Creamy Slow Cooker Bacon Brussels Sprouts Chicken Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For an extra layer of flavor, consider crisping the bacon in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker, though this is optional. If you prefer a slightly charred flavor on the Brussels sprouts, you can briefly roast them in a hot oven for ten minutes before adding them to the slow cooker, which will add a nutty, complex dimension to the final dish.

To enhance the savory profile, you can add a pinch of black pepper or a small amount of onion powder along with the garlic. If you want a bit of acidity to cut through the richness of the cream cheese, a small splash of white wine or lemon juice added during the final stirring stage can brighten the sauce and provide a more balanced finish to each serving.

Variations

• Spicy Bacon Chicken: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the slow cooker before cooking to introduce a balanced heat that cuts through the creamy sauce.
• Herb-Infused Chicken: Incorporate fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs during the cooking process. Remove the woody stems before serving to add a fragrant, earthy note that complements the bacon.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a sealed container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally to maintain the sauce consistency.

Allow any leftovers to cool to room temperature for no more than two hours. Transfer the chicken and sauce into airtight containers to maintain freshness. Keep the dish in the refrigerator for up to three days.

For longer storage, freeze the mixture in freezer-safe containers for up to one month, though the texture of the cream cheese sauce may change slightly upon thawing and reheating.

This dish is excellent for make-ahead preparations. You can assemble the raw ingredients in the slow cooker insert, cover it, and keep it in the refrigerator overnight.

When you are ready to cook, simply place the insert into the slow cooker base and proceed with the cooking instructions. This saves significant time on busy days while allowing the flavors to marinate before the heat is applied.

Serving ideas

Serve this dish hot, directly from the slow cooker or transferred to a warm serving platter. It pairs beautifully with simple side dishes that can soak up the creamy sauce, such as fluffy mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or a crusty piece of sourdough bread.

The richness of the meal makes it a substantial main course that requires only a light green salad on the side to provide a refreshing, crisp contrast.

For a more elegant presentation, spoon the chicken and sprouts over a bed of pasta or polenta. The sauce is versatile enough to complement various starches, and the combination of bacon and Brussels sprouts provides a sophisticated, earthy finish that looks appealing on any plate.

Ensure each serving includes a generous portion of the creamy sauce, as it is the highlight of the dish and ties all the components together perfectly.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Creamy Slow Cooker Bacon Brussels Sprouts Chicken

Prep 10 minCook 4 hRest 5 minTotal 4 h 15 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 6 pieces boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved
• 6 slices bacon, crumbled
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 8 oz block cream cheese

Instructions

1. Place the raw chicken thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Scatter the halved Brussels sprouts and the crumbled bacon over the chicken. Sprinkle the garlic powder evenly across the surface of the ingredients.
2. Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients in the slow cooker. Carefully place the block of cream cheese on top of the chicken and vegetables. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on low for four hours or until the chicken is tender.
3. Once the cooking time is complete, remove the lid and stir the contents of the slow cooker thoroughly until the cream cheese and broth form a smooth, thickened sauce. Verify that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Allow the dish to rest for five minutes before serving.

Contains: milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

450

Protein

32 g

Carbohydrates

12 g

Fat

30 g

Fiber

4 g

Sugar

3 g

Sodium

650 mg

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