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Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken

A delightful dish of tender chicken simmered with a rich, flavorful glaze, perfect for cozy dinners or potlucks.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 330
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs) Juicy and tender, perfect for soaking up all the delicious flavors.
  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken.
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Adds a touch of spice to the dish.
  • 1/4 cup bourbon Imparts a rich and slightly sweet depth (can substitute with apple juice).
  • 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce Provides umami and balances the sweetness.
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar (packed) Adds a touch of caramel sweetness to the sauce.
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced) Offers a wonderful aromatic kick.
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger (grated) Infuses a zesty and fresh flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch Thickens the sauce for a velvety finish.
  • 1 teaspoon water Helps dissolve the cornstarch.
  • to taste sliced green onions, sesame seeds, lime wedges for garnish Brighten the dish and add a pop of color and freshness.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Start by seasoning the chicken with kosher salt and black pepper. Place the seasoned chicken in your slow cooker, ensuring they are evenly layered at the bottom.
Sauce Preparation
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the bourbon, low sodium soy sauce, light brown sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger until you have a smooth mixture.
Cooking
  1. Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker, making sure it’s well-covered for maximum flavor extraction.
  2. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and beautifully tender.
Finishing Touches
  1. Carefully remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker. Shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
  2. Transfer the cooking sauce to a medium saucepan over medium heat. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Gradually add this mixture to the sauce in the pan, stirring continuously until slightly thickened, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and pour the thickened sauce over it. Stir well to ensure all the chicken pieces are evenly coated.
Serving
  1. Serve immediately or keep on the 'warm' setting until ready to eat. Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and lime wedges.

Notes

For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce for a few hours or overnight. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas in the last hour of cooking.