Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Bourbon Chicken Thighs

Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Bourbon Chicken Thighs

Hey there, friend! Let me tell you about these Honey Garlic Bourbon Chicken Thighs —they’re like a warm hug for your taste buds.

Imagine tender chicken thighs bathed in a rich, glossy sauce made with honey, garlic, and just the right splash of bourbon for that grown-up twist.

The best part? You toss everything into your trusty slow cooker and let it work its magic while you binge-watch your favorite show or tackle life’s chaos.

Whether it’s date night or a cozy family dinner, this recipe will have everyone asking for seconds.

How to Make It

Note: This is an overview. See recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by patting those chicken thighs dry—you want them nice and ready to soak up all that saucy goodness. Grab a small bowl and whisk together honey, minced garlic, bourbon, soy sauce, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you're feeling sassy. Pro tip: Use a microplane grater for fresh garlic—it makes all the difference!

Step 2: Layer and Pour
Place the chicken thighs snugly in your slow cooker—they should fit like puzzle pieces. Now pour that heavenly sauce over the top, making sure every piece gets kissed by the mixture. Picture golden-brown chicken swimming in a pool of sticky sweetness; that’s where we’re headed.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Pop the lid on and set your slow cooker to low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. As the aroma wafts through your kitchen, resist the urge to peek too often—let the slow cooker do its thing. When done, the chicken will be fall-off-the-bone tender, and the sauce will thicken slightly, creating a glaze-like consistency.

Step 4: Finish with Flair
For an extra touch, transfer the chicken to a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes to crisp up the edges. Meanwhile, whisk a slurry of cornstarch and water into the sauce left in the slow cooker, then simmer on the stovetop until glossy. Drizzle this luscious sauce over the chicken before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or sesame seeds for a pop of color.

Pro Tips

• Balance the Sweetness: If you prefer less sweet, cut back on the honey and add a splash of apple cider vinegar for tang.
• Bourbon Swap: Don’t have bourbon? Sub it out with chicken broth mixed with a teaspoon of vanilla extract for a similar depth.
• Double Duty Sauce: Save any leftover sauce to drizzle over rice or roasted veggies later in the week.
• Crispy Skin Hack: Broiling the chicken after cooking adds texture and keeps things interesting.
• Meal Prep Magic: This dish reheats beautifully, so make a double batch for future meals.

Storage

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Freeze cooked chicken and sauce separately for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.