Crockpot Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken
When it comes to easy weeknight dinners that feel a little indulgent, crockpot bacon brown sugar chicken is one of those recipes you’ll want to keep on repeat.
Equipment
- Crockpot (Slow Cooker)
- Mixing Bowl
- Tongs
- Measuring Cups & Spoons
- Aluminum foil or parchment paper (optional)
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 8 slices of bacon
- ½ cup brown sugar light or dark
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika optional, for extra flavor
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce optional, for a savory depth
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel — this helps the bacon stick better.
- Lightly season the chicken with a pinch of salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Pro Tip: Don’t over-salt here. The bacon already adds plenty of salty flavor.
Step 2: Season the Brown Sugar Mix
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a touch more black pepper.
- Stir until everything is evenly mixed.
- Set aside for coating.
Step 3: Wrap the Chicken in Bacon
- Take one chicken breast and carefully wrap 2 slices of bacon around it, slightly overlapping as you go.
- Repeat for the remaining chicken breasts.
- Place each wrapped chicken piece seam-side down on a plate or board.
- Pro Tip: Start the bacon wrap at the thickest end of the chicken breast and work your way down — this helps it stay snug while cooking.
Step 4: Coat with the Brown Sugar Mix
- Roll or sprinkle each bacon-wrapped chicken breast in the brown sugar mixture.
- Make sure to coat all sides — the sugar will caramelize beautifully in the crockpot.
- Gently shake off any excess before placing in the slow cooker.
Step 5: Arrange in the Crockpot
- Lightly spray the crockpot with nonstick cooking spray (or use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup).
- Place the coated chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom.
- Drizzle the soy sauce (if using) over the chicken.
Step 6: Cook Low & Slow
- Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Pro Tip: For extra-crispy bacon, transfer the cooked chicken to a foil-lined baking sheet and broil for 2–3 minutes before serving.
Step 7: Serve & Enjoy
- Use tongs to carefully lift each piece out of the crockpot (the bacon will be tender).
- Spoon some of the sweet glaze from the bottom of the crockpot over the chicken before serving.
- Pair with your favorite sides and enjoy the sweet, smoky, savory goodness!
Notes
Approximate Nutritional Value per Serving:
- Calories: 350–400 kcal
- Protein: 28–32 g
- Fat: 18–22 g
- Carbohydrates: 12–15 g
- Sugars: 10–12 g
- Fiber: 0–1 g
- Sodium: 600–700 mg