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Slow Cooker BBQ Bacon Chicken

Slow Cooker BBQ Bacon Chicken
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Slow Cooker BBQ Bacon Chicken is an effortless, hands-free recipe combining tender chicken, smoky bacon, and rich BBQ sauce, slow-cooked to juicy perfection. Ideal for busy weeknights or entertaining, it delivers smoky, savory flavors with minimal cleanup and maximum taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 4–6 Chicken breasts or thighs (bone-in or boneless)
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (tangy or smoky variety)
  • 6–8 Bacon strips
  • 1 medium Onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 Garlic cloves, minced

Seasonings and Liquids

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 1 tsp smoked paprika or chili powder
  • ¼ cup Chicken broth or water

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Slice the onion thinly and mince the garlic cloves. Lay the bacon strips on a plate and have the chicken breasts or thighs ready.
  2. Layer the Slow Cooker: Place the sliced onions at the bottom of the slow cooker to form a bed. Arrange the chicken pieces on top. Sprinkle the minced garlic and seasonings (salt, pepper, and optional smoked paprika or chili powder) evenly over the chicken. Pour the BBQ sauce over everything, then lay the bacon strips on top for maximum smoky flavor infusion.
  3. Add Moisture and Cook: Pour chicken broth or water around the edges to create steam that keeps the chicken moist without diluting the flavors. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is tender and infused with smoky BBQ flavor.
  4. Final Touches: Once cooked, carefully remove the bacon strips. Optionally crisp them in a skillet or oven. Shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks, then stir the shredded chicken back into the sauce for a rich, saucy finish. Crumble the crisped bacon atop before serving.

Notes

  • Bacon Placement: Lay the bacon strips on top to flavor the meat without making it greasy underneath.
  • Don’t Skip the Broth: Adding a bit of liquid prevents the chicken from drying out and stops the sauce from burning during cooking.
  • Use Thick BBQ Sauce: A thicker sauce helps ensure the dish isn’t watery and coats the chicken evenly.
  • Cook Low and Slow: Low heat cooking yields the most tender and juicy chicken with enhanced flavor absorption.
  • Rest Before Serving: Let the dish sit for 10 minutes after cooking to thicken the sauce and improve aroma.

Nutrition

Keywords: Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken, Bacon Chicken, Easy BBQ Recipe, Slow Cooker Recipes, Gluten Free BBQ Chicken

Find it online: https://recipesbykaeli.com/slow-cooker-bbq-bacon-chicken/