Slow Cooker Bourbon Glazed Chicken Bites Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For the most even cooking, arrange the chicken in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker. If your slow cooker is smaller, it's fine to pile the chicken slightly, but try not to overcrowd.

Cutting the chicken into similar-sized pieces ensures they all cook at the same rate. If you have time, let the chicken sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before adding it to the pot—this helps it cook more evenly, though it's not required.

To make the sauce extra thick, remove the chicken after cooking and boil the sauce on the stovetop for a few minutes until it reaches your desired consistency. This is a great trick if you prefer a more concentrated glaze.

Be careful not to reduce it too much, as it will thicken further as it cools. Taste the sauce before serving and adjust with a pinch of salt or a splash of vinegar if it needs balance.

Variations

• Spicy Bourbon Chicken: Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a minced fresh chili along with the ginger for a spicy kick. The heat will balance the sweetness of the glaze and brown sugar.
• Honey Garlic Twist: Replace the bourbon BBQ glaze with a mixture of 1/4 cup honey, 1/4 cup soy sauce, and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Omit the brown sugar and add a tablespoon of rice vinegar.
• Smoky Chipotle Version: Stir 1–2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce into the glaze before adding it to the slow cooker. This adds a smoky, spicy depth that pairs well with the ginger and scallions.
• Coconut Ginger Curry: Swap the bourbon glaze for 1/2 cup of coconut milk mixed with 2 tablespoons of red curry paste and 1 tablespoon of fish sauce. Omit the brown sugar and add a squeeze of lime at the end.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.

Freezer

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

Reheat

Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a little water or broth if needed to restore the sauce's consistency.

Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even better the next day. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. The chicken can also be shredded and used in sandwiches, tacos, or over greens.

This dish is perfect for meal prep. Cook the chicken as directed, then let it cool completely before storing in portion-sized containers. It keeps well in the refrigerator for several days and can be frozen for up to 3 months.

To freeze, place the cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container, leaving some headspace. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving ideas

Serve the glazed chicken over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, as shown, or with steamed rice, noodles, or roasted vegetables. The rich sauce is excellent for sopping up with crusty bread. For a lighter option, spoon it over a crisp green salad. The dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but it also pairs well with a simple side of sautéed greens or coleslaw.

Garnish with extra sliced scallions or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a pop of color, though these are not shown in the video. The chicken is best served hot, straight from the slow cooker.

If serving a crowd, keep the slow cooker on warm during serving. The sauce will stay glossy and the chicken will remain tender for hours. Leftovers can be repurposed into sandwiches or wraps.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Bourbon Glazed Chicken Bites

Prep 10 minCook 4 hTotal 4 h 10 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes
• 2 tbsp fresh ginger, julienned
• 4 scallions, cut into 2-inch batons
• 1/2 cup bourbon BBQ glaze
• 2 tbsp dark brown sugar

Instructions

1. Place the cubed chicken breasts in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Scatter the julienned ginger and scallion batons over the chicken, spreading them evenly.
2. Pour the bourbon BBQ glaze over the chicken and aromatics. Sprinkle the dark brown sugar over the top. Do not stir—the layers will meld as they cook.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Avoid opening the lid during cooking to keep the heat steady.
4. Once the chicken is cooked, gently stir to coat all pieces in the glaze. If the sauce is thin, leave the lid off and cook on high for 15–20 minutes to reduce.
5. Spoon the glazed chicken and sauce over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes on a plate. Garnish with extra sliced scallions if desired, though the video does not show it.

Contains: milk, gluten, soy

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

380

Protein

42 g

Carbohydrates

30 g

Fat

10 g

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.