Slow Cooker Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken is a dish that dances on your taste buds like a tap-dancing chicken with a top hat. Imagine tender, juicy chicken coated in a sweet and savory glaze, mingling with crispy bacon and aromatic garlic. slow cooker chicken korma dish It’s the kind of meal that makes your home smell like a cozy bistro and leaves you wondering how you ever lived without it.
Now, let me take you down memory lane. Picture me as a child, peeking into the kitchen while my mom cooked up something magical. The tantalizing aroma of garlic sizzling in butter would waft through the air, making my stomach growl louder than a lion at feeding time. This Slow Cooker Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken embodies those comforting memories, perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in when you just want to impress without breaking a sweat.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The Slow Cooker Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken is incredibly easy to prepare, ensuring anyone can pull it off without culinary expertise.
- The sweet and savory flavor profile will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.
- With its mouthwatering look, this dish is Instagram-worthy for sure!
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with rice, salad, or even pancakes if you’re feeling adventurous!
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but feel free to adjust based on your hungry crowd.
- Bacon: Choose thick-cut bacon for extra flavor; after all, we’re not here to skimp on deliciousness!
- Brown Sugar: This adds that delightful sweetness; go for light brown sugar for a milder flavor.
- Fresh Garlic: Use about 4-5 cloves for an aromatic punch; fresh always trumps pre-minced.
- Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce helps control saltiness while enhancing umami flavors.
- Chicken Broth: This keeps everything moist and flavorful; low-sodium works best here too.
- Cornstarch: A little cornstarch mixed with water creates a lovely glaze at the end.
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 the Chicken
Start by placing your boneless skinless chicken breasts into the slow cooker. You can trim any excess fat if you’d like; however, I recommend leaving some for added flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until it’s crispy. Once done, remove it from the pan and place it on paper towels to drain excess grease. Don’t forget to save some of that glorious bacon fat—life’s too short to waste good bacon grease!
Step 3: Mix the Sauce
In a bowl, mix together brown sugar, minced garlic (feel free to channel your inner ninja), soy sauce, and chicken broth. Stir until combined and pour this heavenly mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
Step 4: Add Some Crunch
Crumble half of your crispy bacon over the top of the chicken and cover everything with the remaining bacon. dessert apple pear crumble We’re really going all out here!
Step 5: Slow Cook Away
Cover your slow cooker with its lid and set it on low for about six hours or high for three hours. The longer you let it cook slowly—well—the more tender and infused with flavor that chicken will become.
Step 6: Thicken It Up
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and keep it warm. Combine cornstarch with water in a small bowl then stir it into the remaining sauce in your slow cooker. Turn up to high heat and let it thicken up while you shred or slice your chicken—because who doesn’t love pulling apart tender meat?
Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch.
And there you have it! Your Slow Cooker Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken is ready to shine on your dinner table like a culinary superstar! Pair it with fluffy rice or roasted veggies, sit back, and watch everyone devour this masterpiece while praising your cooking prowess! Enjoy every bite!
You Must Know
- This Slow Cooker Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken recipe transforms an ordinary weeknight into a delicious feast.
- With simple ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll impress family and friends while enjoying the delightful aroma filling your kitchen.
- Perfect for busy days yet packed with flavor!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the bacon in the slow cooker to release its fat, then add the chicken and cook until golden. While that’s happening, mix brown sugar, garlic, and soy sauce for a tasty glaze. Let it all meld together for tender results.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out chicken thighs for breasts or use maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a twist. Toss in some chopped veggies like bell peppers or carrots if you’re feeling adventurous. Customize it to fit your taste!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, place it in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth to keep it moist and flavorful.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Start with room temperature chicken for even cooking and better absorption of flavors.
- Don’t skip searing the bacon; it enhances richness.
- Always taste before serving; a pinch of salt can elevate the dish!
I remember one family gathering when I made this Slow Cooker Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken. It was devoured within minutes, with everyone raving about how it tasted like a warm hug on a plate.
FAQs :
What is Slow Cooker Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken?
Slow Cooker Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken is a savory and sweet dish that combines tender chicken breasts with crispy bacon, rich brown sugar, and flavorful garlic. This recipe utilizes a slow cooker, allowing the ingredients to meld together beautifully, resulting in a deliciously glazed chicken that’s perfect for any meal. grilled lemon chicken recipe The combination of flavors creates a comforting dish that you can serve over rice or alongside vegetables for a complete dinner.
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 allows the chicken to absorb the flavors of the bacon and sauce, making it incredibly tender. Always check the chicken’s internal temperature to ensure it’s fully cooked before serving.
Can I prepare Slow Cooker Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken in advance?
Yes, you can prepare Slow Cooker Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken in advance! You can marinate the chicken with bacon, brown sugar, and garlic the night before and store it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to develop even further. In the morning, simply transfer everything into your slow cooker and set it to cook while you’re away.
What side dishes pair well with Slow Cooker Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken?
Several side dishes complement Slow Cooker Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken beautifully! Consider serving it with fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce. Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans add freshness and crunch. A simple salad can also provide a nice contrast to this flavorful dish. For more inspiration, check out this Classic French Garlic Soup recipe.
Conclusion for Slow Cooker Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken :
In conclusion, Slow Cooker Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken is an easy and flavorful dish that brings together savory and sweet elements. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. heartwarming slow cooker lentil soup As it cooks slowly, it develops rich flavors that everyone will love. Serve it with your favorite sides for a satisfying meal that will impress your family and friends!
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 dish that will elevate your dinner experience. This easy-to-make recipe features juicy chicken breasts enveloped in a sweet-savory glaze, complemented by crispy bacon and fragrant garlic. Perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in, this dish fills your home with irresistible aromas and leaves everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 5 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tsp water
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker and trim excess fat if desired.
- Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels and reserve some bacon fat.
- In a bowl, mix brown sugar, minced garlic, soy sauce, and chicken broth; pour over the chicken.
- Crumble half the bacon on top and cover with the remaining bacon.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken; mix cornstarch slurry into the sauce and heat until thickened. Shred or slice the chicken and drizzle with sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece of chicken with sauce (150g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: - For added flavor, consider using chicken thighs instead of breasts. - Substitute maple syrup for brown sugar for a unique twist. - Feel free to include chopped vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra nutrition.
