### Slow-Cooker Bourbon Chicken: A Delicious and Easy Meal

**Slow-Cooker Bourbon Chicken** is a savory dish that combines the warmth of home-cooked comfort food with the bold flavors of a classic Southern recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights or a laid-back weekend dinner, this dish is as easy to prepare as it is delicious. With just a few ingredients and a slow cooker, you can create a meal that’s sure to impress your family and friends.

#### **The Origin of Bourbon Chicken**

Named after Bourbon Street in New Orleans, this dish has its roots in the heart of Cajun and Creole cooking. Bourbon chicken is known for its sweet and tangy sauce, which features the rich, smoky flavor of bourbon whiskey. This dish is traditionally served over rice, making it a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

#### **Ingredients You’ll Need**

To make this mouthwatering dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

- 2 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1/2 cup of bourbon whiskey
- 1/4 cup of soy sauce
- 1/4 cup of brown sugar
- 1/4 cup of ketchup
- 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 1 teaspoon of minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon of grated ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup of water
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch (for thickening the sauce)

#### **How to Make Slow-Cooker Bourbon Chicken**

1. **Prep the Chicken**: Begin by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This ensures that it cooks evenly and absorbs all the flavors of the sauce.

2. **Make the Sauce**: In a bowl, mix together the bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, honey, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. This sweet and savory sauce is the star of the dish.

3. **Slow Cook the Chicken**: Place the chicken pieces in the slow cooker and pour the sauce over them. Stir to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender and fully cooked through.

4. **Thicken the Sauce**: About 30 minutes before the chicken is done, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Stir this into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce. Let it cook for the remaining time, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the chicken beautifully.

5. **Serve**: Serve the bourbon chicken over steamed rice or your favorite side dish. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.

#### **Why You’ll Love This Recipe**

- **Convenient**: The slow cooker does all the work, so you can focus on other things while dinner is being prepared.
- **Flavorful**: The combination of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavors creates a rich and satisfying dish that everyone will love.
- **Versatile**: This recipe can easily be adapted to suit your taste. Add more spice if you like it hot, or swap out ingredients to fit your dietary preferences.

#### **Tips for Success**

- **Use chicken thighs**: They are more tender and flavorful than chicken breasts, making them ideal for slow cooking.
- **Don’t skip the bourbon**: It adds a unique depth of flavor, but if you prefer a non-alcoholic version, you can substitute with apple juice.
- **Thicken the sauce**: The cornstarch slurry is key to getting that glossy, thick sauce that clings perfectly to the chicken.

#### **Conclusion**

Slow-Cooker Bourbon Chicken is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any meal. With its rich sauce and tender chicken, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re new to slow cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is a must-try. So, dust off your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a Southern classic that’s bursting with flavor!