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- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1/2 cup soy sauce - 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar - 1/3 cup brown sugar - 2 tablespoons honey - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 1 tablespoon garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) - 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish) Gathering the right ingredients is key to making slow cooker bourbon chicken. Start with your chicken thighs. They are juicy and full of flavor. Boneless and skinless thighs work best here. Next, you’ll need soy sauce. This adds saltiness and a rich umami flavor. Apple cider vinegar brings a nice tang, balancing the sweetness of brown sugar. Speaking of brown sugar, it adds a deep sweetness that makes the dish shine. Honey enhances this sweetness while also adding a silky texture. For the sauce, grab Dijon mustard. It gives a bit of bite. Garlic and fresh ginger round out the flavor with their aromatic profiles. Don't forget the seasoning! Black pepper adds warmth, while red pepper flakes can bring some heat. Adjust these to your taste. Lastly, green onions make a colorful and fresh garnish. They add a nice crunch and brightness to the dish. With these ingredients, you are ready to create a delicious meal that everyone will love. - Combine all sauce ingredients in a mixing bowl. - Whisk until sugar is dissolved. Start by gathering your ingredients. You need soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, minced ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. This mix packs a punch! I love how sweet and spicy it turns out. Make sure to whisk well so the sugar blends in. - Arrange chicken thighs in slow cooker. - Pour sauce mixture over chicken. Now, take your boneless, skinless chicken thighs and place them in the slow cooker. Lay them out flat to cook evenly. Then, pour your sauce over the chicken. Each piece should be nicely coated. This helps every bite stay juicy and flavorful. - Cover and set to low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. - Shred chicken and return to sauce for additional flavor infusion. Cover the slow cooker and choose your cooking time. Low heat for 6-7 hours makes it tender. If you're in a hurry, high heat for 3-4 hours works too. Once the chicken is ready, take it out and shred it using two forks. This step is fun! After shredding, mix the chicken back into the sauce. Let it cook for another 15-30 minutes. This helps the chicken soak up all that tasty flavor. Serve over rice, and don’t forget to drizzle with extra sauce! To get the best texture for your Bourbon Chicken, shredding is key. Use two forks to pull apart the chicken. This method gives you nice, even shreds. You want to shred it while it’s hot. This helps the chicken soak up the sauce better. Adjust your cooking time based on how tender you want the chicken. If you like it super soft, cook it on low for 6-7 hours. For a firmer bite, try 3-4 hours on high. To boost the flavor, add fresh herbs or spices. Think about using fresh basil or cilantro. These herbs bring a bright taste. You can also try adding sesame oil for a nutty kick. If you like crunch, toss in some peanuts right before serving. Bourbon Chicken goes great with rice. White rice is classic, but brown rice adds a nice texture. You can also try jasmine rice for a floral note. Pair it with steamed veggies like broccoli or snap peas for a balanced meal. This will give your dish color and nutrients. {{image_2}} You can make this dish lighter by using turkey or chicken breast instead of thighs. Both options are lower in fat. Just remember that chicken breasts cook faster. For a low-sugar sauce, try using less brown sugar and honey. You can also replace them with sugar-free alternatives. Just blend them in the same way as the original recipe. To change the taste, add citrus like orange juice or lime. This adds a bright note that contrasts with the sweet sauce. You can also explore different Asian flavors. Try adding sesame oil or hoisin sauce. Both can bring new layers to your Bourbon chicken. You can make this a one-pot meal by adding vegetables. Try carrots, bell peppers, or broccoli. Just chop them up and add them to the slow cooker. They will cook well alongside the chicken. You can also cook rice right in the slow cooker. Just add it with enough water or broth. This saves time and dishes while giving you a complete meal. After you cook the Bourbon Chicken, let it cool. Place the leftovers in an airtight container. This helps keep the chicken fresh. Use glass or plastic containers with tight lids. It is best to store the chicken within two hours of cooking. This way, you avoid bacteria growth. You can freeze Bourbon Chicken to enjoy later. First, let the chicken cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Bourbon Chicken can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat in a pot on low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. You can also microwave it. Just cover it to prevent drying out. In the fridge, Bourbon Chicken lasts about three to four days. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. If you freeze it, like I said, it can last up to three months. But for the best taste, eat it within two months. Enjoying it sooner helps keep the flavors fresh and delicious. Yes, you can use bone-in chicken thighs. This cut gives more flavor. However, cooking time will need to change. Bone-in chicken takes longer to cook. I suggest adding 1-2 hours on low heat. Always check the chicken's internal temperature. It should reach 165°F. This ensures it is safe to eat. Yes, Bourbon Chicken is safe for kids. The cooking process removes most of the alcohol. When you cook bourbon, it evaporates. Most of the alcohol cooks off during slow cooking. This means the dish is safe for children. However, if you want to avoid any trace of alcohol, you can skip the bourbon altogether. To spice up your Bourbon Chicken, add red pepper flakes. You can also use fresh peppers. Sliced jalapeños or serrano peppers work well. Start with a small amount and taste as you go. Adjust to your heat preference. Another option is to add hot sauce to the sauce mix. This gives you more control over the spice level. This blog post gave you the key ingredients and step-by-step instructions for making Bourbon Chicken. You learned how to prepare the sauce, cook the chicken, and add tasty flavor twists. With tips on storage, serving, and fun variations, you have the tools to impress anyone at the dinner table. Remember, you can easily adapt the recipe to suit your taste and dietary needs. Enjoy cooking and savor every bite of your delicious Bourbon Chicken!

Slow Cooker Bourbon Chicken

Savor the delicious flavors of syrupy sweet and spicy slow cooker chicken! This easy recipe combines tender chicken thighs with a mouthwatering blend of soy sauce, brown sugar, and spices for a dish that’s perfect over rice. In just a few minutes of prep, you’ll create a hearty meal that’s sure to impress. Ready to indulge? Click through for the full recipe and bring this tasty dish to your table tonight!
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Ingredients
  

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1/2 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

1/3 cup brown sugar

2 tablespoons honey

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Cooked rice (for serving)

Instructions
 

In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, minced ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Whisk together until the sugar is dissolved and the ingredients are well combined.

    Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker, ensuring they are arranged in a single layer for even cooking.

      Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken thighs, ensuring they are well coated.

        Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shred with a fork.

          Once done, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, stirring it into the sauce to absorb all the flavor.

            Allow it to cook for an additional 15-30 minutes on low to thicken the sauce slightly.

              Serve the chicken over cooked rice and drizzle with extra sauce from the slow cooker. Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh and colorful touch.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 6-7 hours | Servings: 6