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Slow Cooker Bacon Glazed Chicken

Slow Cooker Bacon Glazed Chicken is the ultimate dump-and-go dinner for busy nights. These boneless chicken thighs simmer in a sticky honey garlic sauce until they are falling apart. Topped with crispy crumbled bacon, this easy crockpot meal serves up the perfect mix of sweet and savory flavors without spending hours in the kitchen.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 4 hours 45 minutes
Course Dinner, slow cooker
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

Chicken

  • 2½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder

Bacon Glaze

  • 10 slices bacon
  • ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
  • ¼ cup honey
  • ⅓ cup ketchup
  • ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 2 tablespoons butter cut into pieces

To thicken

  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water

Optional garnish

  • Sliced green onions or chopped parsley

Instructions
 

  • Cook the bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crisp. Transfer to paper towels. Once cool, crumble and set aside. Reserve 1 tablespoon drippings if searing chicken.
  • Season the chicken: Pat chicken dry. Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and onion powder.
  • Optional sear: Heat reserved bacon drippings over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 1 to 2 minutes per side until lightly golden.
  • Make the glaze: Whisk brown sugar, honey, ketchup, soy sauce, vinegar, Dijon, and garlic in a bowl.
  • Slow cook: Place chicken in the slow cooker. Pour glaze over chicken and add butter pieces. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours, until chicken reaches 165°F.
  • Thicken the sauce: Transfer chicken to a plate. Pour cooking liquid into a saucepan and bring to a simmer. Whisk cornstarch with cold water, then whisk slurry into simmering sauce. Cook 2 to 4 minutes until glossy and thick.
  • Finish: Spoon thickened glaze over chicken and top with crumbled bacon. Garnish if desired. Serve with extra glaze.

Notes

  • Chicken breasts: Cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours and check early.
  • Keep bacon crisp: Add bacon at the end, not during cooking.
  • Extra caramelized top: Broil glazed chicken 2 to 3 minutes on a sheet pan, watching closely.