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

Tips for success

For the best texture, cut the chicken into uniform bite-sized cubes so they cook evenly. If using chicken thighs, trim excess fat but leave some for flavor.

The whole garlic cloves are a highlight; do not skip them. If you want a spicier dish, choose a BBQ glaze with a kick or add a pinch of cayenne with the brown sugar.

To thicken the sauce quickly, transfer the chicken to a plate and simmer the sauce on the stovetop in a saucepan for a few minutes.

You can also mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and stir it into the sauce. Serve with extra sauce on the side for dipping.

Variations

• Spicy Bourbon Glaze: Add 1 teaspoon sriracha or a pinch of cayenne pepper with the brown sugar for a spicy kick. Use a chipotle BBQ glaze for a smoky heat.
• Chicken Thigh Version: Substitute boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into cubes. They stay even juicier and are more forgiving if cooked a bit longer.
• Honey Garlic Twist: Replace the bourbon BBQ glaze with a mixture of 1/2 cup honey, 1/4 cup soy sauce, and 2 tablespoons minced garlic. Omit the brown sugar.
• Add Veggies: Toss in 1 cup of diced bell peppers or mushrooms with the chicken. They will soften and absorb the glaze during cooking.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

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

Freezer

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

Reheat

Reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until hot. Or microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between, until steaming.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The sauce will thicken as it cools; reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to loosen it. Let the dish cool no more than 2 hours before refrigerating.

You can assemble the raw ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, place the insert in the slow cooker and cook as directed.

This saves prep time and allows the flavors to meld. Do not cook longer than 5 hours on low, as the chicken may become dry.

Serving ideas

Serve the glazed chicken bites over creamy mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles. The sauce is rich and sweet, so a starchy base helps balance it.

Add a side of steamed green beans or a simple salad for a complete meal. Garnish with extra sliced scallions or chopped parsley if desired, though the video does not show this.

For a casual dinner, pile the chicken onto soft rolls for sliders, or serve in lettuce cups for a lighter option. The garlic cloves can be spread on crusty bread. Leftover sauce is excellent drizzled over roasted vegetables or grilled meats.

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
• 12 cloves whole garlic, peeled
• 4 scallions, sliced (white and green parts)
• 1 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 in an even layer. Scatter the whole garlic cloves and sliced scallions over the chicken. Pour the bourbon BBQ glaze over everything, then sprinkle with the dark brown sugar. Do not stir; the layers will meld during cooking.
2. Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender. The sauce will bubble gently around the edges.
3. After the minimum cooking time, check the thickest piece of chicken with an instant-read thermometer. It must register at least 165°F (74°C). If not, continue cooking in 15-minute increments until it reaches that temperature.
4. Once the chicken is fully cooked, stir everything gently to coat each piece in the glossy sauce. If the sauce seems thin, leave the slow cooker on low with the lid off for 10 to 15 minutes to reduce slightly. Stir again before serving.
5. Turn off the slow cooker and let the dish sit uncovered for 5 minutes. This allows the glaze to cling to the chicken and the garlic to firm up slightly, making it easier to serve.
6. Spoon the glazed chicken bites and confit garlic cloves over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes on a plate. Drizzle with extra sauce from the slow cooker. Serve hot.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

420

Protein

38 g

Carbohydrates

32 g

Fat

12 g

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