warm it evenly. If you choose the stovetop, warm it in a pan over low heat. Stir until hot. For the oven, cover the chicken with foil and heat at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes. Freezing is a great way to save leftovers. Use a freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. Label the bag with the date. Bourbon chicken can last up to three months in the freezer. To use it later, thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat as mentioned above. Enjoy your meal anytime! Yes, you can use chicken breasts. They cook well, but they may dry out faster. Thighs stay juicier due to more fat. If using breasts, check for doneness sooner. Cook for about 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high. This keeps them tender and moist. Each slow cooker is unique. Some cook hotter or cooler than others. If your cooker runs hot, start checking your chicken at the lower end of the time. For cookers that run cool, add an extra hour. The chicken should shred easily when done. Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken pairs great with cooked rice or quinoa. The sauce soaks into the grains well. You can also add steamed veggies for color and nutrition. Broccoli or green beans work nicely. Top with sliced green onions for a fresh touch. Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken blends easy steps with tasty flavors. You learned about key ingredients and how to prepare the dish. I shared tips for perfecting your chicken and enhancing flavors. Consider the variations to keep meals fun and interesting. Lastly, I covered smart storage and reheating methods. Enjoy experimenting with this recipe and make it your own! Your kitchen will fill with delightful aromas, making mealtime special.

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Deliciously Unique Flavor: The combination of maple syrup and soy sauce creates a sweet and savory profile that is simply irresistible.
  2. Effortless Cooking: With just 15 minutes of prep and a slow cooker, dinner practically makes itself, giving you more time to relax.
  3. Customizable Heat: You can easily adjust the spice level by adding or omitting the crushed red pepper flakes, making it family-friendly.
  4. Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish is great for leftovers, and the flavors only get better the next day, making it ideal for busy weeks.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients for Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

To make this tasty dish, you need a few key items. Here’s what you’ll need:

– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs

– 1/2 cup soy sauce

– 1/4 cup pure maple syrup

– 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

– 4 cloves garlic, minced

– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

– 1 teaspoon sesame oil

– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

– 1 teaspoon onion powder

These ingredients come together to create a sweet and savory flavor. The chicken thighs are juicy and tender. The soy sauce adds saltiness, while the maple syrup brings sweet depth. Ginger and garlic give it a warm kick.

Optional Ingredients for Heat and Flavor

If you want to spice things up, consider adding these optional ingredients:

– 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (for heat)

– 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

These additions can make your bourbon chicken even more exciting. The red pepper flakes add a nice kick, while the green onions brighten up the dish.

Serving Suggestions

When it’s time to serve, you have tasty options. Spoon the chicken and sauce over cooked rice or quinoa. This pairing soaks up the flavors and makes the meal filling. You can also sprinkle sliced green onions on top for a fresh touch. Serve with a side of steamed veggies for a balanced plate.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Marinade

To start, gather a medium bowl. In this bowl, mix together the soy sauce, maple syrup, grated ginger, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, sesame oil, black pepper, onion powder, and optional red pepper flakes. Whisk these ingredients well until they blend into a smooth sauce. This marinade is key. It adds rich, sweet, and savory flavors to the chicken.

Combining Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Next, take your boneless, skinless chicken thighs and place them in the crock pot. This is where the magic happens! Pour your freshly made marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated. Use a spoon to make sure all the chicken is covered. This helps the flavors soak in during cooking.

Cooking Times and Techniques

Now, it’s time to cook! Cover the crock pot and set it to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. If you’re in a hurry, you can set it to high for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken is done when it becomes tender and shreds easily with a fork. About 30 minutes before serving, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the pot. Stir the shreds back into the sauce for extra flavor. If the sauce seems thin, leave the lid off and cook on high for the last 30 minutes. This helps thicken the sauce nicely.

When you’re ready to serve, spoon the chicken and sauce over cooked rice or quinoa. Garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh touch. Enjoy your flavorful family delight!

Tips & Tricks

How to Shred Chicken Perfectly

To shred chicken, wait until it cooks fully. Use two forks to pull apart the meat. Start at the thicker end and work your way to the thinner parts. Shredding works best when the chicken is hot. If you find it tough, let it cook longer. You want it tender and easy to pull apart.

Adjusting Sauce Thickness

If your sauce is too thin, remove the lid and cook on high. This helps steam escape and thickens the sauce. Stir it a bit every 10 minutes. If it’s still not thick enough, you can mix a cornstarch slurry. Just combine one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water. Stir this into the sauce, and let it cook for a few minutes.

Flavor Enhancements and Seasoning Advice

To boost the flavor, add more ginger or garlic. You can also try using honey instead of maple syrup for a different taste. If you like heat, increase the crushed red pepper flakes. Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can brighten the dish. Taste the sauce before serving and adjust seasoning with salt or pepper.

Pro Tips

  1. Marinating Time: For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour or overnight in the refrigerator.
  2. Thickening the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
  3. Spice Level: Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes according to your heat preference. Start with less if you’re unsure!
  4. Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed broccoli or a fresh salad for added nutrition and color.

Variations

Bourbon Chicken with Vegetables

You can add veggies to your bourbon chicken for more color and taste. Try adding bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas. These veggies cook well in the crock pot. Chop them into bite-sized pieces. Mix them in with the chicken before you pour in the sauce. The vegetables will soak up the flavors and add nutrition to your meal.

Spicy Bourbon Chicken Option

Want a kick? You can spice up your bourbon chicken. Just add more crushed red pepper flakes. Start with one teaspoon and adjust to your taste. If you love heat, add some diced jalapeños. They bring a fresh flavor and lots of spice. Mix the spices into the marinade for a bold taste. Your family will love this spicy twist!

Serving with Different Grains

While rice is classic, try other grains too! Quinoa is a great choice. It’s high in protein and has a nice texture. You could also use farro or barley. These grains will soak up the sauce and make your meal heartier. Cook them according to the package directions. Serve the bourbon chicken on top for a filling dish.

Storage Info

How to Store Leftovers

Storing leftovers is easy. First, let the bourbon chicken cool down. Then, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to store it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing.

Reheating Tips

Reheating is simple and quick. You can use the microwave, stovetop, or oven. If using the microwave, put the chicken in a bowl. Add a splash of water to keep it moist. Heat it for one to two minutes. Stir halfway through to warm it evenly. If you choose the stovetop, warm it in a pan over low heat. Stir until hot. For the oven, cover the chicken with foil and heat at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes.

Freezing Bourbon Chicken for Later

Freezing is a great way to save leftovers. Use a freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. Label the bag with the date. Bourbon chicken can last up to three months in the freezer. To use it later, thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat as mentioned above. Enjoy your meal anytime!

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts. They cook well, but they may dry out faster. Thighs stay juicier due to more fat. If using breasts, check for doneness sooner. Cook for about 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high. This keeps them tender and moist.

How do I adjust the cooking time for different slow cookers?

Each slow cooker is unique. Some cook hotter or cooler than others. If your cooker runs hot, start checking your chicken at the lower end of the time. For cookers that run cool, add an extra hour. The chicken should shred easily when done.

What can I serve with Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken?

Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken pairs great with cooked rice or quinoa. The sauce soaks into the grains well. You can also add steamed veggies for color and nutrition. Broccoli or green beans work nicely. Top with sliced green onions for a fresh touch.

Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken blends easy steps with tasty flavors. You learned about key ingredients and how to prepare the dish. I shared tips for perfecting your chicken and enhancing flavors. Consider the variations to keep meals fun and interesting. Lastly, I covered smart storage and reheating methods. Enjoy experimenting with this recipe and make it your own! Your kitchen will fill with delightful aromas, making mealtime specia

To make this tasty dish, you need a few key items. Here’s what you’ll need: - 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1/2 cup soy sauce - 1/4 cup pure maple syrup - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1 teaspoon onion powder These ingredients come together to create a sweet and savory flavor. The chicken thighs are juicy and tender. The soy sauce adds saltiness, while the maple syrup brings sweet depth. Ginger and garlic give it a warm kick. If you want to spice things up, consider adding these optional ingredients: - 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (for heat) - 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish) These additions can make your bourbon chicken even more exciting. The red pepper flakes add a nice kick, while the green onions brighten up the dish. When it’s time to serve, you have tasty options. Spoon the chicken and sauce over cooked rice or quinoa. This pairing soaks up the flavors and makes the meal filling. You can also sprinkle sliced green onions on top for a fresh touch. Serve with a side of steamed veggies for a balanced plate. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather a medium bowl. In this bowl, mix together the soy sauce, maple syrup, grated ginger, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, sesame oil, black pepper, onion powder, and optional red pepper flakes. Whisk these ingredients well until they blend into a smooth sauce. This marinade is key. It adds rich, sweet, and savory flavors to the chicken. Next, take your boneless, skinless chicken thighs and place them in the crock pot. This is where the magic happens! Pour your freshly made marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is coated. Use a spoon to make sure all the chicken is covered. This helps the flavors soak in during cooking. Now, it's time to cook! Cover the crock pot and set it to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. If you’re in a hurry, you can set it to high for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken is done when it becomes tender and shreds easily with a fork. About 30 minutes before serving, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the pot. Stir the shreds back into the sauce for extra flavor. If the sauce seems thin, leave the lid off and cook on high for the last 30 minutes. This helps thicken the sauce nicely. When you’re ready to serve, spoon the chicken and sauce over cooked rice or quinoa. Garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh touch. Enjoy your flavorful family delight! To shred chicken, wait until it cooks fully. Use two forks to pull apart the meat. Start at the thicker end and work your way to the thinner parts. Shredding works best when the chicken is hot. If you find it tough, let it cook longer. You want it tender and easy to pull apart. If your sauce is too thin, remove the lid and cook on high. This helps steam escape and thickens the sauce. Stir it a bit every 10 minutes. If it’s still not thick enough, you can mix a cornstarch slurry. Just combine one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water. Stir this into the sauce, and let it cook for a few minutes. To boost the flavor, add more ginger or garlic. You can also try using honey instead of maple syrup for a different taste. If you like heat, increase the crushed red pepper flakes. Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can brighten the dish. Taste the sauce before serving and adjust seasoning with salt or pepper. Pro Tips Marinating Time: For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour or overnight in the refrigerator. Thickening the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Spice Level: Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes according to your heat preference. Start with less if you're unsure! Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed broccoli or a fresh salad for added nutrition and color. {{image_2}} You can add veggies to your bourbon chicken for more color and taste. Try adding bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas. These veggies cook well in the crock pot. Chop them into bite-sized pieces. Mix them in with the chicken before you pour in the sauce. The vegetables will soak up the flavors and add nutrition to your meal. Want a kick? You can spice up your bourbon chicken. Just add more crushed red pepper flakes. Start with one teaspoon and adjust to your taste. If you love heat, add some diced jalapeños. They bring a fresh flavor and lots of spice. Mix the spices into the marinade for a bold taste. Your family will love this spicy twist! While rice is classic, try other grains too! Quinoa is a great choice. It’s high in protein and has a nice texture. You could also use farro or barley. These grains will soak up the sauce and make your meal heartier. Cook them according to the package directions. Serve the bourbon chicken on top for a filling dish. Storing leftovers is easy. First, let the bourbon chicken cool down. Then, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to store it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing. Reheating is simple and quick. You can use the microwave, stovetop, or oven. If using the microwave, put the chicken in a bowl. Add a splash of water to keep it moist. Heat it for one to two minutes. Stir halfway through to warm it evenly. If you choose the stovetop, warm it in a pan over low heat. Stir until hot. For the oven, cover the chicken with foil and heat at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes. Freezing is a great way to save leftovers. Use a freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. Label the bag with the date. Bourbon chicken can last up to three months in the freezer. To use it later, thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat as mentioned above. Enjoy your meal anytime! Yes, you can use chicken breasts. They cook well, but they may dry out faster. Thighs stay juicier due to more fat. If using breasts, check for doneness sooner. Cook for about 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high. This keeps them tender and moist. Each slow cooker is unique. Some cook hotter or cooler than others. If your cooker runs hot, start checking your chicken at the lower end of the time. For cookers that run cool, add an extra hour. The chicken should shred easily when done. Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken pairs great with cooked rice or quinoa. The sauce soaks into the grains well. You can also add steamed veggies for color and nutrition. Broccoli or green beans work nicely. Top with sliced green onions for a fresh touch. Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken blends easy steps with tasty flavors. You learned about key ingredients and how to prepare the dish. I shared tips for perfecting your chicken and enhancing flavors. Consider the variations to keep meals fun and interesting. Lastly, I covered smart storage and reheating methods. Enjoy experimenting with this recipe and make it your own! Your kitchen will fill with delightful aromas, making mealtime special.

Savory Maple-Ginger Chicken Delight

A delicious slow-cooked chicken dish with a sweet and savory maple-ginger marinade.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 0.5 cup soy sauce
  • 0.25 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 0.25 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 2 green onions sliced (for garnish)
  • 1 serving cooked rice or quinoa (for serving)

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together soy sauce, maple syrup, ginger, garlic, apple cider vinegar, sesame oil, black pepper, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes until well combined.
  • Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Place the chicken thighs in the crock pot, then pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring the pieces are fully coated.
  • Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
  • Shred the Chicken: About 30 minutes before serving, use two forks to shred the chicken in the crock pot. Stir the shreds back into the sauce for extra flavor.
  • Final Touch: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. If the sauce is too thin, you can remove the lid and cook on high for the last 30 minutes to thicken.
  • Serve: Spoon the chicken and sauce over cooked rice or quinoa, and sprinkle sliced green onions on top for garnish.

Notes

Adjust the heat level by adding more or less crushed red pepper flakes.
Keyword chicken, easy dinner, ginger, maple syrup, slow cooker

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