Imagine walking into your home after a long day, greeted by the irresistible aroma of tender, bourbon-infused chicken slowly simmering to perfection. This Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken and Rice recipe is not just a meal—it's a culinary experience that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dinner that will have your family begging for seconds. With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, this dish proves that sometimes the simplest recipes create the most memorable meals.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken thighs
- 1 cup bourbon
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 cups cooked rice
Instructions
- Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs and pat them dry with paper towels to ensure better sauce absorption.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together bourbon, soy sauce, and brown sugar until the sugar is completely dissolved, creating a rich marinade.
- Place the chicken thighs into the slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
- Pour the bourbon marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well-coated and surrounded by the liquid.
- Cover the crock pot and set it to low heat, allowing the chicken to cook slowly and become tender for approximately 5-6 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, check the internal temperature of the chicken, which should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Using two forks, gently shred the chicken while it's still in the cooking liquid to help it absorb more flavor.
- Prepare the rice separately according to package instructions, preferably using a rice cooker or stovetop method.
- Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork and transfer to a serving platter.
- Spoon the bourbon-infused shredded chicken over the rice, and drizzle any remaining sauce from the crock pot on top.
- Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Tips
- Choose the Right Chicken: Opt for bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for maximum flavor and tenderness. They're more forgiving in slow cooking and stay juicier than chicken breasts.
- Bourbon Selection Matters: While you can use any bourbon, a mid-range bourbon with caramel and vanilla notes will enhance the dish's depth of flavor.
- Marinade Magic: For an even more intense flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the bourbon mixture for 2-4 hours before slow cooking.
- Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with cold water and stir into the cooking liquid during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Rice Recommendation: Use long-grain white rice or jasmine rice for the best texture and flavor absorption.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe freezes beautifully. Store leftover chicken in its sauce for up to 3 months for quick future meals.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 480kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 140mg
