What To Know
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- The sweetness of the honey and brown sugar, the savory tang of the soy sauce and bourbon, and the subtle spiciness of the ginger and red pepper flakes create a harmonious balance that will leave you craving more.
- Simply marinate the chicken in the bourbon sauce and cook it in a hot wok….
Embark on a culinary adventure with our bourbon chicken recipe crock pot, a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. This hassle-free recipe transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary dish, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Let your crock pot do the work while you relax and savor the delectable aromas filling your kitchen.
Ingredients
1. 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
2. 1/2 cup bourbon whiskey
3. 1/2 cup soy sauce
4. 1/2 cup brown sugar
5. 1/4 cup honey
6. 1/4 cup ketchup
7. 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
8. 1 tablespoon minced garlic
9. 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
10. 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
11. 1/2 teaspoon salt
12. 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)
13. 1 tablespoon cornstarch
14. 2 tablespoons water
15. 1 green bell pepper, sliced
16. 1 red bell pepper, sliced
17. 1 onion, sliced
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, ketchup, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Toss to coat the chicken evenly.
2. Crock Pot Magic:
- Transfer the chicken mixture to your crock pot.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
3. Thicken the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crock pot and set aside.
- Stir the cornstarch mixture into the remaining sauce in the crock pot.
- Cook on high for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened.
4. Veggie Delight:
- Add the sliced bell peppers and onion to the thickened sauce.
- Cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
5. Reunite the Chicken:
- Return the cooked chicken to the crock pot and stir gently to combine with the sauce and vegetables.
- Cook for 5-10 minutes, just to heat the chicken through.
6. Garnish and Serve:
- Transfer the bourbon chicken to a serving dish.
- Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or fresh cilantro.
- Serve over steamed rice or noodles.
Tips for a Perfect Bourbon Chicken
- Use a good quality bourbon for the best flavor.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your desired spice level.
- You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a more tender result.
- To make the sauce thicker, add more cornstarch mixture as needed.
- If your crock pot has a “keep warm” setting, you can keep the bourbon chicken warm for several hours before serving.
Variations and Substitutions
- For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh.
- Add pineapple chunks or crushed pineapple for a tropical twist.
- Use hoisin sauce instead of ketchup for a richer flavor.
- Experiment with different types of peppers, such as poblano or Anaheim, for a unique flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the bourbon chicken over steamed rice or noodles.
- Accompany it with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
- For a complete meal, add a side of steamed broccoli or stir-fried green beans.
Health Benefits of Bourbon Chicken
- Bourbon whiskey contains antioxidants that may help protect against heart disease and cancer.
- Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
- Garlic is a natural antibiotic and antiviral agent.
- Honey is a good source of antioxidants and has antibacterial properties.
A Culinary Journey with Bourbon Chicken
Our bourbon chicken recipe crock pot is a culinary journey that takes you through a symphony of flavors. The sweetness of the honey and brown sugar, the savory tang of the soy sauce and bourbon, and the subtle spiciness of the ginger and red pepper flakes create a harmonious balance that will leave you craving more.
Beyond the Usual: Bourbon Chicken Recipes
- Bourbon Chicken Stir-Fry: Elevate your weeknight dinner with a quick and easy stir-fry version of bourbon chicken. Simply marinate the chicken in the bourbon sauce and cook it in a hot wok or skillet. Serve over rice or noodles.
- Bourbon Chicken Pizza: Unleash your creativity with a bourbon chicken pizza. Top a crispy pizza crust with shredded chicken, bourbon sauce, mozzarella cheese, and your favorite toppings. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Bourbon Chicken Wings: Turn your next party into a finger-licking affair with bourbon chicken wings. Marinate chicken wings in the bourbon sauce and bake or grill until crispy. Serve with a side of ranch dressing or blue cheese dip.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different type of alcohol instead of bourbon?
- Yes, you can use other spirits like whiskey, rum, or brandy. However, bourbon adds a unique flavor that complements the chicken well.
2. Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
- Yes, you can use a slow cooker instead of a crock pot. Follow the same instructions, but cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours.
3. How can I make the sauce thicker?
- To thicken the sauce, add more cornstarch mixture as needed. You can also simmer the sauce in a saucepan over medium heat until it reaches your desired consistency.
4. What side dishes can I serve with bourbon chicken?
- Steamed rice or noodles are classic accompaniments to bourbon chicken. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or stir-fried green beans.
5. Can I freeze the bourbon chicken?
- Yes, you can freeze the bourbon chicken for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before freezing. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then warm it gently in a saucepan or microwave.
