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My crockpot bourbon chicken delivers authentic takeout taste in your own home. The succulent thigh meat bathes in a rich, balanced glaze with subtle bourbon undertones that'll keep you coming back for more. Everyone begs for my secret whenever they taste it.
How Slow Cooking Creates Wonders
The crockpot does something magical to this dish. During those hours of gentle heating, the chicken gets unbelievably soft while drinking up the delicious sauce. I can't tell you how nice it is to throw everything in before work and come home to an almost-finished meal.
Your Ingredient List
- Skinless chicken thighs for maximum juiciness
- Kikkoman reduced-salt soy sauce
- Deep brown sugar giving those molasses hints
- Crushed red pepper for gentle heat
- Scallions picked straight from outdoors
- Powdered ginger for aromatic spiciness
- Neighborhood honey for sweetness
- Finely chopped fresh garlic
- Quality bourbon whatever you'd sip yourself
- Apple vinegar cutting through sweetness
- Cornstarch making everything sticky
- Water to blend with thickener
Cooking Directions
- Bottom Setup
- Place thighs in crockpot base keeping them in single layer
- Flavor Blend
- Combine brown sugar soy sauce pepper flakes scallions honey ginger garlic bourbon vinegar in separate container
- Walk Away
- Drizzle mixture onto chicken cook 4 hours high setting or 6 hours low until falling apart
- Break Apart
- Remove chicken tear into smaller chunks
- Thicken Up
- Mix water and cornstarch add to liquid simmer until sauce coats spoon around 15 minutes
- Reunion
- Return shredded meat stir thoroughly allow bubbling another 10 minutes
- Finishing
- Scatter fresh scallions on top ladle over hot rice add sesame seeds if desired
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Easy Swaps
I sometimes swap in chicken breasts for a leaner option. Don't have bourbon? Just pour in some apple juice instead. My little ones always want me to add a dollop of ketchup for extra tang.
Storing Extras
Tuck any extras away in your fridge and eat within 4 days. You'll notice it actually tastes better the next day, which makes it great for planning meals ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I leave out the bourbon?
Sure, apple juice works great as a non-alcoholic alternative and keeps the flavor intact.
- → Can I swap thighs for breasts?
Definitely! Just cube the chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces and cook for the same time.
- → How long do I cook it?
Set on high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours, depending on your schedule.
- → How do I thicken the sauce?
Stir in a cornstarch mix towards the end of cooking to get your desired consistency.
- → What sides go well with it?
Pair with rice, green onions, and sprinkle on sesame seeds for crunch.