What To Know
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours.
- Return the chicken to the crockpot and stir to coat it in the thickened sauce.
- To reheat the chicken, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or reheat it in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
In the realm of effortless and lip-smacking meals, the easy crockpot bourbon chicken recipe reigns supreme. This culinary gem combines the convenience of slow-cooking with the tantalizing flavors of bourbon, garlic, and honey, resulting in a tender, succulent chicken dish that will leave your taste buds dancing. Get ready to embark on a flavor-filled journey with this simple yet extraordinary recipe.
Ingredients:
1. 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2. 1 cup bourbon
3. 1 cup soy sauce
4. 1/2 cup honey
5. 1/2 cup brown sugar
6. 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
7. 1 tablespoon garlic powder
8. 1 tablespoon onion powder
9. 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
10. 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
11. 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
12. 2 tablespoons cornstarch
13. 2 tablespoons water
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts.
- Place the chicken breasts in a large bowl.
2. Create the Marinade:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the bourbon, soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and black pepper.
3. Marinate the Chicken:
- Pour the marinade over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are fully coated.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours.
4. Slow-Cook Perfection:
- Transfer the marinated chicken breasts to a crockpot.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
5. Thicken the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth.
- Remove the chicken from the crockpot and set aside.
- Turn the crockpot to high and bring the remaining sauce to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low and slowly whisk in the cornstarch mixture until the sauce has thickened.
6. Reunite Chicken and Sauce:
- Return the chicken to the crockpot and stir to coat it in the thickened sauce.
- Cook for an additional 10 minutes to ensure the chicken is heated through.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the bourbon chicken over steamed rice or your favorite sides.
- Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley.
Tips for a Flawless Dish:
- Choose Quality Ingredients:
- Opt for fresh, free-range chicken breasts for the best flavor and texture.
- Use a good quality bourbon that you would enjoy drinking.
- Marinate the Chicken:
- The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be.
- If you’re short on time, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes.
- Slow-Cook Perfection:
- The low and slow cooking method ensures tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken.
- Don’t overcook the chicken, or it will become dry.
- Thicken the Sauce:
- The cornstarch slurry helps thicken the sauce, creating a delicious glaze for the chicken.
- Adjust the amount of cornstarch based on your desired sauce consistency.
Serving Suggestions:
- Steamed Rice:
- Serve the bourbon chicken over a bed of fluffy steamed rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
- Mashed Potatoes:
- Creamy mashed potatoes provide a comforting base for the savory chicken.
- Roasted Vegetables:
- Pair the chicken with roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or sweet potatoes for a healthy and colorful meal.
- Noodles:
- Serve the chicken over your favorite noodles, such as spaghetti, linguine, or ramen.
Storing Leftovers:
- Refrigeration:
- Store leftover bourbon chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing:
- For longer storage, freeze the chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
- Reheating:
- To reheat the chicken, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or reheat it in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Variations:
- Spicy Kick:
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the marinade for a spicy twist.
- Sweet and Tangy:
- Use orange juice instead of apple cider vinegar for a sweeter and tangier flavor.
- Herbed Chicken:
- Add a teaspoon of dried thyme or rosemary to the marinade for a more herbaceous flavor.
- Grilled or Pan-Fried:
- Instead of slow-cooking, grill or pan-fry the chicken breasts for a quicker meal.
The Perfect Pairing:
- Wine:
- Pair the bourbon chicken with a light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir or a fruity white wine like Riesling.
- Beer:
- Enjoy the chicken with a cold glass of amber ale or wheat beer.
- Cocktail:
- Sip on a bourbon old fashioned or a bourbon sour to complement the flavors of the dish.
What You Need to Know
1. Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts?
- Yes, you can use chicken thighs, but they may take a bit longer to cook.
2. What can I serve with the bourbon chicken besides rice?
- You can serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, noodles, or a side salad.
3. Can I make the bourbon chicken in a Dutch oven instead of a crockpot?
- Yes, you can. Just follow the same instructions, but cook the chicken over low heat for about 1 hour, or until cooked through.
