Description
Savor Kentucky’s legendary Bourbon Chicken with a mouthwatering blend of rich bourbon, tangy sauce, and tender meat that melts in your mouth. Each succulent bite promises a delightful culinary journey you’ll want to experience again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
Liquid Ingredients:
- 0.5 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 0.25 cup bourbon
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Flavor Enhancers:
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 5 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Garnish and Serving:
- 0.25 cup chopped green onions
- 2 cups prepared brown rice
Instructions
- Craft a flavorful marinade by blending soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, bourbon, brown sugar, maple syrup, crushed garlic, minced ginger, and black pepper in a mixing bowl.
- Submerge chicken thighs in the prepared marinade, ensuring complete coverage. Seal and refrigerate for 3-8 hours to allow flavor infusion.
- Prepare the slow cooker by lightly spraying with cooking spray. Carefully arrange marinated chicken thighs in a single layer, then pour remaining marinade over the meat.
- Cook on LOW setting for 6-7 hours or HIGH setting for 2½-3 hours until chicken reaches optimal tenderness and internal temperature of 165°F.
- Transfer cooked chicken to a serving platter, keeping warm and covered.
- Strain cooking liquid into a saucepan, creating a smooth base for sauce thickening.
- Create a cornstarch slurry by whisking cornstarch with water until smooth and lump-free.
- Heat cooking liquid over medium-high heat, gradually incorporating the slurry while continuously stirring until sauce reaches desired consistency and bubbles, approximately 1-2 minutes.
- Drizzle thickened sauce over chicken, garnishing with freshly chopped green onions.
- Serve immediately alongside prepared brown rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Marinate chicken for deeper flavor intensity by allowing it to sit overnight, helping ingredients fully penetrate the meat.
- Swap bourbon for apple juice or chicken broth to create a non-alcoholic version that maintains rich taste profile.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt content, making the dish more heart-healthy and diet-friendly.
- Consider removing chicken skin before cooking to reduce overall fat content without compromising tenderness and juiciness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours (on Low) or 3 hours (on High)
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 461 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 49 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg