Slow Cooked Chicken and Bacon
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this Slow Cooked Chicken and Bacon recipe, a hearty dish that combines tender bone-in chicken thighs and smoky bacon in a rich, creamy sauce infused with garlic, onions, and fresh thyme. Perfectly slow-cooked to ensure melt-in-your-mouth texture, this recipe is elevated with a thick, velvety cream sauce that's easy to make with a simple roux and a touch of chicken broth. With minimal prep and an effortless cooking process, this dish is a go-to for cozy family dinners or special occasions. Pair it with mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta for a satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal. Bursting with comforting flavors and classic ingredients, this slow cooker chicken recipe is sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 6 pieces chicken thighs (bone-in, skin removed)
- 6 slices bacon
- 1 medium white onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 0.75 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides.
In a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Sear the chicken thighs for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Transfer the chicken to your slow cooker.
In the same skillet, add the bacon slices and cook until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet, chop it into bite-sized pieces, and set aside. Reserve about 1 tablespoon of the bacon drippings in the skillet.
Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the onions and garlic. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking to combine and prevent lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a simmer and stir until it thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the heavy cream, butter, and thyme to the skillet, stirring until smooth. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker. Add the chopped bacon on top.
Cover and cook on low for 5 hours or on high for 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C).
Optional: If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove about 1/2 cup of the sauce from the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking and simmer it in a small saucepan over medium heat until reduced, then stir it back into the slow cooker.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Serve warm over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2688 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 194.2 g | 249% | |
| Saturated Fat | 76.9 g | 384% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 6.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 857 mg | 286% | |
| Sodium | 4416 mg | 192% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 31.2 g | 11% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.6 g | 13% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.2 g | ||
| Protein | 179.8 g | 360% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.1 mcg | 5% | |
| Calcium | 160 mg | 12% | |
| Iron | 8.4 mg | 47% | |
| Potassium | 2196 mg | 47% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
