Slow Cooker Chicken Braised in Smoky Bacon Sauce

Step 1

Rinse the chicken portions and pat dry with 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 fried chicken from skillet. Transfer to 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 slow cooker,leaving cooking liquid in the skillet.

Step 5

Add leeks and mushrooms to the skillet. Cook for a few minutes,stirring,until they begin to soften.

Step 6

Pour 1/2 cup (125 ml) apple juice and chicken stock into the pan. Stir in honey and chopped thyme. Season with salt and black pepper. Bring mixture almost to a boiling point and immediately pour over chicken and bacon. Cover slow cooker and cook over high-heat setting for 2 hours.

Step 7

Add thickly sliced apples to slow slow cooker,submerging them in the liquid to stop them turning brown. Cover slow cooker and cook on high-heat setting for a further 2 hours or until chicken and vegetables are tender.

Step 8

Remove cooked chicken from slow cooker. Transfer to serving platter and keep warm.

Step 9

In a mixing bowl,combine cornstarch and 1 tablespoon apple juice. Blend well until cornstarch dissolved. Stir cornstarch mixture into cooking liquid until thickened. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 10

Serve cooked chicken portions with bacon sauce poured over the top. Accompany with mashed potatoes.