Okay, let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight savior: the Irresistible Slow Cooker Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken. Seriously, this dish is a game-changer. You dump everything into the slow cooker, and BAM! Dinner is practically made. I remember the first time I made it; I was rushing around trying to get kids ready for soccer practice and had completely forgotten about dinner. I tossed these ingredients in, and an hour before we needed to eat, the most amazing smell started filling the house. It’s this perfect mix of savory bacon, sweet brown sugar, and that pungent garlic goodness, all clinging to tender chicken. It’s so ridiculously easy, and the flavor is just out of this world. If you’re looking for a meal that’s big on taste and super small on effort, you’ve found it!
Why You’ll Love This Irresistible Slow Cooker Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken
This isn’t just another chicken recipe, trust me! It’s got that magic combo of easy, delicious, and totally adaptable. Here’s why it’s going to become your new go-to:
- Effortless Prep: Seriously, you just toss everything in the slow cooker. No fancy techniques, no constant watching. It’s a lifesaver on busy nights!
- Incredible Flavor Burst: That sweet and savory mix of bacon, brown sugar, and garlic is just *chefs kiss*. It’s deeply savory with just the right amount of sweetness.
- Fork-Tender Perfection: The slow cooking process makes the chicken unbelievably tender. It practically shreds itself!
- So Versatile: Serve it over rice, with mashed potatoes, or in tacos. It’s delicious however you slice it!
- Minimal Cleanup: The best part? Mostly it’s just your slow cooker to wash. Hooray for less scrubbing!
Ingredients for Irresistible Slow Cooker Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken
Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty! You don’t need a ton of fancy stuff for this recipe, just a few key players that come together beautifully. Oh, and just a heads-up, the JSON said “Vegetarian” for diet, but with chicken and bacon, that’s a big nope! This is definitely a non-vegetarian delight.
Here’s what you’ll need to grab:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Thighs are the best here because they stay so juicy in the slow cooker.
- 6 slices bacon, chopped: Don’t skimp on the bacon! Chop it up into bite-sized pieces, about 1/2 inch square.
- 1 cup packed brown sugar: Make sure it’s packed down into your measuring cup! That’s where all that lovely caramel sweetness comes from.
- 1/2 cup soy sauce: This adds that salty, umami depth that balances out the sugar.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is a must here! If you’re a huge garlic fan like me, feel free to toss in a couple extra cloves.
- 1/4 cup water: Just a little bit to get the sauce going.
How to Prepare Your Irresistible Slow Cooker Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken
Honestly, the hardest part of this recipe is deciding what to wear while you’re dumping things into the slow cooker. It’s that easy! I always get such a thrill watching it all come together. Here’s the step-by-step magic:
- Chicken First: Grab your slow cooker! Toss those 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs right into the bottom. Make sure they’re spread out a bit so they cook evenly.
- Whip Up the Sauce: In a separate bowl – or even just a big measuring cup if you’re feeling lazy like I often do – whisk together the packed brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, and that little bit of water. Just stir it until it’s all combined and smells amazing.
- Sauce it Up: Pour that gorgeous sauce all over the chicken in the slow cooker. Get it in all the nooks and crannies!
- Bacon Time: Now for the best part! Sprinkle your chopped bacon evenly over the top of the chicken and sauce. This crispy, salty goodness is going to melt into everything.
- Cook it Low and Slow (or Fast!): Pop the lid on tight. You have two options: cook it on LOW for about 4 to 6 hours, or if you’re really in a pinch, crank it up to HIGH for 2 to 3 hours. Either way, just make sure the chicken is cooked all the way through and super tender. For more slow cooker goodness check out this barbecue wings recipe or this hearty cowboy casserole!
- Shred and Serve: Once it’s done, carefully remove the chicken thighs from the slow cooker to a plate or cutting board. Use two forks to easily shred them apart. Then, dump the shredded chicken back into that gloriously sticky sauce in the slow cooker and give it a good stir. This makes sure every single shred of chicken is coated in that delicious bacon-brown sugar-garlic goodness. Serve it up hot and get ready for the compliments!
Tips for Success with Your Slow Cooker Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken
You’ve got the recipe, you’ve got the ingredients – now let me give you a few little nudges to make this chicken absolutely spectacular every single time. These aren’t complicated, just little things I’ve picked up!
Ingredient Swaps and Flavor Boosts
Don’t be afraid to play around! If you don’t have chicken thighs, you can try chicken breasts, but keep an eye on them because they can dry out faster. For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic. And if you’re feeling fancy, a splash of apple cider vinegar in the sauce can add a nice tanginess to cut through the sweetness.
Don’t Overcrowd the Slow Cooker
Make sure your chicken isn’t piled too high. If your slow cooker is overflowing, the sauce won’t thicken up right, and the chicken might not cook evenly. If you have a smaller cooker or more chicken, it’s better to divide it into two batches.
Bacon Bliss
For the best bacon flavor, try to use a good quality bacon. And don’t stress about making it perfectly crispy before it goes in – the slow cooker magic does most of the work! When you shred the chicken, make sure you scrape all those lovely browned bits and bacon bits from the bottom of the slow cooker back into the sauce.
Serving Suggestions for Irresistible Slow Cooker Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken
So, you’ve got this glorious, saucy chicken ready to go – now what? This stuff is SO versatile, you can really go any direction you want! It’s fantastic spooned over fluffy white rice or even brown rice to soak up all that incredible sauce. For a truly comforting meal, mashed potatoes are a must. Or, if you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, how about a side of roasted broccoli or some simple green beans? You could even toss it with pasta, kind of like this garlic chicken pasta, but with this super flavorful chicken instead!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Slow Cooker Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken is almost *better* the next day. Once it’s cooled down a bit, I like to put any extra chicken into an airtight container. It’ll keep nicely in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, the microwave is usually my go-to for a quick fix – just zap it until it’s hot all the way through, maybe 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway. For an even better flavor re-do, you can gently reheat it in a small saucepan over low heat on the stove, stirring often so that amazing sauce doesn’t scorch.
Frequently Asked Questions about Irresistible Slow Cooker Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
You totally can! Chicken breasts are leaner and cook a bit faster, so you’ll want to keep a closer eye on them. I’d recommend checking them around the 1.5 to 2-hour mark on high, or 3 to 4 hours on low. The key is to not overcook them, or they can get a little dry. Thighs are my personal faves because they stay so wonderfully moist and tender.
How can I make this chicken spicier?
Oh, adding a little heat is a great idea! If you like things with a kick, just toss in about 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes when you add the minced garlic. You could also add a swirl of sriracha or your favorite hot sauce to the sauce mixture before cooking. For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a diced jalapeño!
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you absolutely can freeze the leftovers of this wonderful chicken! Once it’s been cooled, package it up nice and snug in an airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. It should stay good in the freezer for about 2 to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just thaw it overnight in the fridge and then reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Will the bacon get crispy?
The bacon doesn’t get super crispy like it would pan-fried, but it definitely softens and renders its delicious fat right into that amazing sauce. It infuses the whole dish with that smoky, salty bacon goodness! If you’re really craving crispiness, you could always cook the bacon separately until crispy and sprinkle it over the top right before serving. Just an idea!
Nutritional Information
Just a quick heads-up, these numbers are estimates and can wiggle around a bit depending on the exact brands you use and how much sauce you slurp up! But for a serving of this Irresistible Slow Cooker Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken, you’re looking at roughly:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Sugar: 30g
Irresistible Slow Cooker Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and flavorful slow cooker chicken recipe with bacon, brown sugar, and garlic.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Place chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, combine brown sugar, soy sauce, minced garlic, and water.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken.
- Top with chopped bacon.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until chicken is cooked through.
- Shred chicken with two forks and mix with the sauce before serving.
Notes
- Serve over rice or with your favorite side dishes.
- You can adjust the amount of brown sugar and soy sauce to your preference.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: slow cooker chicken, bacon chicken, brown sugar chicken, garlic chicken, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner