Creamy Dijon Bacon Chicken Thighs for the Slow Cooker Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To enhance the flavor profile, you can add a handful of fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary during the final hour of cooking. These herbs will infuse the sauce with an earthy aroma that pairs beautifully with the Dijon mustard.

If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can add a splash of chicken broth or white wine before covering the slow cooker, which will help to deglaze the bottom and add extra complexity to the final result.

When serving, consider pairing this dish with a starch that can soak up the delicious Dijon cream, such as mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or crusty bread. The sauce is the highlight of the meal, so ensuring there is plenty of it to go around is key.

If you are serving a larger crowd, you can easily double the recipe, provided your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the chicken in a single layer for even cooking.

Variations

• Herbed Dijon Chicken: Add two tablespoons of fresh chopped thyme and rosemary to the sauce before cooking for a woodsy, aromatic twist that complements the bacon beautifully.
• Spicy Dijon Chicken: Stir in one tablespoon of red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of hot sauce to the Dijon mixture to add a subtle kick of heat to the creamy sauce.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Ensure the dish is cooled to room temperature within 2 hours before placing it in the refrigerator.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Note that the cream sauce may separate slightly upon thawing and reheating; stir well to recombine.

Reheat

Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through, or use a microwave-safe dish on medium power, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce smooth.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container. Cool the dish to room temperature for no more than 2 hours before placing it in the refrigerator. The creamy sauce may thicken slightly when chilled, which is normal.

Proper storage will keep the flavors intact for up to three days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to prevent the sauce from absorbing other refrigerator odors, which can alter the delicate balance of the Dijon and bacon flavors.

While this dish is best served fresh, you can assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker basin the night before, cover it, and keep it in the refrigerator.

Remove it from the fridge 30 minutes before turning on the slow cooker to allow it to reach room temperature. Do not add the sauce until you are ready to start the cooking process to ensure the chicken remains fresh and the sauce does not separate before heating.

Serving ideas

Serve the chicken thighs hot, spooning a generous amount of the creamy Dijon and bacon sauce over each portion. The dish looks beautiful when garnished with a little fresh parsley or extra crispy bacon bits for color and texture. Because the sauce is rich, a side of roasted green vegetables like asparagus or garlicky green beans provides a nice crunch and balance to the meal.

The presentation is simple yet elegant. Using a plain white plate allows the glossy, creamy sauce to stand out. Ensure each serving includes a piece of chicken and a good portion of the bacon-infused sauce. Remind guests to enjoy the sauce with their side dishes, as it is designed to be the star component of the plate, tying all the savory elements together into a cohesive dining experience.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Creamy Dijon Bacon Chicken Thighs for the Slow Cooker

Prep 5 minCook 4 hRest 5 minTotal 4 h 10 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 4 lbs chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
• 6 slices bacon, crumbled
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 1/2 cups creamy Dijon sauce (contains mustard)

Instructions

1. Place the raw chicken thighs into the basin of a clean slow cooker. Ensure they are arranged in an even layer to promote uniform cooking throughout the process.
2. Scatter the crumbled bacon pieces evenly over the chicken thighs. Sprinkle the garlic powder over the top, then pour the creamy Dijon sauce over the entire mixture to coat everything thoroughly.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Allow the chicken to rest for at least 3 minutes before serving on a warm plate.

Contains: milk, mustard

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

480

Protein

32 g

Carbohydrates

6 g

Fat

36 g

Fiber

0.5 g

Sugar

2 g

Sodium

850 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.