Discover the Joy of Slow Cooker Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken

Imagine coming home to the mouthwatering aroma of tender, juicy chicken infused with the irresistible flavors of crispy bacon, brown sugar, and fragrant garlic. That’s exactly what you’ll experience with this delectable Slow Cooker Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend meals, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have your family begging for seconds.

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The Appeal of Slow Cooking

One of the best things about this Slow Cooker Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken recipe is the ease of preparation. By letting the slow cooker do the hard work, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a dish that’s bursting with depth and complexity.

Ingredients and Their Roles

The secret to the success of this Slow Cooker Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken lies in the carefully selected ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at each component and how it contributes to the overall flavor profile:

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts provide a lean and tender protein that absorbs the delicious sauces and seasonings perfectly.
• Bacon: Crispy, thick-cut bacon adds a savory, smoky element that complements the sweetness of the brown sugar and the garlic’s aromatic notes.
• Brown Sugar: This natural sweetener caramelizes in the slow cooker, creating a rich, sticky glaze that coats the chicken.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a pungent, umami-rich flavor that rounds out the dish and balances the sweetness.
• Soy Sauce: A touch of low-sodium soy sauce provides a subtle savory depth and helps to tenderize the chicken.
• Black Pepper: A sprinkle of black pepper adds a warming, peppery note to the overall flavor profile.

Preparation Steps

Preparing this Slow Cooker Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken is a breeze. Simply follow these easy steps:

1. Lightly grease the slow cooker with cooking spray or a bit of oil to prevent sticking.
2. Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker and top them with the chopped bacon, minced garlic, and black pepper.
3. Drizzle the soy sauce over the chicken and sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the top.
4. Cover the slow cooker and let the magic happen! Cook the chicken on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours, until it’s tender and cooked through.
5. When the cooking time is up, spoon the delicious sauce and crispy bacon pieces over the chicken before serving.

Cooking Techniques

The beauty of this Slow Cooker Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken recipe is that it’s incredibly foolproof. Whether you choose to cook it on the low or high setting, the slow cooker will do all the hard work for you. On the low setting, the chicken will slowly simmer and become meltingly tender, while the high setting will provide a quicker cooking time for those busier weeknights.

To ensure your chicken is cooked to perfection, keep an eye on it towards the end of the cooking time. Chicken breasts can dry out if overcooked, so be sure to check for doneness by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F, and the chicken should be easily shredded with a fork.

Serving Suggestions

This Slow Cooker Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Serve it over a bed of fluffy white rice or fragrant basmati rice to soak up all the delicious sauce. Roasted or steamed vegetables, such as broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts, make a fantastic accompaniment, adding a fresh and vibrant contrast to the rich, savory chicken.

If you have any leftovers, they make an excellent topping for salads, sandwiches, or even as a filling for tacos or wraps. The tender, flavorful chicken can be easily shredded or chopped and used in a variety of creative ways.

Nutritional Information

This Slow Cooker Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken recipe is a bit indulgent, thanks to the addition of bacon and brown sugar. However, by using low-sodium soy sauce and pairing it with healthy side dishes, you can create a well-balanced meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious.

Each serving of the chicken provides approximately 350 calories, with a macronutrient breakdown of around 35 grams of protein, 25 grams of carbohydrates, and 15 grams of fat. To make the dish even healthier, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar or use a sugar substitute, and opt for leaner turkey bacon.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making this Slow Cooker Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken, there are a few common mistakes to watch out for:

• Overcooking the Chicken: Be mindful of the cooking time and use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken doesn’t become dry and tough.
• Imbalanced Flavors: Pay attention to the ratios of the ingredients, especially the brown sugar and soy sauce, to achieve the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami.
• Improper Layering: Make sure to layer the ingredients correctly, with the chicken on the bottom and the bacon, garlic, and seasonings on top, to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.
• Ignoring Cooking Times: Resist the temptation to open the slow cooker frequently, as this can affect the cooking time and result in unevenly cooked chicken.

FAQs about Slow Cooker Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken

How long does it take for chicken to cook in the slow cooker on high?

Chicken breasts typically take 3-4 hours to cook in the slow cooker on the high setting. For this Slow Cooker Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken recipe, the chicken should be cooked on high for 3 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is easily shredded with a fork.

Can you put uncooked bacon in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can absolutely put uncooked bacon in the slow cooker for this Slow Cooker Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken recipe. The slow cooking process will render the bacon fat and allow the bacon to get crispy, infusing the chicken with its smoky, savory flavor.

How do you cook chicken and bacon casserole in a slow cooker?

For a chicken and bacon casserole in the slow cooker, simply layer the chicken, chopped bacon, and any other desired ingredients (such as vegetables, cheese, or pasta) in the slow cooker. Pour a sauce, such as a creamy mushroom or cheesy sauce, over the top. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the casserole is heated and bubbly.

How long to cook chicken breast in slow cooker on low reddit?

According to the Reddit community, chicken breasts typically take 6-8 hours to cook in the slow cooker on the low setting. For this Slow Cooker Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken recipe, the chicken should be cooked on low for 6 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is easily shredded with a fork.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese
• Honey BBQ Chicken with Rice
• One Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken is the ultimate in comfort food made easy. With its mouthwatering flavors and tender, juicy texture, it’s no wonder this dish is a family favorite. By letting your slow cooker do the work, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort, making it the perfect solution for busy weeknights or cozy weekend gatherings. So, what are you waiting for? Give this irresistible recipe a try and let the slow cooker work its magic!

Craving even more magical meals? Browse Amelia’s Pinterest boards for quick dinners, cozy bakes, and tons of flavorful inspiration.

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