Slow Cooker Creamy Bacon Chicken is a rich and comforting dish that combines tender chicken, smoky bacon, and a luscious creamy sauce. Perfect for busy days, this recipe lets the slow cooker do the hard work, infusing the chicken with incredible flavor as it cooks. With the addition of cheddar cheese and a touch of sour cream, this dish becomes irresistibly indulgent.
This meal pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta, allowing you to soak up every bit of the decadent sauce. Topped with a garnish of fresh parsley, it’s as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Rich and Creamy: The sauce is velvety and loaded with savory flavors from bacon and cheddar.
• Easy to Prepare: Minimal prep makes this a fuss-free dinner option.
• Slow-Cooked Perfection: The chicken turns tender and juicy after hours of gentle cooking.
Ingredients
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 6 slices bacon
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
1. Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
2. Arrange the seasoned chicken snugly at the bottom of your slow cooker.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crisp.
2. Remove the bacon and place it on paper towels to cool and drain. Once cooled, crumble the bacon and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic
1. Using the rendered bacon grease in the skillet, sauté the chopped onion until translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Scoop the onion and garlic mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
Step 4: Deglaze the Skillet
1. Pour the chicken broth into the skillet to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
2. Pour this flavorful liquid over the chicken in the slow cooker.
Step 5: Slow Cook the Chicken
1. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Step 6: Make It Creamy
1. In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and flour until smooth.
2. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker along with the crumbled bacon.
3. Cook on high for an additional 25-30 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 7: Add the Final Touches
1. Stir in the sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
1. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
2. Serve warm over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta for a complete and satisfying meal.
Tips
• Crispy Bacon: Cook the bacon until very crisp for the best texture in the finished dish.
• Thicker Sauce: For a thicker sauce, whisk in an additional teaspoon of flour with the cream.
• Make-Ahead: Prep the ingredients the night before for an easy start in the morning.
Storage Options
• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream if the sauce thickens too much.
Slow Cooker Creamy Bacon Chicken is a decadent and comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions. With its creamy sauce and smoky bacon flavor, it’s a meal everyone will love!
