Slow Cooker Chicken Ham with Turkey Bacon

There’s something incredibly cozy about returning home to the tantalizing aroma of Slow Cooker Chicken Ham with Turkey Bacon wafting through the air. This dish, perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends, combines tender chicken with the smoky flavor of turkey bacon, all simmered to perfection in a rich and savory broth. Whether you’re serving it to family on a chilly evening or enjoying it all to yourself, this meal is sure to bring warmth and satisfaction.

Reasons to Love Slow Cooker Chicken Ham with Turkey Bacon

What makes this dish truly special is its simplicity and depth of flavor. Here are a few reasons to love this recipe:

• Effortless preparation with minimal clean-up.
• Nutritious ingredients that offer a hearty meal.
• Versatile for leftovers, making great lunch options.
• Kid-friendly flavors that appeal to everyone.

Your taste buds are in for a treat with every bite of this dish!

Gather These Ingredients

For the success of this Slow Cooker Chicken Ham with Turkey Bacon, gather these simple yet essential ingredients that come together beautifully:

• 4 chicken thighs
• 1 cup turkey bacon, chopped
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt to taste

Each ingredient plays a vital role in crafting a deliciously rich flavor profile, while the turkey bacon adds a delightful smokiness.

Step by Step

Creating this dish is as easy as 1, 2, 3! Follow these steps to whip up a warm and comforting meal:

1. In your slow cooker, start by adding the chopped onion and minced garlic. This will create an aromatic base that fills your kitchen with a wonderful scent as it cooks.
2. Place the chicken thighs on top of the onion and garlic. The chicken will absorb the flavors while staying incredibly tender and juicy.
3. Sprinkle black pepper, smoked paprika, thyme, and salt over the chicken. These seasonings will awaken the flavors and complement the dish beautifully.
4. Add the chopped turkey bacon on top of the chicken. It will infuse the dish with its smoky richness as it cooks down.
5. Pour the vegetable broth over the chicken and bacon, ensuring everything is covered snugly with the liquid.
6. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours. The result will be tender, flavorful chicken that effortlessly falls apart.

Prep ~15 minutes, Cook ~6-8 hours, Total ~6-8 hours 15 minutes, Servings ~4, Kcal ~350 per serving.

Plan Ahead

For those who like to get a head start on meal prep, there are several make-ahead options for Slow Cooker Chicken Ham with Turkey Bacon. You can chop the onion and garlic the night before and store them in the refrigerator. The turkey bacon can also be prepped in advance for quick assembly. Once you’re ready to cook, simply layer the ingredients and start the slow cooker in the morning for effortless cooking throughout the day.

How to Store Leftovers

Storing and reheating this dish is straightforward. Any leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you wish to save it for a longer period, consider freezing the chicken ham mixture, which can last for about 3 months. When reheating, gently warm the dish on the stove or in the microwave, ensuring it’s heated through before serving. A freshness cue is the aroma—if it smells as delightful as when it was first cooked, you’re in for a treat!

Perfect Pairings

When it comes to serving Slow Cooker Chicken Ham with Turkey Bacon, consider these delightful pairings:

• Steamed rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious broth.
• A crisp garden salad for a refreshing crunch.
• Mashed potatoes for a classic comfort food combo.
• Crusty bread for dipping into the savory sauce.
• Roasted vegetables for a colorful side.

Flavor Twists and Substitutions

Make this dish your own with some easy variations and swaps. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

• Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a leaner option.
• Experiment with different vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or celery to add more nutrition.
• Opt for low-sodium vegetable broth for a healthier alternative.
• Add in some kidney beans or chickpeas for hearty protein.
• Swap the thyme for rosemary or oregano for a unique flavor twist.

Cook’s Notes and Secrets

For the best results when making your Slow Cooker Chicken Ham with Turkey Bacon, keep these tips in mind:

• Choose chicken thighs for maximum flavor and juiciness; they hold up well in slow cooking.
• Ensure that there is enough liquid to cover the ingredients for even cooking.
• Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes after cooking to enhance the texture.
• A meat thermometer can help ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
• Remove the lid briefly during cooking to prevent excess liquid from pooling.

Your Questions Answered

Here are some frequently asked questions about Slow Cooker Chicken Ham with Turkey Bacon:

• Can I use frozen chicken thighs?
  Yes, you can add frozen chicken, but you may need to extend the cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked.

• What can I use instead of turkey bacon?
  Feel free to try chicken sausage or even silence on bacon alternatives if you prefer a different flavor profile.

• Is it possible to make this recipe in a regular pot?
  Yes, you can replicate the recipe in a Dutch oven on the stovetop—simply adjust the cooking time to about 1.5 hours on low heat.

• How can I thicken the sauce?
  If you prefer a thicker broth, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?
  Absolutely! The flavors are mild and comforting, making it appealing to both kids and adults alike.

Wrapping Up

Slow Cooker Chicken Ham with Turkey Bacon is a quintessential comfort food that brings warmth and joy to any table. With its wholesome ingredients and heartwarming flavors, it’s bound to become a cherished recipe in your home. Don’t hesitate to try it soon and discover the incredible taste for yourself. You might also enjoy exploring similar dishes like 5-ingredient slow cooker garlic balsamic chicken or baked ranch chicken with turkey bacon for more delicious meal ideas!

Slow Cooker Chicken Ham with Turkey Bacon

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• Author: anastasia-rice
• Total Time: 375-495 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Paleo

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Description

A cozy slow cooker dish featuring tender chicken thighs and smoky turkey bacon, simmered in a rich vegetable broth.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 chicken thighs
• 1 cup turkey bacon, chopped
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Salt to taste

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Instructions

1. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the slow cooker.
2. Place the chicken thighs on top of the onion and garlic.
3. Sprinkle black pepper, smoked paprika, thyme, and salt over the chicken.
4. Add the chopped turkey bacon on top of the chicken.
5. Pour the vegetable broth over the chicken and bacon.
6. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 360-480 minutes or high for 240-300 minutes.

Notes

For optimal flavor, allow the dish to rest for a few minutes after cooking. Optionally, you can use frozen chicken thighs but may need to extend the cooking time.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 360-480 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: slow cooker, chicken, turkey bacon, comfort food, weeknight dinner

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