Craving that sticky, sweet, and savory takeout-style chicken without the sugar crash? Look no further! This Slow Cooker Bourbon Chicken delivers all the bold, Southern-inspired flavor you love in a ridiculously easy, dump-and-go recipe. We’re talking tender, shredded chicken swimming in a rich, spirited sauce that perfectly balances savory notes with a touch of sweetness. The bourbon adds a fantastic depth and warmth that makes this dish feel truly special. Best of all, it’s completely keto-friendly and lets your slow cooker do all the hard work. It’s the perfect cozy meal for a busy weeknight or a fantastic option for your weekly meal prep!
Ingredients
• 1 pound / 450 g chicken tenderloins
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup / 60 ml gluten-free soy sauce or tamari
• ¼ cup / 60 ml bourbon
• ¼ cup / 60 g sugar-free ketchup
• ¼ cup / 45 g brown sugar substitute, like erythritol or monk fruit
• 1 tablespoon / 15 ml apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon / 3 g ginger powder
• ½ teaspoon / 1.5 g xanthan gum, optional for thickening
• Cooked cauliflower rice, for serving
• Sliced green onions, for garnish
Instructions
1. Lightly grease the insert of your slow cooker. Arrange the chicken tenderloins in a single layer at the bottom.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, soy sauce, bourbon, ketchup, brown sugar substitute, apple cider vinegar, and ginger powder until smooth.
3. Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker.
4. Secure the lid and cook on LOW for 2 to 3 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
5. Carefully remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat, then set it aside.
6. To thicken the sauce, sprinkle the xanthan gum evenly over the liquid left in the slow cooker and whisk vigorously to combine. Turn the slow cooker to HIGH and cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened.
7. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir well to coat every piece in the rich, thickened sauce.
8. Serve hot over a bed of cauliflower rice and garnish with fresh sliced green onions, if desired.
Nutritional Information
• Serving Size: 1 serving (recipe makes 4) | Calories: 175 kcal | Protein: 26 g | Fat: 4 g | Net Carbohydrates: 5 g
Pro Tips
• For a richer, more moist result, substitute chicken tenderloins with 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. You may need to add 30-60 minutes to the cook time.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce mixture for a delicious spicy kick.
• This chicken is perfect for meal prep! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will meld and become even better overnight.
• To thicken the sauce without xanthan gum, remove the chicken and let the sauce simmer on HIGH with the lid off for 15-20 minutes, or until it has reduced to your desired consistency.
FAQ
Q: Is this slow cooker bourbon chicken recipe keto
A: Absolutely! This recipe is designed to be completely keto-friendly. It uses a brown sugar substitute and sugar-free ketchup to achieve the classic sweet and savory flavor without the carbs. With only 5g of net carbohydrates per serving, it’s a perfect low-carb meal.
Q: Can I make this bourbon chicken spicy
A: Yes, you can easily add a spicy kick. For a delicious, fiery flavor, the recipe suggests adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce mixture before you start cooking.
Q: What can I use instead of chicken tenderloins
A: For a richer and more moist result, you can substitute the chicken tenderloins with 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. You may need to increase the cooking time on LOW by 30 to 60 minutes to ensure they are fully cooked and tender.
Q: How do I thicken the bourbon chicken sauce without xanthan gum
A: If you don’t have xanthan gum, you can still thicken the sauce. After removing the cooked chicken, turn the slow cooker to HIGH and let the sauce simmer with the lid off for 15-20 minutes, or until it has reduced to your desired consistency.
