This recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. The slow cooker does all the hard work, infusing the chicken with deep, caramelized notes of honey, soy sauce, garlic, and a splash of bourbon for that irresistible depth. It’s versatile, family-friendly, and perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Honey
Bourbon (or apple juice as a non-alcoholic substitute)
Soy sauce
Ketchup
Brown sugar
Garlic (minced)
Fresh ginger (optional)
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Cornstarch (for thickening)
Water
Salt and pepper to taste
Green onions and sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
Directions
Place the chicken in the bottom of your Crock Pot.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, bourbon (or apple juice), soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, minced garlic, and ginger.
Pour the sauce over the chicken in the Crock Pot.
Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Remove the chicken and shred or cut into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to make a slurry.
Pour the sauce from the Crock Pot into a saucepan over medium heat and stir in the cornstarch slurry.
Cook the sauce, stirring frequently, until it thickens (about 5–7 minutes).
Return the chicken to the Crock Pot and pour the thickened sauce over it. Stir to coat evenly.
Serve hot over rice, noodles, or vegetables, and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Servings and timing
Serves: 6 Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 6–7 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high Total time: approximately 6 hours 10 minutes
Variations
Non-alcoholic: Substitute bourbon with apple juice, white grape juice, or broth for a kid-friendly version.
Spicy version: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
Low-sugar option: Reduce honey and brown sugar slightly or use a sugar substitute.
Add vegetables: Throw in bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli during the last hour of cooking for a one-pot meal.
Different proteins: Try it with tofu as an alternative to chicken.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm in the microwave in 1-minute intervals until hot, or heat in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through.
To freeze, let the chicken cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts work well but may be slightly drier than thighs. Be sure not to overcook.
Is there a substitute for bourbon?
Yes, apple juice, white grape juice, or chicken broth can be used as a non-alcoholic substitute.
Can I cook this on the stovetop or oven instead?
Yes, simmer on low heat on the stovetop for about 45 minutes or bake covered in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 1 hour.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. This recipe is great for meal prep and tastes even better the next day.
What can I serve with honey bourbon chicken?
Serve it over steamed rice, quinoa, noodles, or with roasted vegetables.
Can I add vegetables to the Crock Pot?
Yes, add hardy vegetables like carrots or bell peppers during the last hour of cooking.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
Use a cornstarch slurry and simmer the sauce until it reaches your desired thickness.
Is this dish spicy?
Only slightly, depending on how much red pepper flakes you use. You can adjust the spice level to taste.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just make sure your Crock Pot is large enough to hold the extra volume and adjust cooking time slightly if needed.
Conclusion
Crock Pot Honey Bourbon Chicken is a delicious and effortless meal that delivers big on flavor with simple ingredients. It’s sweet, savory, and satisfying—perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. Once you try it, this slow cooker favorite is sure to earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.
Crock Pot Honey Bourbon Chicken is a sweet, savory, and tender slow-cooked dish made with honey, bourbon (or a substitute), soy sauce, garlic, and spices. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a comforting and flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare.
Ingredients
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup bourbon (or apple juice for non-alcoholic option)
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup ketchup
1/4 cup brown sugar
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (optional)
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons water
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Place the chicken in the bottom of your Crock Pot.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, bourbon (or apple juice), soy sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
Pour the sauce over the chicken.
Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
Remove the chicken and shred or cut into bite-sized pieces; set aside.
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry.
Transfer the cooking liquid from the Crock Pot to a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the cornstarch slurry.
Cook the sauce for 5–7 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens.
Return the chicken to the Crock Pot and pour the thickened sauce over it. Stir to coat evenly.
Serve hot over rice, noodles, or vegetables. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
Use apple juice, white grape juice, or chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.Chicken thighs are more flavorful and tender, but breasts also work.Add vegetables like bell peppers or carrots during the last hour of cooking.The sauce can be thickened more or less to your preference using the cornstarch slurry.This dish stores and reheats well, making it ideal for meal prep.
