Slow Cooker Bacon Glazed Chicken
By Jason Griffith | ChefManiac.com
Introduction
Get ready for your newest obsession: Slow Cooker Bacon Glazed Chicken. These sticky, savory-sweet chicken legs fall-off-the-bone tender, thanks to the low-and-slow magic of your crockpot. Finished with a rich bacon glaze and caramelized under the broiler for that irresistible sticky finish, this recipe is a true flavor bomb with almost zero effort.
If you’re into the big, bold flavors of comforting meals like these Chicken Enchiladas or Cajun Chicken Gumbo, you’re in for a serious treat.
Why I Love This Recipe
It’s rich, sticky, savory, and packs a punch of flavor in every bite. The soy-honey-molasses blend brings that familiar BBQ-sweet heat, while the crispy bacon glaze takes it over the top. Plus, this is a true slow cooker hero—just prep, set, and let your kitchen smell amazing for hours.
Best of all, it finishes in the oven for that crispy caramelized crust that makes people think you spent way more time than you did.
Ingredients
For the Chicken & Initial Glaze:
- 6 large chicken legs, bone-in, skin-on (or skin removed if preferred)
- 1/2 cup ginger honey (or regular honey)
- 1/8 cup molasses
- 1/8 cup sugar (or brown sugar)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium OK)
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- Seasoned salt, pepper, garlic powder – to taste
- 1/2 cup water (for crockpot)
For the Bacon Glaze:
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
Swaps & Notes
- No molasses? Use maple syrup or double the honey.
- More heat? Add extra Sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- No fresh ginger? Use 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger.
- Wings or thighs: You can sub in chicken wings or thighs—adjust cook time slightly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Glaze Base
In a saucepan, combine ginger honey, molasses, sugar, soy sauce, Sriracha, and grated ginger. Bring to a boil.
In a small bowl, stir together cornstarch and water, then whisk into the boiling sauce. Cook until thickened, then remove from heat.
2. Prep the Chicken
Season chicken legs with seasoned salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Line your slow cooker with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Place the chicken in the slow cooker, pour in the thickened sauce, and add 1/2 cup of water. Cook on HIGH for 3 hours.
3. Make the Bacon Glaze
While the chicken cooks, fry chopped bacon in a skillet until crisp. Remove to a paper-towel-lined plate. Drain grease.
To the skillet, add honey and Worcestershire. Let it bubble on medium heat, then stir in the bacon. Cook for 1–2 minutes, until thickened slightly. Set aside.
4. Finish in the Slow Cooker
After 3 hours, pour the bacon glaze over the chicken in the slow cooker. Cook 1 additional hour on HIGH.
5. Broil for Caramelization
Preheat oven broiler. Place cooked chicken legs on a foil-lined baking sheet.
Transfer the remaining sauce from the slow cooker into a bowl. Baste the chicken generously. Broil until caramelized (2–3 minutes per side), turning and basting again to create a sticky, golden coating.
Tips for Success
- Lining the slow cooker with parchment or foil helps with cleanup and keeps the glaze from sticking.
- Broiling is key to get that beautiful finish—don’t skip it!
- Use a baster or brush to coat every inch of the chicken during broiling.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Pair this sweet-salty showstopper with:
- Dorito Casserole for a bold, cheesy side
- Beer Cheese Dip and pretzel bites for a party platter
- A simple green salad or roasted veggies to balance the richness
Storage & Leftovers
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken (without broiling) for up to 2 months. Thaw, baste, and broil before serving.
- Reheat: Reheat in oven at 350°F, or microwave in short bursts with extra sauce to keep moist.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you love sticky, meaty comfort food, try:
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Bacon Glazed Chicken is proof that rich, impressive meals don’t have to be difficult. With just a few pantry staples and a little patience, you’ll have a dish that’s equal parts sticky, savory, and unforgettable.
Try it out and tag @gtagriff900 on ChefManiac with your bacon-glazed masterpieces. Don’t forget to save or print this recipe—it’s one you’ll come back to again and again!
Leave a Reply