Description

This easy slow cooker chicken recipe features tender chicken thighs simmered in a sweet, savory, and garlicky bourbon-maple sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or meal prep, it’s a crowd-pleaser with bold flavor and minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
1/4 cup bourbon
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
3 tablespoons tomato paste
4–5 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening, optional)
2 tablespoons water (to mix with cornstarch)
Fresh chopped parsley or green onions (for garnish)

Instructions

Trim excess fat from chicken thighs and pat dry. Place chicken in the crockpot.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together maple syrup, bourbon, soy sauce, tomato paste, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes.
Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken in the crockpot. Turn chicken pieces to coat.
Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or HIGH for 2.5-3 hours, until chicken is fork-tender and reaches 165°F internally.
Remove chicken and set aside (cover to keep warm). Pour sauce into a small saucepan. Whisk together cornstarch and water, then stir into the sauce. Simmer 2-3 minutes until thickened. Alternatively, add cornstarch slurry directly to the crockpot and cook on HIGH for 15-20 minutes.
Return chicken to the sauce or spoon sauce over chicken on a platter. Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions.
Optional: Shred chicken in the crockpot, stir into the sauce, and serve over rice or mashed potatoes.

Notes

For gluten-free, use coconut aminos or Tamari instead of soy sauce. Chicken breasts cook faster; check early to avoid dryness. Use real maple syrup for best flavor. Thicken sauce at the end with cornstarch slurry. Add veggies like bell peppers or carrots for variation. Leftovers taste even better as flavors meld.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5-6 hours (LOW) or 2.5-3 hours (HIGH)
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: About 1/4 of the recipe (1/2 pound chicken with sauce)
Calories: 320
Sugar: 14
Sodium: 650
Fat: 12
Saturated Fat: 3
Carbohydrates: 22
Fiber: 1
Protein: 28

Keywords: crockpot chicken, bourbon maple chicken, slow cooker, garlic chicken, easy dinner, meal prep, comfort food, weeknight dinner, gluten-free option, dairy-free