5 Delectable Chicken Bacon Crockpot Recipes You'll Love
Who doesn't love the convenience of a slow cooker? It's the ultimate kitchen tool that allows you to prepare rich and delicious meals with minimal effort. Pairing chicken with bacon not only enhances the flavor but also brings a comforting, home-cooked taste to your meals. Here are five tantalizing chicken bacon crockpot recipes that will make you look forward to dinner every night.
1. Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
Imagine tender chicken and crispy bacon served over pasta, all bathed in a creamy ranch sauce. Here's how to make it:
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 packet of ranch dressing mix
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
- 1 pound pasta (like penne or fettuccine)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
- Cook the bacon until crispy, then set it aside.
- In the same pan, cook the chicken until browned.
- Transfer the chicken to your slow cooker.
- Add the ranch mix, broth, and cream cheese to the cooker.
- Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions.
- Stir in the cooked pasta, bacon, and cheese into the crockpot. Mix until the cheese melts.
⚠️ Note: Reserve some of the pasta water; you might need it to adjust the sauce's consistency.
2. Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders
These chicken tenders are not only flavorful but also an eye-catching appetizer or main dish:
- 12 chicken tenders
- 12 bacon slices
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Season the chicken tenders with paprika, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Wrap each tender with a slice of bacon.
- Place the wrapped tenders into the slow cooker in a single layer.
- Cook on low for 2 hours or high for 1 hour.
- Broil in the oven for a few minutes to crisp the bacon.
3. Chicken, Bacon, and Potato Bake
A one-pot wonder that's hearty enough to satisfy the biggest of appetites:
- 4 large potatoes, diced
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Seasoning of your choice (e.g., garlic powder, onion powder, paprika)
Instructions:
- Layer the potatoes at the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Place the chicken pieces over the potatoes.
- Mix the soup with the seasoning and pour over the chicken.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Add the crumbled bacon and cheese in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
4. Creamy Chicken Bacon Alfredo
Here's a twist on the classic Alfredo:
- 6 slices of bacon, cooked and chopped
- 1.5 pounds chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 jar Alfredo sauce
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Layer the chicken strips in the slow cooker.
- Mix the Alfredo sauce, soup, and cream; pour over the chicken.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours or until chicken is tender.
- Add the bacon and cheese in the last 15 minutes.
✨ Note: Serve this Alfredo over your favorite pasta or with garlic bread to soak up the sauce!
5. BBQ Chicken and Bacon Sandwiches
A delicious, pull-apart chicken sandwich with a twist of smoky bacon:
- 3 chicken breasts
- 1⁄2 cup barbecue sauce
- 4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- Buns for serving
- Optional toppings: coleslaw, pickles, cheese
Instructions:
- Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- Mix BBQ sauce with onion and pour over the chicken.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours until chicken is easily shredded.
- Shred the chicken and mix back in with the sauce.
- Add bacon just before serving. Serve on buns with toppings.
In summary, these chicken and bacon crockpot recipes prove that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to enjoy flavorsome, comforting meals. Each recipe is designed to highlight the deliciousness of chicken and bacon, offering variety in texture, taste, and presentation. From creamy pasta to hearty sandwiches, your slow cooker will become your new best friend in meal prep.
Can I cook bacon in the slow cooker?
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While it’s not recommended to cook bacon in the slow cooker due to excess grease and risk of fire, you can cook it traditionally and then add it to your recipe.
How long do I need to cook chicken in a crockpot?
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On low, chicken should cook for 6-8 hours or on high for about 3-4 hours until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
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You can substitute cream cheese with sour cream, Greek yogurt, or even heavy cream in certain recipes for a similar creamy texture.