This crockpot bourbon chicken is a set-it-and-forget version of the classic takeout favorite—sticky, savory-sweet, and packed with bold flavor. Despite the name, bourbon chicken contains no alcohol. The dish gets its name from Bourbon Street in New Orleans, where it was first popularized, not from bourbon itself.
Made with tender chicken thighs and a rich, glossy sauce, this slow cooker version is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a cozy family dinner. Serve it over rice, cauliflower rice, or tucked into lettuce wraps for an easy, satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Bourbon Chicken
- Easy dump-and-go slow cooker recipe
- No alcohol, family-friendly
- Better than takeout flavor at home
- Naturally gluten-free option
- Great for meal prep and leftovers
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup tomato sauce
- ⅓ cup coconut aminos or 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon wheat-free tamari
- 1 tablespoon coconut vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- ⅓ cup granulated low-carb sweetener (or brown sugar if not low carb)
- ¾ teaspoon crushed red pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 clove garlic, smashed or minced
- ¼ teaspoon freshly grated ginger
Optional for serving
- Sliced scallions
- Sesame seeds
- Rice or cauliflower rice
How to Make Bourbon Chicken in the Crockpot
Step 1: Add Ingredients
Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker. Sprinkle evenly with salt.
In a bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, tomato sauce, coconut aminos (or tamari), vinegar, sweetener, crushed red pepper, garlic, and ginger. Pour the sauce over the chicken.
Step 2: Slow Cook
Cover and cook:
- LOW for 4–5 hours
- HIGH for 2½–3 hours
The chicken should be very tender and easy to shred.
Step 3: Thicken the Sauce (Optional but Recommended)
Remove the chicken and shred or cut into bite-size pieces.
To thicken:
- Pour the sauce into a saucepan and simmer for 10–15 minutes until glossy and reduced
OR - Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch (or arrowroot) with 1 tablespoon water, stir into the crockpot, add chicken back, and cook on HIGH for 15–20 minutes uncovered.
Step 4: Serve
Return the chicken to the sauce and toss to coat. Garnish with scallions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve hot over rice or cauliflower rice.
Slow Cooker Bourbon Chicken Tips
- Chicken thighs stay juicier than breasts
- For less heat, reduce crushed red pepper to ¼ teaspoon
- Sauce thickens more as it cools
- Double the recipe easily for meal prep
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave until heated through
Crockpot Bourbon Chicken
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 4 SERVINGS 1x
Description
Tender chicken thighs slow cooked in a rich, sticky, savory-sweet sauce inspired by classic bourbon chicken—no alcohol, just bold flavor. This easy slow cooker dinner is better than takeout and perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients
-
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
-
½ teaspoon fine sea salt
-
½ cup chicken broth
-
¼ cup tomato sauce
-
⅓ cup coconut aminos or 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon wheat-free tamari
-
1 tablespoon coconut vinegar or apple cider vinegar
-
⅓ cup granulated sweetener (low-carb or brown sugar)
-
¾ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
-
1 clove garlic, minced
-
¼ teaspoon freshly grated ginger
Optional for serving
-
Sliced scallions
-
Sesame seeds
-
Rice or cauliflower rice
Instructions
-
Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker and season evenly with salt.
-
In a bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, tomato sauce, coconut aminos (or tamari), vinegar, sweetener, crushed red pepper, garlic, and ginger. Pour the sauce over the chicken.
-
Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2½–3 hours, until the chicken is very tender.
-
Remove the chicken and cut or shred into bite-sized pieces.
-
To thicken the sauce, either:
-
Transfer the sauce to a saucepan and simmer for 10–15 minutes until reduced and glossy, or
-
Whisk 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water, stir into the slow cooker, return chicken, and cook on HIGH uncovered for 15–20 minutes.
-
-
Toss the chicken with the thickened sauce. Garnish with scallions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve warm over rice or cauliflower rice.
Notes
-
Chicken thighs are recommended for the most tender results.
-
Adjust crushed red pepper for more or less heat.
-
Sauce thickens more as it cools.
-
This recipe doubles easily for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-5 HOURS
- Category: DINNER | CHICKEN
- Method: SLOW COOKER
- Cuisine: AMERICAN | CHINESE
Frequently Asked Questions
Does bourbon chicken contain alcohol?
No. Despite the name, this recipe contains no bourbon or alcohol.
Can I use chicken breasts?
Yes, but thighs are recommended for tenderness. Breasts may be slightly drier.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has mild heat. Adjust crushed red pepper to taste.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats beautifully and is great for meal prep.
Final Thoughts
This crockpot bourbon chicken recipe delivers everything you love about the classic dish—sweet, savory, sticky sauce and tender chicken—without standing over the stove. It’s an easy slow cooker dinner that tastes like takeout but feels homemade, cozy, and dependable.
Perfect for busy nights, family meals, or make-ahead lunches.
