There’s something incredibly comforting about a slow-cooked meal, and this Slow Cooker Creamy Bacon Chicken is no exception. With tender chicken breasts, crispy bacon, and a rich, creamy sauce, this dish is perfect for those busy days when you want a delicious, homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. I remember the first time I made this recipe for a family gathering. The aroma that filled the house was irresistible, and everyone eagerly awaited dinner time. The combination of creamy sauce, savory bacon, and juicy chicken was an instant hit, making it a frequent request at family dinners.
Ingredients and Their Roles
Main Ingredients
4 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: The primary protein in the dish, offering a tender and juicy texture after slow cooking.
1 teaspoon Garlic Powder: Adds a mild, savory garlic flavor that infuses the chicken.
1 teaspoon Dried Thyme: Provides a subtle, earthy aroma that complements the other flavors.
Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and enhancing the overall flavor.
6 slices Bacon: Adds a smoky, savory element and a delightful crunch when crumbled.
1 small Onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and depth to the dish.
2 cloves Garlic, minced: Enhances the flavor with its aromatic and slightly spicy notes.
1 cup Chicken Broth: Forms the base of the sauce, adding flavor and moisture.
1 cup Heavy Cream: Contributes to the creamy, rich texture of the sauce.
1 tablespoon All-Purpose Flour: Helps to thicken the sauce.
½ cup Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and further enriches the sauce.
1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts into the sauce, adding a sharp, cheesy flavor.
Fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a fresh, vibrant touch and a pop of color.
Detailed Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Season the Chicken: Season the boneless, skinless chicken breasts with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and a generous amount of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place them at the bottom of the slow cooker. This initial seasoning ensures that the chicken absorbs these flavors as it cooks.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
Cook the Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook 6 slices of bacon until crispy. This should take about 7-10 minutes. Remove the bacon and let it drain on paper towels. Once cool enough to handle, crumble the bacon into small pieces. The crispy bacon adds texture and a smoky flavor to the dish.
Reserve Bacon Grease: Leave 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease in the skillet for sautéing the onion and garlic.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
Cook the Onion: In the same skillet with the reserved bacon grease, sauté the finely chopped onion over medium heat until soft, about 3 minutes. The onion should become translucent and fragrant.
Add the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute. Garlic burns easily, so be sure to stir constantly. Transfer the onion and garlic mixture to the slow cooker, spreading it over the seasoned chicken.
Step 4: Deglaze the Skillet
Deglaze with Chicken Broth: Pour 1 cup of chicken broth into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These bits, known as fond, are full of flavor and will add depth to your sauce. Pour this deglazed mixture over the chicken and aromatics in the slow cooker.
Step 5: Slow Cook the Chicken
Set the Slow Cooker: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Slow cooking allows the flavors to meld together and the chicken to become wonderfully tender.
Step 6: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
Mix Cream and Flour: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour until there are no lumps. This mixture will help thicken the sauce.
Add to Slow Cooker: Stir the cream and flour mixture into the slow cooker along with the crumbled bacon. Increase the heat to high (if cooking on low) and cook for an additional 25-30 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
Step 7: Finish the Sauce
Stir in Sour Cream and Cheese: Just before serving, stir in ½ cup of sour cream and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy and smooth. Ensure the sauce isn’t too hot when adding the cheese to prevent it from becoming grainy.
Step 8: Serve and Garnish
Garnish and Serve: Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness. Serve the creamy bacon chicken warm, with the sauce spooned over the chicken breasts. This dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, or a side of steamed vegetables.
Variations & Tips
Picky Eaters
Onion Powder Substitute: If catering to picky eaters, you can omit the fresh onion and use 1 teaspoon of onion powder instead to maintain the flavor without the texture of chopped onions.
Thickening the Sauce
Cornstarch Slurry: For a thicker sauce, substitute the flour with a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water). Add this mixture at the same step as the cream and flour mixture.
Adding Greens
Spinach or Kale: Stir in some spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for added color, nutrition, and flavor.
Time-Saving Tips
Pre-Cooked Bacon: Use pre-cooked bacon or bacon bits to save on prep time. This is a convenient option for busy days.
Cooking Tips
Slow Cooker Capacity: Ensure your slow cooker is neither overloaded nor too empty to ensure even cooking. The chicken should be submerged in the sauce for the best results.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Creamy Bacon Chicken is a rich, flavorful dish that combines the convenience of a slow cooker with the indulgence of a creamy, cheesy sauce and crispy bacon. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to serve a comforting, home-cooked meal with minimal effort. The slow cooker does most of the work, allowing you to enjoy a delicious, hearty meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
The versatility of this recipe allows you to customize it to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you’re looking for a rich and indulgent dish or something a bit lighter, there are plenty of variations to explore. The result is a dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your household, loved by kids and adults alike.
Enjoy the process of making this creamy, savory delight, and relish every bite of the delicious Slow Cooker Creamy Bacon Chicken. Happy cooking!