Slow Cooker Chicken Braised in Smoky Bacon Sauce
2022-08-25- Cuisine: American
- Course: Main Dish
- Skill Level: Beginner
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- Yield: 4
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10m
- Cook Time: 4:30 h
- Ready In: 4:40 h
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Nutritional Info
This information is per serving.
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Calories
135.0 -
Carbohydrates
5.3 g -
Cholesterol
49.3 mg -
Fat
1.3 g -
Fiber
0.8 g -
Protein
21.6 g -
Saturated Fat
0.3 g -
Serving Size
1 -
Sodium
153.1 mg -
Sugar
3.0 g -
Trans Fat
0.5 g -
Unsaturated Fat
0.3 g -
Potassium
409.3 mg
Slow cooker chicken braised in smoky bacon sauce. If you want to ensure that your chicken is moist, braise is the perfect way to go.
Braising chicken—gently simmering it in a flavorful broth—doesn’t just result in falling-off-the-bone tender meat, but it also creates a sauce perfect for smothering a side, such as mashed potatoes or noodles. Sweet, succulent, and tangy with the flavor of apples and aromatic thyme, this healthy and delicious chicken stew makes a great alternative to the classic roast.
The slow-cooked, smoky bacon-braised chicken is a guaranteed hit at the dinner table. Whether you’re entertaining family or friends, this delicious dish brings a unique and savory flavor that’s sure to be a crowd favorite.
But, for many of us, the thought of preparing a meal like this can be daunting. After all, if you don’t get the cooking process just right, you’re left with dry, flavorless chicken. Fortunately, there’s a way to guarantee moist, delicious chicken: braising.
Braising is a method of cooking food that combines two heat sources: moist heat from liquids like water or stock, and dry heat from the oven or stovetop. This low-and-slow method is great for cooking tougher cuts of meats like beef, pork, and chicken. The gentle heat breaks down the muscle fibers and the liquid helps the proteins retain water — so you’re left with a tender, flavorful piece of meat.
When it comes to making slow cooker chicken braised in smoky bacon sauce, the key is to start with boneless, skinless chicken thighs, which are much more forgiving than chicken breasts. To give the sauce its signature smoky flavor, add some smoked bacon and smoked paprika. Then, let the slow cooker do its magic.
The chicken will cook for a few hours, giving you plenty of time to prepare any other side dishes, like potatoes, corn, or beans.
When the chicken is finished, you’ll have a tasty, succulent meal on your hands. The smoky bacon sauce is like a warm hug for the tender chicken — making for a meal that’s sure to be remembered. So, the next time you’re looking for a flavorful yet easy-to-make meal, give slow cooker chicken braised in smoky bacon sauce a try — you won’t be disappointed.
You may also like Crock Pot Honey-Garlic Chicken Thighs
Slow Cooker Chicken Braised in Smoky Bacon Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 large whole chicken, cut into portions
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons sunflower oil
- 4 oz (120 g) chopped bacon
- 2 yellow onions, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cup (125 ml) +1 tablespoon apple juice
- 1/2 cup (125 ml) chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons clear honey
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Method
Step 1
Rinse the chicken portions and pat dry with a paper towel.
Step 2
In a large nonstick skillet, heat butter and oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken portions and fry, turning pieces over, until lightly browned on all sides.
Step 3
Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried chicken from the skillet. Transfer to a slow cooker, leaving the cooking liquid in the skillet,
Step 4
Add chopped bacon to the skillet. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned. Using a slotted spoon, transfer cooked bacon to the slow cooker, leaving cooking liquid in the skillet.
Step 5
Add onions to the skillet. Cook for a few minutes, stirring, until they begin to soften.
Step 6
Pour 1/2 cup (125 ml) of apple juice and chicken stock into the pan. Stir in honey and chopped thyme. Season with salt and black pepper. Bring the mixture almost to a boiling point and immediately pour over the chicken and bacon. Cover the slow cooker and cook over a high-heat setting for 2 hours.
Step 7
Cover the cooker and cook on a high-heat setting for a further 2 hours or until chicken and vegetables are tender.
Step 8
Remove cooked chicken from the slow cooker. Transfer to a serving platter and keep warm.
Step 9
In a mixing bowl, combine cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of apple juice. Blend well until the cornstarch dissolved. Stir the cornstarch mixture into the cooking liquid until thickened. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
Step 10
Serve cooked chicken portions with bacon sauce poured over the top. Accompany by mashed potatoes or cooked rice.