Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating a dish that’s both comforting and full of character. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water (for slurry)
- Optional: chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
If you don’t have bourbon on hand, feel free to substitute with apple juice for a non-alcoholic version. The dish will still deliver a delightful balance of flavors.
Instructions
Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to bring this dish to life:
- Begin by placing the chicken thighs in your Crock Pot, ensuring they’re evenly spread out.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the bourbon, soy sauce, brown sugar, ketchup, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, ground ginger, and red pepper flakes.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated.
- Cover the Crock Pot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender and easily shreddable.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken and set aside. Combine the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry.
- Transfer the cooking liquid to a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the slurry and cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Return the chicken to the Crock Pot, pour the thickened sauce over it, and gently mix to coat the chicken evenly.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving, if desired.
This process is straightforward, allowing even those new to cooking to create a dish that’s both impressive and delicious.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International