Sweet and Savory Crockpot Chicken

$- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1/2 cup soy sauce - 1/2 cup pure maple syrup - 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar - 2 tablespoons ketchup - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 1 tablespoon minced garlic - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - 2 green onions for garnish - Cooked rice (for serving) The main ingredients create a great base. Chicken thighs add juiciness and flavor. The soy sauce brings saltiness and depth. Maple syrup adds sweetness that balances the dish. Apple cider vinegar gives a tangy note, making it bright. The additional flavor enhancers boost the taste. Ketchup adds a hint of sweetness. Dijon mustard gives a nice kick. Garlic and ginger provide warmth and spice. Together, these ingredients make a rich sauce that coats the chicken. Seasoning is key for flavor. Black pepper adds warmth, while red pepper flakes can spice things up. Garnishing with green onions adds a fresh crunch. Serve this dish over cooked rice for a filling meal. This recipe is simple yet packed with flavor. Each ingredient plays its part in making your Crockpot Bourbon Chicken a hit. Trust me, once you try it, you'll want to make it again and again! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by whisking together these ingredients in a mixing bowl: - 1/2 cup soy sauce - 1/2 cup pure maple syrup - 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar - 2 tablespoons ketchup - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 1 tablespoon minced garlic - 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (if you want some heat) Whisk until smooth. Make sure everything blends well. This sauce is the key to great flavor. Next, take 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Place them directly in the Crockpot. Pour your sauce mixture over the chicken. Make sure every piece is well coated. This will help the chicken soak up all the yummy flavors. Now, secure the lid on the Crockpot. Set it to low for 6 to 7 hours. If you are in a hurry, set it to high for 3 to 4 hours. When the time is up, carefully take out the chicken. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Mix the shredded chicken with the remaining sauce in the Crockpot. If you want a thicker sauce, you can simmer it in a saucepan until it reduces to your liking. To make the sauce thicker, transfer it to a saucepan. Heat it over medium heat. Let it simmer until it reduces. This will give your sauce a nice, rich texture. Garnishing adds flair to your dish. Top your bourbon chicken with sesame seeds. Fresh cilantro also brings a vibrant touch. These simple additions make your meal look stunning. Do you like heat? Adjust the red pepper flakes to your taste. Add more for a kick or less for a milder dish. This way, you can customize the spice level just how you like it. Pro Tips Marinate for More Flavor: For an even deeper flavor, marinate the chicken in the sauce for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator before cooking. Use Bone-In Chicken: If you prefer, you can use bone-in chicken thighs for extra flavor. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Add Vegetables: Incorporate vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli into the Crockpot for a complete one-pot meal. Leftover Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months for quick future meals. {{image_4}} You can switch up the protein in this dish. Instead of chicken thighs, try chicken breasts. They will cook well and still taste great. If you want a plant-based option, use tofu. Tofu soaks up flavors nicely. Cut it into cubes and add it to the sauce. Cook it the same way as chicken for a delightful meal. This recipe is flexible when it comes to flavor. You can use different sauces to mix things up. Try teriyaki sauce for a sweet twist. Hawaiian barbecue sauce adds a fruity vibe. Both options work well with the other ingredients. Feel free to explore and find your favorite flavor combo. Adding vegetables gives your meal extra nutrition. You can use bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots. Chop them into bite-sized pieces to help them cook evenly. Add them to the Crockpot at the same time as the chicken. They will absorb the sauce and add color to your dish. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. This keeps the chicken fresh. Make sure to let it cool before sealing. It’s best to eat it within this time for great taste. You can freeze shredded bourbon chicken for up to 3 months. This is perfect for meal prep. Just make sure to let it cool before packing. When you want to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, use a microwave or stove. Add a splash of water to keep it moist. If using the stove, heat it over low. Stir it often to heat evenly. Enjoy the amazing flavors just like when it was fresh! Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just remember to increase the cooking time. Make sure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it’s cooked well. You can serve this chicken with rice. Steamed vegetables also pair nicely. A fresh salad adds a crisp touch. These sides balance the sweet and savory flavors of the dish. Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce the night before. Just refrigerate everything until you’re ready to cook. This makes meal prep easy and helps the flavors meld together. Crockpot Bourbon Chicken is easy to make and packed with flavor. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and some handy tips. You can customize it with different proteins or vegetables to suit your taste. This dish works well for meal prep and tastes great reheated. Enjoy this delicious meal and impress your family with your cooking skills!$

Sweet and Savory Crockpot Chicken

A delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors in a comforting dish made with tender chicken thighs cooked in a flavorful sauce.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 6

Total Time 6 15

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
0.5 cup soy sauce
0.5 cup pure maple syrup
0.25 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated
0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 units green onions, thinly sliced
1 serving cooked rice

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, start by whisking together the soy sauce, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, ketchup, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, grated ginger, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until you have a smooth and well-combined sauce.
Take the chicken thighs and place them directly into the Crockpot. Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring every piece is thoroughly coated.
Secure the lid on the Crockpot and select your cooking mode: set it to low for 6-7 hours for juicy, tender chicken, or on high for 3-4 hours if you're short on time.
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken thighs. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and mix it well with the remaining sauce in the Crockpot. If you prefer a thicker sauce, transfer it to a saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, letting it reduce to your desired consistency.
Serve the flavorful shredded chicken over a bed of your choice of cooked rice and finish by garnishing with the sliced green onions for a fresh touch. Enjoy the delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors in this comforting dish!

Notes

For an extra pop of color, consider adding a sprinkle of sesame seeds or a few sprigs of fresh cilantro on top before serving.

Keyword chicken, crockpot, easy dinner, sweet and savory