Irresistible Slow Cooker Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken Recipe

Bacon transforms this slow cooker chicken into a mouthwatering marvel that’ll make everyone at the table lean forward with anticipation.

Succulent meat gets infused with smoky, sweet notes that dance across your palate.

Sharp garlic adds a punchy depth to each tender bite.

Rich brown sugar caramelizes gently, creating a glossy coating that hints at pure comfort.

Minimal prep means maximum flavor without complicated kitchen gymnastics.

Weekend meal planning just became incredibly delicious and stress-free.

Tips for Better Flavor and Texture

• Prevent Bacon Burning: Place chicken on a layer of aluminum foil or slow cooker liner to catch drippings and prevent scorching.
• Trim Chicken Fat: Remove excess fat from chicken breasts before wrapping with bacon for a leaner, cleaner final dish.
• Control Sauce Sweetness: Adjust brown sugar quantity based on personal preference or dietary needs; less sugar creates a more savory profile.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Consider adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or Worcestershire sauce to the sauce mixture for complex, tangy undertones.
• Choose Bacon Wisely: Select thick-cut bacon for better coverage and crispier texture when slow-cooked with chicken.

Proper Storage for Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping the bacon crisp and meat tender.
• Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags for convenient storage up to 2 months.
• Warm chicken on medium power for 1-2 minutes, covering with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.
• Warm chicken at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

Perfect Pairings for This Chicken Dish

• Pair this rich chicken dish with a crisp Riesling that balances the sweet-smoky notes with its bright acidity.
• Serve alongside roasted sweet potato wedges, which echo the brown sugar's caramelized sweetness and provide a complementary texture.
• Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the chicken's richness and add a zesty, peppery element.
• Roast green beans with slivered almonds to introduce a nutty crunch that harmonizes with the bacon's smoky profile.

Recipe Swaps for Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken

• Low-Sodium Delight: Replace regular soy sauce with low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos to reduce salt content while maintaining rich flavor profile.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Swap brown sugar with erythritol or monk fruit sweetener and use sugar-free bacon to create a low-carb alternative that fits ketogenic dietary requirements.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure soy sauce is certified gluten-free or substitute with tamari sauce to make the recipe safe for individuals with gluten sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Verify all ingredients are dairy-free and replace olive oil with avocado oil for those avoiding dairy products while maintaining similar cooking results.

FAQ Guide to Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken

• What makes this chicken so flavorful?

The combination of brown sugar, soy sauce, and garlic creates a rich, sweet-savory glaze that deeply marinates the chicken while it slow cooks, allowing the bacon to infuse extra flavor and moisture.

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work perfectly for this recipe. They’re often more tender and juicy, and will absorb the sauce even more effectively than chicken breasts.

• Do I need to pre-cook the bacon before wrapping the chicken?

No, the bacon will cook perfectly in the slow cooker alongside the chicken. The low, slow cooking process ensures the bacon becomes crispy and renders its fat into the chicken.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This chicken reheats wonderfully and can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it an excellent option for preparing meals in advance for busy weeknights.

Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken in the Slow Cooker

• Slow cooker method eliminates complex cooking techniques, making this recipe foolproof for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Brown sugar and bacon create an intense sweet-savory combination that transforms ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering meal in minimal preparation time.
• Crowd-pleasing ingredients like bacon and chicken appeal to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone at the table enjoys a delicious dinner without picky eater challenges.
• Uses common pantry staples and just a few fresh ingredients, reducing grocery shopping stress and making last-minute meal planning a breeze.

Ingredients for This Sweet and Savory Chicken Dish

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that serves as the main star of the dish, best when fresh and boneless.
• Bacon: Adds richness and smoky flavor, opt for regular-cut bacon for better wrapping.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing the overall taste profile.
• Smoked Paprika: Provides a subtle smoky depth to the chicken.

• Brown Sugar: Creates a sweet caramelized glaze, darker varieties offer deeper flavor.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic punch, fresh minced garlic recommended over pre-minced.
• Olive Oil: Helps bind sauce ingredients and adds smoothness.
• Soy Sauce: Brings umami and saltiness, low-sodium option works well.
• Thyme: Introduces herbal notes, fresh thyme can provide more intense flavor.

How to Make Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken

Step 1: Season Chicken Masterfully

Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika evenly over each chicken breast. Massage the seasonings gently into the meat to ensure deep flavor penetration.

Step 2: Wrap With Crispy Bacon

Carefully drape bacon slices around each chicken breast, covering most of the surface. Use toothpicks to secure bacon if it’s slipping around. Aim for complete coverage to lock in moisture.

Step 3: Create Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Brown sugar
• Minced garlic
• Olive oil
• Soy sauce
• Chopped fresh thyme

Whisk ingredients until they transform into a rich, glossy mixture.

Step 4: Layer in Slow Cooker

Place bacon-wrapped chicken breasts into the slow cooker. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken, making sure each piece gets coated.

Step 5: Cook to Perfection

Cover slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4-6 hours. Chicken is ready when internal temperature reaches 165°F and bacon looks crispy.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Carefully remove chicken from slow cooker. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Spoon extra sauce from the cooker over the chicken for extra flavor.

Slow Cooker Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 7 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Slow cooker bacon brown sugar garlic chicken brings savory-sweet comfort to dinner tables across America. Tender chicken pieces glazed with rich caramelized sauce promise a mouthwatering meal that satisfies your deepest hunger cravings.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2.2 pounds / 1 kg)
• 6 slices of bacon

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:

• 100 g (½ cup) brown sugar, packed
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional, for depth of flavor)

Cooking and Finishing Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water
• Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly coat chicken breasts with a blend of salt, ground black pepper, and smoky paprika, ensuring even coverage on all surfaces.
2. Carefully encase each seasoned chicken breast with strips of crispy bacon, using toothpicks to secure the bacon if necessary, creating a wrapped exterior.
3. Create a rich glaze by whisking together minced garlic, brown sugar, olive oil, soy sauce, and fragrant thyme in a mixing bowl until the ingredients form a smooth, slightly thick consistency.
4. Place the bacon-wrapped chicken into the slow cooker, positioning the pieces without overlapping to promote uniform cooking.
5. Pour the prepared garlic-brown sugar sauce evenly over the chicken, making sure each piece is generously coated and infused with the aromatic mixture.
6. Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat, allowing the chicken to cook gently for 4-6 hours until the meat becomes tender and the bacon achieves a crisp, caramelized edge.
7. Once cooking is complete, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker, letting it rest for a few minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
8. Optional: Drizzle any remaining sauce from the slow cooker over the chicken before serving to enhance the depth of flavor.

Notes

• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts of similar size for even cooking and consistent flavor absorption.
• Opt for thick-cut bacon to prevent overcooking and maintain a crispy texture when slow-cooked.
• Consider reducing brown sugar for a less sweet profile or substituting with honey for diabetic-friendly alternatives.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help spices adhere better and enhance overall caramelization during slow cooking.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 486
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 751 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 39 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 102 mg