If you’re looking for a mouthwatering, hands-off dinner that will impress your family or guests, this Slow Cooker Bacon Garlic Chicken Breast recipe is exactly what you need. Juicy chicken breasts wrapped in smoky bacon and coated with a sweet and savory garlic-brown sugar blend, this dish is as flavorful as it is easy to prepare. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a cozy weekend dinner, it combines simple ingredients with big flavor in just a few steps.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Juicy, tender chicken – Cooking in the slow cooker ensures the chicken stays moist and flavorful.
- Sweet and savory perfection – The brown sugar and garlic mix with the bacon’s smokiness for an irresistible taste.
- Hands-off cooking – Set it in the slow cooker and forget it until dinner is ready.
- Crowd-pleaser – Both kids and adults love the combination of bacon, garlic, and tender chicken.
- Versatile serving options – Pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8–12 slices bacon (depending on chicken size)
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced (about 2 cloves)
Optional:
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the spice mixture
In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, minced garlic, and optional salt and pepper. This simple mixture will give your chicken a perfect balance of sweetness and savory garlic flavor.
2. Season the chicken
Place the chicken breasts on a plate and rub half of the brown sugar mixture all over the chicken. Make sure each breast is evenly coated to ensure every bite is flavorful.
3. Wrap the chicken in bacon
Wrap each chicken breast with 2–3 slices of bacon, starting and finishing on the bottom. The bacon adds smokiness and fat that keeps the chicken moist during slow cooking. Adjust the number of bacon slices based on the size of the chicken and your preference for bacon coverage.
4. Place in the slow cooker
Arrange the bacon-wrapped chicken breasts seam-side down in a single layer in the slow cooker. Try to snuggle them in as evenly as possible to ensure uniform cooking.
5. Add remaining seasoning
Sprinkle the remaining brown sugar mixture evenly over the top of the chicken and bacon. This creates a light glaze that caramelizes slightly during cooking.
6. Cook low and slow
Cover and seal the slow cooker lid. Cook on LOW for 3 hours, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). Cooking on low ensures the chicken remains juicy and tender.
7. Optional broiler step for crispy bacon
For extra flavor and presentation, place the cooked chicken under a broiler about 6 inches from the heating element for 2–3 minutes. This step crisps up the bacon and adds a beautiful caramelized color. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
8. Rest and garnish
Remove the chicken to a cutting board or plate and cover with aluminum foil for 5–10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, giving you clean slices when serving. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh pop of color.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Bacon Garlic Chicken
- Choose thick-cut bacon – It holds together better during slow cooking and adds more flavor.
- Don’t skip resting the chicken – Cutting too early causes the juices to run out, leaving your chicken dry.
- Customize your seasonings – Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili powder for a slightly spicy twist.
- Pair with easy sides – Mashed potatoes, garlic rice, or roasted vegetables complement the sweet and savory flavors beautifully.
- Meal prep friendly – This dish reheats well and can be sliced for sandwiches, wraps, or salads the next day.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve alongside mashed potatoes or buttery rice to soak up the delicious juices.
- Pair with steamed vegetables like green beans, broccoli, or carrots for a balanced meal.
- Add a fresh side salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the bacon.
- For a cozy dinner, serve with warm dinner rolls to mop up every bit of the glaze.
Why This Recipe Works
The key to this recipe’s success lies in the balance of flavors and slow-cooking method. The brown sugar and garlic create a sweet-savory base, while the bacon wraps each chicken breast in a smoky, flavorful blanket. Cooking on low heat ensures the chicken remains tender and juicy, and the optional broiler step provides a perfect finishing touch. The result is a dish that tastes gourmet but is incredibly simple to make.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Bacon Garlic Chicken Breast recipe is a perfect example of comfort food done right. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s a foolproof way to serve a delicious, satisfying meal any night of the week. The combination of tender chicken, sweet garlic glaze, and crispy bacon makes it irresistible.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting friends, or meal prepping for the week, this recipe delivers rich, savory flavor with very little effort. Try it once, and it may become your go-to slow cooker chicken recipe!