Imagine falling-apart tender chicken infused with a rich, smoky bourbon BBQ sauce that'll make your taste buds dance with joy! This Crock Pot BBQ Bourbon Yardbird is not just a recipe; it's a culinary adventure that transforms ordinary chicken thighs into a mouthwatering masterpiece. Whether you're hosting a weekend gathering or craving a soul-satisfying meal, this dish promises to be the star of your dining table, delivering incredible flavor with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Gather 4 chicken thighs, 1 cup of BBQ sauce, 1/2 cup of bourbon, 1 chopped onion, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Make sure to have salt and pepper on hand for seasoning.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the BBQ sauce and bourbon. Stir well until the two ingredients are fully incorporated. This mixture will serve as the marinade and cooking sauce for the chicken.
- In a skillet over medium heat, add a small amount of oil and sauté the chopped onion until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, ensuring it does not burn.
- Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides. This will enhance the flavor of the chicken as it cooks.
- Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the bottom of the crock pot. Pour the sautéed onion and garlic mixture over the chicken, followed by the BBQ and bourbon sauce mixture. Ensure the chicken is well coated.
- Cover the crock pot with its lid and set it to low heat. Allow the chicken to cook for approximately 6 hours. This slow cooking process will make the chicken tender and flavorful.
- After 6 hours, check the chicken for doneness. It should be tender and easily pull apart with a fork. If necessary, you can cook it for an additional hour if it hasn’t reached the desired tenderness.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken thighs from the crock pot and place them on a serving platter. If desired, you can shred the chicken or serve the thighs whole.
- Drizzle some of the remaining BBQ sauce from the crock pot over the chicken for added flavor. You can also garnish with chopped green onions or parsley for a fresh touch.
- Serve your Crock Pot BBQ Bourbon Yardbird with your choice of sides, such as coleslaw, cornbread, or baked beans, to complete the meal.
Tips
- Choose bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for maximum flavor and moisture. The bones help keep the meat juicy during the long, slow cooking process.
- For an extra depth of flavor, consider using a high-quality bourbon like Maker's Mark or Wild Turkey.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the chicken after cooking and reduce the sauce on the stovetop for 10-15 minutes.
- Don't rush the cooking process. The 6-hour slow cook is crucial for breaking down the chicken's connective tissues, resulting in incredibly tender meat.
- For a smoky twist, consider adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika to your seasoning mix.
- If you want to prep ahead, you can marinate the chicken in the BBQ bourbon sauce overnight in the refrigerator before slow cooking.
- Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 120mg
