Smoky Bourbon Bacon Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken

Unlock a world of incredible flavor with our Crock Pot Bourbon Bacon Pulled Chicken recipe. This mouthwatering dish brings together the smoky allure of bacon, the sophisticated warmth of bourbon, and the tender juiciness of slow-cooked chicken thighs, all bathed in a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce with a hint of spice. It’s an effortlessly delicious meal that promises to be a family favorite, perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a gathering. Serve it piled high on a bun, especially with a side of Buttermilk Coleslaw, for a truly unforgettable experience.

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of a slow cooker working its magic, and this Bourbon Bacon Pulled Chicken is no exception. The rich, complex sauce, a harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, and subtly spicy notes, is beautifully complemented by the distinct character of bourbon and the irresistible crunch and smokiness of bacon. This combination transforms simple chicken thighs into an extraordinary meal that’s both comforting and gourmet.

Why You’ll Adore This Slow Cooker Bourbon Chicken Recipe

This recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. Here’s why it’s destined to become a staple in your kitchen:

• Effortless Preparation: The beauty of a slow cooker lies in its “set it and forget it” convenience. With minimal active cooking time, you can have a gourmet-tasting meal with almost no fuss.
• Unforgettable Flavor Profile: The trifecta of bourbon, bacon, and a homemade-style spice rub creates a deeply layered flavor that’s smoky, sweet, tangy, and savory all at once.
• Perfectly Tender Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal for slow cooking. They become incredibly tender and absorb all the delicious flavors of the sauce, making them easy to shred with just two forks.
• Versatile Serving Options: While it makes an incredible sandwich, this pulled chicken is adaptable to countless dishes, making it perfect for meal prep or diverse family tastes.
• Feeds a Crowd: Easily scalable, this recipe is fantastic for potlucks, parties, or large family dinners.

Crafting Your Crock Pot Bourbon Bacon Pulled Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this flavorful pulled chicken is surprisingly simple. The key lies in building layers of flavor, starting with a robust spice rub and finishing with a rich, boozy BBQ sauce.

The Essential Spice Rub

The foundation of this dish’s incredible taste is a homemade spice rub. This blend infuses the chicken with a deep, earthy, and slightly spicy base before it even touches the slow cooker. To prepare it, simply combine the following in a small bowl:

• Paprika: Adds a sweet, peppery warmth and a beautiful reddish hue.
• Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: Provide foundational savory aromatics.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Essential seasoning for any dish.
• Ground Cumin: Contributes an earthy, slightly smoky depth.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Offers a gentle kick, which you can adjust to your preference.
• Dry Mustard: Adds a subtle tang and enhances other flavors.

You can prepare this spice rub a day or two in advance, storing it in an airtight container. This simple step ensures that when you’re ready to cook, your prep time is minimal.

Preparing the Chicken

Once your spice rub is ready, generously coat about 2 1/2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs on all sides. Thighs are preferred for their higher fat content, which keeps them incredibly moist and tender during the long cooking process. If you’re cooking for a larger crowd, feel free to double the recipe – just ensure your slow cooker is large enough (a 6-quart or larger is recommended).

Carefully place the seasoned chicken thighs into your lightly greased slow cooker. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

The Bourbon Bacon BBQ Sauce

Now for the star of the show: the rich and flavorful sauce. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce (many home cooks swear by brands like Stubb’s for its balanced flavor), 3/4 cup of packed brown sugar for deep sweetness and caramel notes, 1/2 cup of quality bourbon, and 1/3 cup of apple cider vinegar for that essential tangy brightness that cuts through the richness. The bourbon adds a sophisticated depth and subtle oaky undertones, enhancing the overall complexity of the sauce without making the dish taste strongly alcoholic.

Pour this luscious sauce mixture evenly over the chicken thighs in the slow cooker. Finally, sprinkle 6 slices of pre-cooked and crumbled bacon on top. Cooking the bacon beforehand ensures it retains some texture and distributes its smoky flavor throughout the dish without becoming soggy.

Slow Cooking to Perfection

Cover your slow cooker and set it to LOW for 4 to 6 hours. The long, slow cooking process is what makes the chicken incredibly tender and allows all the flavors to meld beautifully. You’ll know the chicken is ready when it can be effortlessly shredded with two forks.

Once cooked, gently shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker, allowing it to soak up all that magnificent sauce. The meat will be so tender it practically falls apart.

Endless Serving Possibilities

This Crock Pot Bourbon Bacon Pulled Chicken is incredibly versatile, making it a fantastic base for various meals. Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy it:

• Classic Pulled Chicken Sandwiches: Pile the shredded chicken high on toasted brioche buns or your favorite rolls. Top with extra BBQ sauce, pickles, and of course, a generous scoop of Buttermilk Coleslaw for the ultimate Southern comfort.
• Tacos or Burrito Bowls: Serve in warm tortillas with your favorite taco toppings like avocado, salsa, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. For a healthier option, create a vibrant burrito bowl with rice, black beans, corn, and fresh veggies.
• Loaded Baked Potatoes: Spoon the pulled chicken over a fluffy baked potato, then add cheese, sour cream, and chives for a hearty and satisfying meal.
• Nachos or Quesadillas: Layer over tortilla chips with melted cheese, jalapeños, and other nacho fixings, or use it as a flavorful filling for cheesy quesadillas.
• Pasta Topping: Toss with your favorite pasta and a little extra sauce for a unique and flavorful pasta dish.
• Salad Topper: A fantastic way to add protein and flavor to a fresh green salad.
• Pizza Topping: Use as a savory topping for a homemade BBQ chicken pizza.

Make Ahead and Storage Tips

This recipe is excellent for meal prep! Here’s how to store it:

• Refrigeration: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, portion the cooled pulled chicken into freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or extra BBQ sauce if needed to maintain moisture. You can also microwave individual portions until heated through.

Recipe Variations and Customizations

Feel free to get creative and adapt this recipe to your taste:

• Spicier Kick: Increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes in the spice rub, or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the BBQ mixture.
• Alcohol-Free: If you prefer not to use bourbon, you can substitute it with an equal amount of chicken broth, adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract for a similar depth of flavor.
• Smoked Paprika: For an even deeper smoky flavor, use smoked paprika in your spice rub.
• Different BBQ Sauces: Experiment with various BBQ sauce styles – a Carolina mustard-based sauce, a Kansas City sweet and thick sauce, or a spicy Texas-style sauce can all offer unique twists.
• Add Onions: Slice a large onion and place it at the bottom of the slow cooker before adding the chicken for an extra layer of flavor.
• Chicken Breasts: While thighs are recommended for tenderness, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Be mindful that they may cook faster and can dry out if overcooked.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

While designed for a slow cooker, you can adapt this recipe for an oven. Combine all ingredients in a Dutch oven or oven-safe pot, cover tightly, and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 2.5-3.5 hours, or until the chicken is fork-tender. You could also use an Instant Pot on the ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook’ setting for about 15-20 minutes with a natural release, though the flavors might not develop quite as deeply as in a slow cooker.

What kind of bourbon should I use for cooking?

You don’t need an expensive, top-shelf bourbon for cooking. A mid-range bourbon that you enjoy drinking will work perfectly. Avoid anything too cheap, as it might impart an undesirable taste. The alcohol cooks off, leaving behind its characteristic flavor notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak.

How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?

If your sauce is thinner than you’d like after the chicken is cooked and shredded, remove the chicken from the slow cooker. In a small bowl, whisk together 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this mixture into the sauce in the slow cooker, turn the heat to high (if your slow cooker has this function, otherwise transfer to a saucepan), and cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.

Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe includes 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes, which provides a mild, pleasant warmth. If you prefer less heat, you can reduce or omit them. For more heat, feel free to add up to 1 teaspoon or incorporate a dash of cayenne pepper.

Can I use frozen chicken?

It’s generally recommended to use thawed chicken for slow cooker recipes to ensure even cooking and food safety. Frozen chicken can take much longer to cook and may not reach a safe temperature as quickly as desired. If you must use frozen chicken, add at least an extra 1-2 hours to the cooking time and ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Explore More Slow Cooker Delights

If you loved this recipe, you’re sure to enjoy these other fantastic slow cooker dishes:

• Crock Pot Root Beer Pulled Pork
• Slow Cooker Carolina-Style Pulled Pork
• Dr Pepper Pulled Pork
• 3-Ingredient Crock Pot Pulled Pork
• Slow Cooker Smokey Pulled Pork
• Slow Cooker Mississippi Pulled Pork

See How Easy It Is!

For a quick visual guide, watch our short video demonstrating the simple steps to make this incredible Bourbon Bacon Pulled Chicken. You’ll be amazed at how easily this dish comes together!

Crock Pot Bourbon Bacon Pulled Chicken

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★
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5 from 5 votes

Prep Time:
10 mins

Cook Time:
4-6 hrs

Total Time:
4 hrs 10 mins

Servings:
6

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Crock Pot Bourbon Bacon Pulled Chicken is smoky with just the right amount of bourbon flavor. Made with boneless chicken thighs, the meat cooks up tender and juicy.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
• 2 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 cup BBQ Sauce
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup bourbon
• 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

Instructions

1. Combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, cumin, red pepper flakes, and dry mustard in a small bowl. Rub this spice mixture thoroughly on both sides of the chicken thighs.
2. Place the seasoned chicken in a lightly greased 6-quart crock pot.
3. In a separate bowl, stir together the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, bourbon, and apple cider vinegar until well combined. Pour this sauce mixture evenly over the chicken.
4. Sprinkle the cooked and crumbled bacon on top of the chicken and sauce.
5. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours, or until the chicken is incredibly tender and easily shredded.
6. Using two forks, shred the cooked chicken directly in the slow cooker, allowing it to mix with the flavorful sauce. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 559kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 40g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 194mg | Sodium: 1205mg | Potassium: 694mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 43g | Vitamin A: 459IU | Vitamin C: 0.4mg | Calcium: 64mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation. Individual results may vary based on ingredients used and preparation methods.

Recipe adapted from The Salty Marshmallow

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