Slow Cooker Cheesy Barbecue Bacon Chicken Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a deeper flavor profile, consider marinating the chicken in a little bit of the barbecue sauce for 30 minutes in the refrigerator before placing it in the slow cooker. This extra step helps the sauce penetrate the meat, creating a more pronounced flavor.

Additionally, if the barbecue sauce appears too thin after cooking, you can remove the chicken and stir the remaining sauce on high heat for a few minutes until it thickens to your preferred consistency.

If you prefer a crispy texture on the bacon, add it during the final 30 minutes of cooking instead of at the beginning. This prevents the bacon from softening too much in the sauce.

Alternatively, you can save some of the bacon crumbles to sprinkle over the top of the melted cheese just before serving. This adds a delightful textural contrast that elevates the overall experience of the dish without complicating the cooking process.

Variations

• Spicy Barbecue Chicken: Add two tablespoons of diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the slow cooker before cooking. This provides a gentle heat that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the barbecue sauce.
• Honey Mustard Chicken: Replace the barbecue sauce with a mixture of honey and mustard. This creates a tangy and sweet glaze that works beautifully with the melted cheese and salty bacon for a completely different flavor profile.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Reheat

Reheat in the microwave or in a saucepan over low heat until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).

Store any leftovers in an airtight container to keep the chicken moist. The dish can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When cooling, ensure the chicken does not sit at room temperature for more than 2 hours before being transferred to the fridge. This ensures the food remains safe to eat and maintains its quality for later consumption. Always reheat thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.

This dish is excellent for meal prep as the flavors often improve after sitting for a day. You can assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before and store it in the refrigerator, then simply place it in the slow cooker base in the morning.

This makes dinner preparation completely hands-off. Ensure the insert is brought to room temperature for about 30 minutes before turning the slow cooker on to avoid thermal shock to the stoneware.

Serving ideas

Serve this chicken warm, ideally accompanied by sides that soak up the extra barbecue sauce. Creamy mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or a crisp garden salad are excellent choices that complement the smoky flavor of the chicken. A side of buttery cornbread or crusty bread is also highly recommended to ensure none of the delicious barbecue glaze goes to waste, providing a complete and satisfying meal for any occasion.

When plating, spoon a generous amount of the barbecue sauce from the slow cooker over the chicken and cheese. This ensures the chicken remains moist and provides an extra layer of flavor.

If desired, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color. Presenting the dish family-style on a large platter also makes for an inviting and rustic dinner presentation that is perfect for sharing with guests.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Cheesy Barbecue Bacon Chicken

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

Ingredients

• 4 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 small red onion, sliced
• 1/2 cup bacon crumbles
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 1 cup colby jack cheese, shredded

Instructions

1. Place the raw chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Evenly distribute the sliced red onion over the chicken. Sprinkle the bacon crumbles on top, then pour the barbecue sauce over everything to ensure the chicken is well coated.
2. Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. The chicken is finished when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Allow the chicken to rest for at least 5 minutes before serving.
3. Once the chicken is fully cooked, sprinkle the shredded colby jack cheese generously over the top of the chicken. Replace the lid and let it sit for about 5 minutes until the cheese is perfectly melted and gooey. Serve warm with the barbecue glaze.

Contains: milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

380

Protein

42 g

Carbohydrates

22 g

Fat

14 g

Fiber

1 g

Sugar

18 g

Sodium

850 mg

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