There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of a hearty meal slowly cooking away while you go about your day. And when that meal is as delightful as Slow Cooker Creamy Bacon Chicken, you know you’re in for a treat. This dish is a true testament to the beauty of comfort food—simple ingredients coming together to create something truly indulgent. It’s a recipe that has been lovingly passed around at potlucks and shared across kitchen tables, evolving into the beloved dish it is today.
Perfect for those evenings when you crave something warm and satisfying, this creamy bacon chicken is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. Your slow cooker does most of the work, ensuring that by the time dinner rolls around, all you have to do is gather everyone at the table and enjoy. The savory notes of bacon and the richness of the creamy sauce make this a meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients: What You’ll Need
To create this comforting dish, gather the following ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, providing tender and juicy bites.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds depth of flavor to the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Brings a subtle, earthy note that complements the bacon.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning.
- 6 slices bacon: Crispy and savory, adding richness and a satisfying crunch.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a warm, aromatic depth to the dish.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Helps deglaze the pan and forms the base of the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The key to a rich and creamy sauce.
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce to a perfect consistency.
- ½ cup sour cream: Adds tanginess and extra creaminess.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the sauce, creating a gooey, cheesy finish.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a fresh, vibrant touch to the finished dish.
Ingredient Notes & Tips
- Bacon: If you’re pressed for time, you can use pre-cooked bacon or bacon bits, though freshly cooked bacon will add the best flavor and texture.
- Cheddar Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses—sharp cheddar adds a nice tang, while a mix of cheddar and mozzarella can create a gooier texture.
- Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, though the sauce will be slightly less rich.
- Garlic and Onion: If you’re catering to picky eaters, you can omit the onion and garlic and use onion powder and garlic powder instead for a milder flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Bringing It All Together
Let’s walk through the process of making this comforting meal:
Step 1: Season the Chicken
- Prep the chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Place the seasoned chicken in the bottom of your slow cooker.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
- Crisp the bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until it’s crispy. Remove the bacon and let it drain on paper towels. Once cool, crumble the bacon and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
- Sauté the veggies: In the same skillet, using the bacon grease, sauté the chopped onion until it’s soft, about 3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Transfer this mixture to the slow cooker, spreading it over the chicken.
Step 4: Deglaze the Skillet
- Add the broth: Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. This adds extra flavor to the sauce. Pour the deglazed broth over the chicken in the slow cooker.
Step 5: Slow Cook
- Cook low and slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Step 6: Thicken the Sauce
- Make the sauce creamy: Mix the heavy cream and flour together in a small bowl, ensuring there are no lumps. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker along with the crumbled bacon. Cook on high for an additional 25-30 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 7: Add the Final Touches
- Finish the sauce: Just before serving, stir in the sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish and serve: Garnish the creamy bacon chicken with chopped parsley and serve it warm. Pair it with your favorite sides for a complete and satisfying meal.
Variations & Substitutions
This dish is highly adaptable, so don’t hesitate to make it your own:
Vegetarian Option
- Use plant-based chicken: Replace the chicken breasts with your favorite plant-based chicken alternative, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Add Veggies
- Incorporate greens: Stir in some fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrition and a pop of color.
Thicker Sauce
- Use a cornstarch slurry: For an even thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and stir it into the slow cooker in place of the flour.
Serving Suggestions: The Perfect Sides
To make this meal even more comforting, consider these serving ideas:
Buttery Mashed Potatoes
- Classic pairing: Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect side to soak up all that delicious gravy.
Egg Noodles
- Comfort food twist: Serve the chicken over a bed of egg noodles for a hearty, satisfying meal.
Steamed Vegetables
- Light and fresh: Steamed green beans, broccoli, or asparagus provide a nice contrast to the richness of the dish.
Fluffy Biscuits
- Sop it up: Serve with warm, fluffy biscuits to sop up every last drop of the creamy sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Creamy Bacon Chicken is more than just a meal—it’s a comforting hug in a bowl, perfect for those evenings when you need something warm and satisfying. With its rich, creamy sauce and the savory goodness of bacon, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a special family dinner, this dish delivers on flavor and comfort, with minimal effort on your part.
So, set up your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and let this dish simmer away while you enjoy some quality time with your loved ones. By the time dinner is ready, you’ll have a warm, comforting meal that’s sure to bring everyone to the table with smiles on their faces. Happy cooking!
Slow Cooker Creamy Bacon Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 6 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper; place them in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy; remove, crumble, and set aside.
- Sauté chopped onion in the bacon grease until soft, about 3 minutes; add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Transfer to the slow cooker.
- Deglaze the skillet with chicken broth, scraping up browned bits, and pour into the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through.
- Mix heavy cream and flour together, then stir into the slow cooker along with the crumbled bacon. Cook on high for an additional 25-30 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Just before serving, stir in sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.