Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Sammies with Crunchy Apple Slaw

 Here’s a flavorful recipe for Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Sammies with Crunchy Apple Slaw:

Ingredients:

For the Bourbon Chicken:

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts for a leaner option)

1/4 cup bourbon (optional, or you can substitute with apple juice for a non-alcoholic version)

1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce

1/4 cup ketchup

1/4 cup honey or maple syrup

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)

1 tablespoon water

For the Crunchy Apple Slaw:

2 cups shredded cabbage (green or a mix of green and purple)

1 large apple (such as honeycrisp or green apple), julienned or shredded

1/4 cup grated carrots

1/4 cup chopped green onions

2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)

For the Sammies:

4 whole wheat or brioche buns (for a gluten-free option, use gluten-free buns)

Pickles (optional for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the bourbon chicken:

In a slow cooker (Crock Pot), combine the bourbon, soy sauce, ketchup, honey, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, ground ginger, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Stir well.

Add the chicken thighs to the slow cooker, making sure they’re covered with the sauce mixture.

Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

2. Shred the chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the Crock Pot and stir it into the sauce.

3. Thicken the sauce (optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water to make a slurry. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker and cook on high for 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens.

4. Make the apple slaw:

In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, julienned apple, grated carrots, and chopped green onions.

In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Pour the dressing over the slaw mixture and toss to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

5. Assemble the sammies:

Toast the buns lightly (if desired) and spoon the bourbon chicken mixture onto the bottom of each bun.

Top with a generous portion of the crunchy apple slaw.

Add pickles for an extra crunch and flavor (optional).

6. Serve: Serve the Bourbon Chicken Sammies with Crunchy Apple Slaw immediately and enjoy the combination of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors!

Tips:

Make it spicier: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the bourbon sauce for extra heat.

Add extra veggies to the slaw: Feel free to toss in some shredded radishes, bell peppers, or even a handful of nuts like slivered almonds for extra crunch.

Make-ahead option: The chicken can be cooked ahead of time and stored in the fridge for a couple of days. Assemble the sandwiches when ready to serve.

These Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken Sammies with Crunchy Apple Slaw are perfect for a casual dinner or a BBQ gathering, offering a delicious balance of smoky bourbon flavor and the refreshing crunch of the slaw!