Slow Cooker Hunter’s Chicken is a timeless comfort dish melding tender chicken, smoky bacon, and rich barbecue sauce, simmered to perfection.
Imagine the mouthwatering aroma of Slow Cooker Hunter’s Chicken, a dish where tender chicken meets the irresistible flavor of barbecue sauce, all crowned with the smoky allure of bacon and the gooeyness of melted cheddar cheese.
This dish, a British pub classic turned weeknight favorite, transforms your slow cooker into a magic pot that cooks up comfort and flavor with minimal effort.
Slow Cooker Hunter’s Chicken is a hug in a dish, offering warmth, comfort, and a burst of flavors. It all comes together beautifully under a layer of cheese and bacon.
With this recipe, you’re not just cooking dinner; you’re crafting an experience that brings people together, making memories over plates of delicious, heartwarming food.
Whether it’s the centerpiece of a cozy family dinner or the star of your weekend gathering, Slow Cooker Hunter’s Chicken promises satisfaction in every bite.
Dive into this recipe and let your slow cooker do the work, preparing for a meal that’s sure to become a new favorite in your home.
Common Questions About Slow Cooker Hunter’s Chicken
Can I use boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs can offer a heartier option with their rich flavor and tenderness. This slow cooker hunters chicken is definitely one that you can make adjustments too. You could even try chicken tenderloins if you’d like!
How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?
A tablespoon of tomato paste stirred into this slow cooker recipe during the final step can help thicken the sauce without altering the flavor profile. You could also try a bit of cornstarch. Not too much though!
Can I make this dish without a slow cooker?
Yes, an oven-baked Hunter’s Chicken will turn out well. Just make sure you have a good baking dish for the job. The Instant Pot can also provide delicious results, though, keep in mind that cooking times will vary.
Storage
I love to serve this chicken on a bed of creamy mashed potatoes. The flavors and textures blend together so well!
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, ensuring the savory perfection of chicken breasts stays fresh.
Freezer
Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to enjoy the tender chicken breasts once more.
Tips
The slow cooker is really what makes this one seriously delicious recipe. Is there anything better than the aroma of slow cooked chicken filling the house?
- For the best flavor, use high-quality, streaky bacon and a sharp cheddar or gooey mozzarella for the cheese topping.
- Adding a sprinkle of garlic powder or onion powder can enhance the depth of the sauce.
- If you prefer a smokier taste, a dash of smoked paprika mixed into the sauce will elevate the dish to the next level.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Ingredients
My mouth gets watering at the sight of this list of ingredients. Oh, that barbecue sauce! My favorite is Sweet Baby Ray’s. Just gonna throw that out there.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Bacon
- Onion
- Garlic cloves
- Barbecue sauce
- Ketchup
- Brown sugar
- Worcestershire sauce
- Smoked paprika
- Cheddar cheese
- Fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper
How to Make Slow Cooker Hunter’s Chicken
Make sure you save the printable recipe card down below. It’s really easy to double or triple this recipe if you’re looking to serve a big crowd!
- Place the chicken breasts into the slow cooker.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pan and set it aside, leaving the bacon fat in the skillet.
- Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Stir in the barbecue sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer the sauce for 5 minutes, then remove it from heat.
- Pour the sauce into the slow cooker over the chicken.
- Sprinkle the cooked bacon on top of the sauce-covered chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the cooked chicken during the last 15 minutes of cooking time.
- Once done, garnish with chopped parsley and additional bacon (if desired) before serving.
Kitchen Supplies You’ll Need for Slow Cooker Hunter’s Chicken
It’s always amazing to me what you can do with a handful of basic ingredients. Easy recipes like this one are my favorites!
- Slow cooker or crock pot
- Skillet for cooking bacon and sautéing onion and garlic
- Cutting board and knife for prep
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cheese grater for shredding cheddar cheese
What to Serve With Slow Cooker Hunter’s Chicken
Go ahead and serve this with your own favorite side dishes. A side of potato chips might do nicely. Here are some other options for you.
- A side of creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy white rice complements the rich flavors beautifully.
- Vibrant vegetables like steamed Brussels sprouts or sweet potatoes add a touch of freshness to the meal.
- For a lighter option, a crisp green salad dressed with olive oil and vinegar balances the savory notes of the dish.
Why You Should Make Slow Cooker Hunter’s Chicken
It’s the slow cooker, and I think everyone should enjoy the ease of a crock pot as much as possible. Just set it to cooking and let it do its thing!
- It’s a simple recipe that delivers complex flavors, making it a weeknight hero.
- Slow cooking gets you juicy chicken breasts every time, infused with the tangy and savory notes of the bacon and barbecue sauce.
- This dish is a crowd-pleaser, loved by adults and kids alike for its comforting and familiar flavors.
Variations and Add-Ins for Slow Cooker Hunter’s Chicken
Let me know in the comments how this recipe went for you. I always love hearing your feedback and seeing your creations!
- Swap cheddar cheese for mozzarella or a mix of both for a different cheesy experience.
- Introduce a splash of white wine into the sauce for an added layer of flavor.
- Consider adding bell peppers or a sprinkle of chili powders for a bit of heat and color.
If you love this easy chicken dinner recipe, you’re going to love these other slow-cooker chicken dinners too. Please click each link below to find the easy, printable recipe!
More Chicken Dinners
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Slow Cooker Hunter’s Chicken
Ingredients
- 5 chicken breasts boneless, skinless
- 8 slices bacon chopped
- 1 onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts into the slow cooker.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pan and set it aside, leaving the bacon fat in the skillet.
- Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Stir in the barbecue sauce, ketchup, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer the sauce for 5 minutes, then remove it from heat.
- Pour the sauce into the slow cooker over the chicken.
- Sprinkle the cooked bacon on top of the sauce-covered chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the cooked chicken during the last 15 minutes of cooking time.
- Once done, garnish with chopped parsley and additional bacon (if desired) before serving.
Equipment
- slow cooker
Nutrition
Nutritional information for the recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate. Please double-check with your own dietary calculator for the best accuracy. We at Yummi Haus cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site.
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