Tangy Slow Cooker Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken Recipe

Tender chicken breasts simmering in a delectable slow cooker bacon brown sugar garlic sauce create a flavor explosion that will make your taste buds dance.

Crispy bacon adds a salty crunch to this irresistible dish.

Sweet brown sugar blends perfectly with rich garlic notes, promising a meal that’s both comforting and exciting.

The aroma will fill your kitchen with warmth and anticipation.

Each bite promises a harmony of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors that melt in your mouth.

This recipe transforms ordinary chicken into a spectacular dinner that everyone will request again and again.

Prepare to experience a culinary masterpiece that’s ridiculously easy to make.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)

Total Time: 7 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 486 kcal

Servings: 4

What You Need for Slow Cooker Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Lean, juicy centerpiece that absorbs the rich flavors beautifully, look for plump, fresh cuts without bruising.
• Bacon: Adds crispy texture and smoky depth, choose thick-cut variety for maximum flavor impact and perfect crispiness.

• Salt: Enhances overall taste and helps tenderize chicken.
• Black Pepper: Provides subtle heat and aromatic warmth.
• Smoked Paprika: Introduces a deep, slightly smoky undertone that complements bacon perfectly.

• Brown Sugar: Creates caramelized sweetness that balances savory elements, opt for fresh, soft brown sugar without hardened clumps.
• Minced Garlic: Brings intense, pungent flavor that deepens the dish's complexity, fresh garlic cloves provide most robust taste.
• Olive Oil: Helps bind ingredients and adds subtle fruity undertone, choose extra virgin for best quality.
• Soy Sauce: Delivers umami richness and helps tenderize chicken, select low-sodium version for better control of salt levels.
• Fresh Thyme: Introduces earthy, herbal notes that elevate the entire dish, use fresh sprigs for most vibrant flavor.

Kitchen Gear for Slow Cooker Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken

• Slow Cooker: Essential for hands-off cooking and infusing flavors deeply.
• Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure salt, pepper, and paprika.
• Measuring Cups: Precise for measuring brown sugar, olive oil, and soy sauce.
• Toothpicks: Optional but helpful for securing bacon around chicken breasts.
• Cutting Board: Ideal for preparing and seasoning chicken.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for mincing garlic and handling chicken.

How to Make Slow Cooker Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken

• Prepare Chicken Breasts

Season each chicken breast with a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and a dash of smoky paprika for a flavor explosion.

• Bacon Wrap Magic

Lovingly drape bacon slices around each chicken breast, hugging them tightly and securing with toothpicks if they get rebellious.

• Create Flavor Bomb Sauce

Whisk together brown sugar, crushed garlic, silky olive oil, zippy soy sauce, and fragrant thyme in a small bowl until everything melds into a glossy, mouthwatering mixture.

• Slow Cook to Perfection

Nestle the bacon-wrapped chicken into your slow cooker and generously pour the flavor bomb sauce all over, ensuring every inch gets coated.

• Let the Magic Happen

Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender, juicy, and practically falling apart.

• Serve and Delight

Carefully transfer the golden, caramelized chicken to a serving platter, spoon extra sauce on top, and watch everyone’s eyes light up with anticipation.

Smart Cooking Advice for Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken

• Bacon Crisp Perfection: For extra crispy bacon, briefly broil the chicken after slow cooking for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
• Low-Sodium Swap: Replace regular soy sauce with low-sodium soy sauce or tamari to reduce salt content without compromising flavor.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
• Spice Level Boost: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to the brown sugar sauce for those who enjoy a subtle heat kick.
• Meal Prep Magic: This dish freezes beautifully – store in airtight containers for up to 3 months, making weeknight dinners a breeze.

Best Ways to Serve Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken

• Savory Side Symphony: Pair this rich chicken with creamy mashed potatoes that absorb the delicious sauce, creating a perfect flavor harmony.
• Veggie Vibrancy: Roast green beans or asparagus alongside the dish to add a fresh, crisp contrast to the sweet and savory chicken.
• Rustic Bread Companion: Serve with crusty artisan bread to soak up the incredible bacon-brown sugar sauce, ensuring not a drop goes to waste.
• Bright Salad Balance: Add a light mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the bacon-wrapped chicken, providing a refreshing counterpoint.

Storing & Reheating Slow Cooker Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken

• Smart Batch Prep: Cook extra chicken during the weekend and refrigerate in airtight containers for quick weekday meals. Slice or shred the chicken for salads, wraps, or quick protein additions.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover chicken in sealed containers for 3-4 days. Place bacon-wrapped portions in separate compartments to maintain crispy texture and prevent sogginess.
• Freezing Technique: Wrap individual chicken portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating to maintain moisture and flavor.
• Reheating Magic: Warm chicken in oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to restore crispness. Microwave works quickly but might soften bacon's texture. Add fresh thyme or a sprinkle of brown sugar when reheating to refresh flavors.

Mouthwatering Slow Cooker Bacon Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 7 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent slow cooker bacon brown sugar garlic chicken delivers a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors. Minimal ingredients and simple preparation make this dish an effortless crowd-pleaser you’ll want to serve again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless (about 2.2 lbs / 1 kg)
• 6 bacon slices
• 100 g (½ cup) brown sugar, packed
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp soy sauce (optional)
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 2 tbsps water
• Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Seasoning: Generously rub chicken breasts with a harmonious blend of salt, ground black pepper, and smoky paprika, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
2. Bacon Wrapping: Meticulously envelop each seasoned chicken breast with bacon strips, securing with toothpicks to create a succulent exterior that promises crispy texture.
3. Glaze Preparation: Whisk together minced garlic, brown sugar, olive oil, soy sauce, and fragrant thyme in a bowl until a luxurious, glossy sauce emerges with balanced consistency.
4. Slow Cooking Setup: Arrange bacon-wrapped chicken in the slow cooker, positioning pieces to allow even heat distribution and prevent overcrowding.
5. Sauce Application: Lavishly drench the chicken with the prepared garlic-brown sugar glaze, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated and infused with complex flavors.
6. Cooking Process: Cover and set slow cooker to low heat, allowing chicken to simmer and tenderize for 4-6 hours until meat becomes fork-tender and bacon develops a caramelized, crisp edge.
7. Finishing Touch: Carefully transfer chicken from slow cooker, letting it rest briefly to redistribute internal juices, then optionally drizzle remaining sauce over the dish for an extra flavor boost.

Notes

• Select High-Quality Bacon: Choose thick-cut bacon for better texture and crispness, ensuring it wraps around chicken securely without falling apart during slow cooking.
• Prevent Overcooking: Monitor chicken closely after 4 hours to avoid drying out; chicken breasts can quickly become tough when exposed to prolonged heat.
• Sauce Consistency Tip: If sauce appears too thin after cooking, transfer to a saucepan and reduce over medium heat for a more concentrated, glossy glaze that clings perfectly to chicken.
• Diet Modification Option: For low-carb variations, replace brown sugar with sugar-free maple syrup or monk fruit sweetener while maintaining the recipe’s rich, caramelized flavor profile.

• 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: 5
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg