The aroma of Slow Cooker Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken wafts through your kitchen, tickling your senses and making your mouth water. Imagine tender chicken bathed in a sweet and savory sauce, the bacon adding a delightful crunch that dances on your taste buds. slow cooker balsamic pork roast It’s like a party in your mouth, and everyone’s invited!
Now, picture this: you’re hosting a gathering with friends, and you want to impress them without spending all day in the kitchen. This dish is the culinary equivalent of wearing sweatpants to a fancy dinner—comforting yet sophisticated. Trust me; they’ll be begging for seconds while you sit back, sip on your drink, and bask in the glory of being the ultimate host.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This slow cooker wonder simplifies meal prep, allowing you to whip up an impressive dish with minimal effort.
- The combination of bacon and brown sugar creates an irresistible flavor explosion that everyone will adore.
- Your guests won’t just eat this; they’ll rave about it!
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe is as versatile as it is delicious.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work best; feel free to adjust based on how many people you’re feeding.
- Bacon: Use thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor; it adds a satisfying crunch to our sweet sauce.
- Brown Sugar: Light or dark brown sugar works; just remember that dark has a richer flavor profile.
- Fresh Garlic: Choose firm cloves for potent garlic goodness; nothing beats fresh when it comes to flavor.
For the Sauce:
- Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to keep things balanced and prevent overwhelming saltiness.
- Chicken Broth: This adds depth and moisture to the chicken as it cooks away slowly in the magic of your slow cooker.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Slow Cooker Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by chopping your bacon into bite-sized pieces. You can use kitchen scissors if you want to feel like a culinary ninja. Then mince your garlic and set everything aside.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon pieces until they’re crispy but not burnt—nobody likes burnt bacon! Transfer them onto paper towels to drain off excess grease.
Step 3: Mix the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, and chicken broth until well combined. Your kitchen will smell amazing already!
Step 4: Layer It Up
Place the chicken breasts in your slow cooker. Pour the sauce over them evenly and then sprinkle those crispy bacon bits on top like confetti at a victory party.
Step 5: Cook Low and Slow
Cover your slow cooker and set it on low for about 6-7 hours or high for about 3-4 hours. The longer you wait, the more flavorful it becomes—patience pays off here!
Step 6: Serve It Up!
Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks right in the slow cooker (it should fall apart easily). Transfer to plates or bowls and drizzle with extra sauce from the pot for that perfect finishing touch.
And there you have it! A dish so scrumptious that you’ll want to make it every week—and who could blame you?
Whether it’s game day or just another Wednesday night, this Slow Cooker Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken will turn any occasion into something special. So roll up those sleeves (or not), grab that slow cooker from its cozy spot on your counter, and let’s get cooking!
You Must Know
- This Slow Cooker Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken is a game changer for busy weeknights.
- It combines sweet and savory flavors, making meal prep a breeze.
- The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone wondering when dinner’s ready!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken first to lock in those juicy flavors, then toss everything into your slow cooker while you sip coffee or binge-watch your favorite show. Let it simmer and work its magic!
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the chicken for turkey or add some veggies like bell peppers or onions. Want an extra kick? A pinch of red pepper flakes will spice things up!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through, adding a splash of broth if it looks dry.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use bone-in chicken thighs for extra flavor and moisture.
- Don’t skip searing; it adds depth to the dish.
- Always taste before serving to adjust seasoning as needed.
Cooking this dish reminds me of when my friends dropped by unexpectedly, and I whipped it up in no time. Their faces lit up with joy as they savored every bite!
FAQs
What ingredients are needed for Slow Cooker Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken?
To make Slow Cooker Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken, you’ll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, crispy bacon, brown sugar, minced garlic, soy sauce, and a touch of apple cider vinegar. These ingredients combine to create a savory and sweet flavor profile that enhances the chicken. You may also want to add salt and pepper to taste. This dish is not only simple but also allows for variations such as adding vegetables or spices for additional flavor. For more inspiration, check out this Garlic Butter Lobster Tail recipe.
How long does it take to cook Slow Cooker Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken?
Cooking Slow Cooker Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken typically takes about 4 to 6 hours on low heat or 2 to 3 hours on high heat. The longer cooking time at low heat helps the flavors meld beautifully, resulting in tender and juicy chicken. Always check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it’s cooked through; it should reach at least 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
Can I prepare Slow Cooker Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare Slow Cooker Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken in advance by marinating the chicken with the sauce ingredients overnight. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to deepen. Simply store the marinated chicken in an airtight container in your refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. When you’re ready, transfer everything into your slow cooker and let it do its magic.
What side dishes pair well with Slow Cooker Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken?
When serving Slow Cooker Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken, consider pairing it with sides that complement its rich flavors. Great options include fluffy rice or mashed potatoes that soak up the delicious sauce. garlic parmesan chicken and potatoes Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans add a healthy balance. Alternatively, a fresh salad can provide a crisp contrast to this savory dish, enhancing your meal experience.
Conclusion for Slow Cooker Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken
In summary, Slow Cooker Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken is an easy-to-make dish bursting with flavor from bacon and garlic. With minimal preparation and cooking time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings. chicken salad for picnics The combination of sweet brown sugar and savory ingredients creates a delightful meal that will impress your family and friends. comfort food chicken soup Try this recipe today for a comforting dinner option that you can enjoy any day of the week! For more inspiration, check out this Amish Country Casserole Recipe recipe.
Slow Cooker Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Slow Cooker Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken is a mouthwatering blend of sweet and savory flavors that will impress your family and friends. This easy-to-make dish features tender chicken simmered in a rich, garlicky sauce, topped with crispy bacon for an irresistible crunch. Perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings, this slow cooker recipe allows you to enjoy delicious home-cooked meals without spending hours in the kitchen. Let the enticing aroma fill your home while you relax and entertain—dinner has never been this effortless or delightful!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Chop bacon into bite-sized pieces and mince garlic.
- Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy; drain on paper towels.
- In a bowl, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, and chicken broth.
- Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker, pour sauce over them, and sprinkle cooked bacon on top.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender.
- Shred chicken in the slow cooker and serve with extra sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece of chicken (approximately 150g)
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: - For more flavor, sear the chicken before placing it in the slow cooker. - Feel free to swap out chicken for turkey or add vegetables like bell peppers or onions for variety. - Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to four days; reheat with a splash of broth if needed.