Slow Cooker Chicken Bliss with Creamy Garlic Sauce Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For an extra crispy finish, you can quickly transfer the cooked chicken rolls from the slow cooker to a baking sheet and place them under your oven broiler for two to three minutes before serving.

This step is entirely optional but helps to crisp up the bacon and brown the panko breadcrumbs on top even further. Be sure to watch them closely under the broiler, as the panko can burn very quickly. Let the cream sauce simmer in the slow cooker while you do this.

When slicing the chicken rolls for presentation, use a very sharp chef's knife or a serrated utility knife. Slice them gently in a sawing motion rather than pressing straight down.

Pressing too hard will squeeze out the melted mozzarella cheese before it has a chance to set slightly, losing that dramatic cheese pull. Let the rolls rest for about five minutes after cooking to help the cheese and meat stabilize, ensuring a perfect presentation.

Variations

• Spicy Garlic Bliss: Add one-half teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the garlic cream sauce and use pepper jack cheese instead of mozzarella for a spicy kick.
• Herb Garden Chicken: Stir fresh chopped rosemary, thyme, and oregano into the panko coating and cream sauce for an earthy, aromatic twist.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

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

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat gently in a baking dish covered with foil at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

Store any leftover chicken rolls and garlic cream sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. They will keep well for up to three days. When storing, pour the garlic cream sauce over the chicken rolls to keep them moist. Note that the panko coating will soften during storage, but the flavors will continue to meld and taste even richer the next day.

You can assemble the chicken rolls up to twenty-four hours in advance. Wrap the chicken with cheese and bacon, coat them in panko, and store them on a plate covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator. Prepare the garlic cream sauce separately and keep it in a jar. When ready to cook, simply pour the sauce into the slow cooker, arrange the pre-made rolls on top, and start cooking.

Serving ideas

Serve these decadent chicken rolls sliced into thick rounds to showcase the beautiful spiral of chicken, bacon, and melted mozzarella. Arrange the slices on a warm platter and spoon the rich garlic cream sauce generously over the top.

This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of simple steamed green vegetables, such as broccoli or green beans, which cut through the richness of the cream sauce and add a vibrant pop of color to your dinner plate.

For a more filling meal, serve the chicken rolls over a bed of hot buttered noodles, garlic mashed potatoes, or fluffy white rice. These starch options act as the perfect vehicle for soaking up every last drop of the delicious garlic cream sauce.

Garnish the plate with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley if desired, adding a touch of brightness and freshness to this ultimate comfort food dish that everyone will love.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Chicken Bliss with Creamy Garlic Sauce

Prep 20 minCook 4 hRest 5 minTotal 4 h 25 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded thin
• 4 mozzarella cheese sticks
• 8 slices bacon
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Place the chicken breasts between sheets of plastic wrap and pound to a one-quarter-inch thickness. In a shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
2. Place one mozzarella stick in the center of each flattened chicken breast. Roll the chicken tightly around the cheese to enclose it completely.
3. Wrap two slices of bacon securely around each chicken roll. Roll the bacon-wrapped chicken bundles in the seasoned panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. In the bottom of the slow cooker, whisk together the minced garlic, chicken broth, heavy cream, and grated parmesan cheese.
5. Carefully place the breaded chicken rolls in a single layer into the slow cooker, nestling them into the cream sauce. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours.
6. Check that the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Turn off the slow cooker and let the chicken rolls rest in the sauce for 5 minutes before serving.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

620

Protein

42 g

Carbohydrates

18 g

Fat

42 g

Fiber

1 g

Sugar

2 g

Sodium

780 mg

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