Slow Cooker Creamy Bacon Chicken

Slow Cooker Creamy Bacon Chicken

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Sauce:

• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 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:

Step 1: Season the Chicken

1. Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper on both sides.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside, leaving the bacon drippings in the pan.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

3. In the same skillet with the bacon drippings, sear the seasoned chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer the chicken to the slow cooker.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

4. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the remaining bacon drippings. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Stir in the flour and cook for an additional minute to make a roux.
6. Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
7. Add the heavy cream and sour cream to the skillet, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
8. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and combined.

Step 5: Assemble and Cook

9. Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
10. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Step 6: Serve

11. Garnish the Slow Cooker Creamy Bacon Chicken with the cooked bacon and chopped fresh parsley.
12. Serve hot with your favorite side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables.

Cook Notes and Variations:

• If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix an additional tablespoon of flour with a tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the sauce during the last hour of cooking.
• Customize the recipe by adding your favorite herbs and spices to the sauce, such as rosemary, thyme, or paprika.
• Add diced vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.

Keto and Low Carb Version:

• Omit the all-purpose flour and use a keto-friendly thickener such as xanthan gum or arrowroot powder.
• Serve the creamy bacon chicken over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional starches to reduce the carb content.

FAQs:

1. Can I use bone-in chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

• Yes, adjust the cooking time accordingly for bone-in chicken thighs.

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

• Yes, prepare the creamy bacon sauce ahead and reheat before pouring over chicken in the slow cooker.

1. Can I freeze leftovers?

• Yes, store leftovers in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw before reheating.