Crock Pot Brown Sugar Bourbon BBQ Chicken

Short Description

A rich and flavorful slow cooker dish where tender shredded chicken is coated in a sweet, smoky, and tangy bourbon barbecue sauce. Easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Minimal prep time—just mix, cook, and shred.

• A delicious balance of sweet brown sugar, smoky bourbon, and tangy barbecue flavors.

• Extremely versatile—enjoy it in sandwiches, tacos, salads, or as a main dish with sides.

• A true crowd-pleaser that reheats beautifully.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Barbecue sauce

• Brown sugar

• Bourbon (or apple juice as a substitute)

• Garlic powder

• Smoked paprika

• Salt and pepper

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Directions

1. In the slow cooker, whisk together barbecue sauce, brown sugar, bourbon, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

2. Add chicken breasts, coating them evenly with the sauce.

3. Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours until the chicken is tender.

4. Shred the chicken with two forks, then return it to the sauce and let it sit for 15 minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: About 6

• Prep time: 5 minutes

• Cook time: 4–6 hours on low

• Total time: Approximately 4 hours 20 minutes

Variations

• Replace bourbon with apple juice for a non-alcoholic version.

• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for richer flavor.

• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or hot sauce for a spicier twist.

• Try different barbecue sauces—honey, spicy, or smoky—to customize flavor.

Storage / Reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of barbecue sauce if needed to keep the chicken moist.

• Freeze for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

FAQs

What barbecue sauce works best for this recipe?

A smoky, slightly sweet barbecue sauce pairs beautifully, but you can use your favorite variety.

Can I make this without bourbon?

Yes, simply use apple juice instead. It keeps the dish sweet and flavorful.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs provide extra juiciness and depth of flavor.

Can I cook this on high instead of low?

Yes, you can cook on high for about 2–3 hours, but the texture is best when cooked on low.

What sides go well with this chicken?

Coleslaw, cornbread, baked beans, potato salad, or simple steamed vegetables are great options.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and cook it the day before, then reheat gently before serving.

How do I shred the chicken easily?

Use two forks, or for a faster option, place the cooked chicken in a bowl and shred it with a hand mixer.

Can I serve this chicken in different ways?

Yes, it works great in sandwiches, wraps, tacos, sliders, pizza toppings, or over rice.

Does the alcohol cook out of the bourbon?

Most of the alcohol will cook off during the long slow-cooking process, leaving behind rich flavor.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, simply double the ingredients. Just ensure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the extra portions.

Conclusion

Crock Pot Brown Sugar Bourbon BBQ Chicken is an easy, flavorful, and versatile dish that delivers restaurant-quality taste with almost no effort. Sweet, smoky, and tender, it is perfect for family meals, gatherings, or meal prepping. With its adaptability and make-ahead convenience, this recipe is sure to become a regular in your kitchen.

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