This Crock Pot Honey Bourbon Chicken is a perfect combination of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors. With the help of your slow cooker, you can make tender, juicy chicken coated in a flavorful honey bourbon sauce. The slow cooking process allows the chicken to absorb all the delicious flavors, making it a hassle-free and satisfying meal. Whether you’re serving it over rice, with vegetables, or simply on its own, this dish is sure to be a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Honey Bourbon Chicken recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. The combination of honey and bourbon creates a rich sauce that’s both sweet and savory, while the chicken turns out tender and flavorful. Best of all, it’s a slow cooker recipe, so once you add the ingredients, you can relax and let the Crock Pot do all the work. It’s a comforting dish with a little extra flair that will impress everyone at the dinner table.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for some heat)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening the sauce)
- Cooked rice or vegetables, for serving (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your Crock Pot.
- Make the sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the bourbon, honey, soy sauce, ketchup, Dijon mustard, garlic, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Cook the chicken: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken breasts in the Crock Pot, making sure the chicken is well-coated.
- Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Thicken the sauce (optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Add this mixture to the Crock Pot in the last 30 minutes of cooking, and stir to combine.
- Serve: Remove the chicken from the Crock Pot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the Crock Pot and stir to coat it in the sauce.
- Serve the chicken: Serve the Honey Bourbon Chicken over cooked rice or with your favorite vegetables.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 6-7 hours on low (or 3-4 hours on high)
- Total time: 6-7 hours (or 3-4 hours)
Variations
- Add vegetables: Add vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or carrots to the Crock Pot for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Use chicken thighs: You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a slightly richer flavor.
- Make it spicier: If you like heat, add more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
- Use a different sweetener: Swap honey for maple syrup or brown sugar for a different type of sweetness.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a little bit of water or chicken broth to loosen it up.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but you may need to increase the cooking time by about 1 hour on low or 30 minutes on high.
2. Can I make this recipe with chicken thighs?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work great in this recipe and will result in a slightly juicier dish.
3. Can I make this recipe without bourbon?
Yes, if you prefer to avoid alcohol, you can substitute the bourbon with apple juice or chicken broth for a similar flavor profile.
4. How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add more red pepper flakes, a chopped jalapeño, or a few dashes of hot sauce to the sauce for extra heat.
5. Can I use this recipe for meal prep?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for meal prep! It stores well in the fridge for a few days and can be easily reheated for lunch or dinner.
6. Can I add vegetables to the Crock Pot?
Yes, you can add vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, carrots, or even potatoes. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and add them to the Crock Pot with the chicken and sauce.
7. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients in advance, then cook it in the Crock Pot on the day you want to serve it.
8. Can I use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup?
Yes, using a slow cooker liner will make cleanup much easier after cooking.
9. Can I freeze this Honey Bourbon Chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken with the sauce for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
10. Can I serve this chicken with something other than rice?
Yes, you can serve this chicken with steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or over a bed of quinoa for a complete meal.
Conclusion
This Crock Pot Honey Bourbon Chicken is a flavorful and easy recipe that will become a regular in your dinner rotation. The sweet and savory sauce, tender chicken, and simple preparation make it the perfect meal for busy days or cozy family dinners. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, you’ll fall in love with this dish every time you make it!
Print
Crock Pot Honey Bourbon Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours on low (or 3-4 hours on high)
- Total Time: 6-7 hours (or 3-4 hours)
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Crock Pot Honey Bourbon Chicken is the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, with tender chicken cooked to perfection in a rich honey bourbon sauce. Made effortlessly in your slow cooker, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep. Serve it over rice or with your favorite vegetables for a satisfying and flavorful meal that’s sure to please everyone.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional for thickening the sauce)
- Cooked rice or vegetables, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Place boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your Crock Pot.
- Make the sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together bourbon, honey, soy sauce, ketchup, Dijon mustard, garlic, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Cook the chicken: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken breasts in the Crock Pot, ensuring the chicken is well-coated.
- Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Thicken the sauce (optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Add this mixture to the Crock Pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking, stirring to combine.
- Shred the chicken: Remove the chicken from the Crock Pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the Crock Pot and stir to coat in the sauce.
- Serve: Serve the Honey Bourbon Chicken over cooked rice or with your favorite vegetables.
Notes
Add vegetables: Bell peppers, onions, carrots, or even potatoes can be added to the Crock Pot for extra flavor and nutrition.
Use chicken thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used for a juicier version of the dish.
Make it spicier: Add more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce for an extra kick.
Use a different sweetener: Swap honey with maple syrup or brown sugar for a different flavor.
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