If you love bold flavors and comfort food that hugs you from the inside out, then this Garlic Chicken Thighs with Bacon Recipe is going to become one of your absolute favorites. I absolutely love how the slow-cooked garlic mellowed out alongside crispy bacon and succulent chicken thighs—it’s like a flavor party in your mouth! Keep reading because I’m sharing all my best tips to help you nail this recipe every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich Flavor Combination: Bacon and slow-cooked garlic infuse the chicken with irresistible depth and savoriness.
- Set It and Forget It: This slow cooker recipe frees up your day while doing all the heavy lifting.
- Perfectly Tender Chicken: The thighs come out juicy every time, even with minimal fuss.
- Simple Ingredients: You don’t need a ton of fancy stuff, making this accessible for any home cook.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the right ingredients really sets the foundation for your Garlic Chicken Thighs with Bacon Recipe. I like to use pre-peeled garlic cloves because it saves so much time and hassle, plus good-quality bacon really elevates the overall dish.
- Bacon: Sliced before cooking for easy crisping and flavor release.
- Bone-in Skin-on Chicken Thighs: These stay juicy and add great texture.
- Garlic Cloves: The star of the show! I recommend pre-peeled for convenience.
- Salt: Just a pinch—balance is key since the gravy packet is already salty.
- Pepper: Adds a mild spice without overpowering.
- Chicken Gravy Packet: I use McCormick’s for that classic savory base.
- Water: Needed to whisk with gravy mix; no extra liquid is necessary as the chicken releases juices.
- Dried Thyme: A little herbaceous lift to round out flavors.
Variations
I love that this Garlic Chicken Thighs with Bacon Recipe is the perfect base to get creative. Whether you want to switch up the herbs or try a different slow cooker setting, there’s room for you to make it uniquely yours.
- Herb Swap: I once tried fresh rosemary instead of thyme and it gave the chicken a lovely piney aroma that my family couldn’t get enough of.
- Spice It Up: Adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the seasoning brings a subtle smoky warmth that pairs beautifully with bacon.
- Mushroom Addition: Stir in some sliced mushrooms an hour before serving to soak in all that garlicky goodness.
- Low-Sodium Version: Opt for a low-sodium gravy packet and leave out extra salt for a heart-healthier option.
How to Make Garlic Chicken Thighs with Bacon Recipe
Step 1: Crisp the Bacon Perfectly
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced bacon and cook until it’s beautifully crispy but not burnt—this usually takes about 6-8 minutes, flipping occasionally. Once done, transfer the bacon to paper towels to drain excess grease. Don’t toss that bacon grease just yet; leave about 2 tablespoons in the pan as it’s going to add mega flavor to your chicken.
Step 2: Season and Brown the Chicken Thighs
Sprinkle your chicken thighs evenly with salt and pepper. Place them skin-side down in that bacon grease and brown on both sides until you get a gorgeous golden crust—about 4-5 minutes per side. Browning locks in flavor and gives you that tasty crispy skin everyone loves.
Step 3: Layer in the Slow Cooker
Transfer your browned chicken into the slow cooker. Then sprinkle the cooked bacon on top along with dried thyme and the whopping 40 cloves of peeled garlic. Don’t worry if the garlic looks like a lot, it softens and mellows into a tasty spread by the time it’s done.
Step 4: Add the Gravy Mixture and Cook
In a small bowl, whisk the chicken gravy packet with ½ cup water until smooth, then pour that over the chicken and garlic. Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours, or until the chicken is meltingly tender. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting here, making this recipe basically effortless.
Pro Tips for Making Garlic Chicken Thighs with Bacon Recipe
- Don’t Skip Browning: I learned that browning the chicken first makes a huge difference in flavor and texture—don’t skip it even if you’re in a hurry.
- Use Pre-Peeled Garlic: Saves tons of time and keeps those garlic cloves whole so they roast beautifully instead of breaking down completely.
- Leave Some Bacon Grease: Leaving about 2 tablespoons after cooking bacon adds amazing richness when browning the chicken.
- Watch the Salt: The gravy packet already has plenty of sodium, so trust me, no need to add extra salt or your dish will be too salty.
How to Serve Garlic Chicken Thighs with Bacon Recipe
Garnishes
The tender garlic cloves double as a spreadable topping, so I often garnish with fresh chopped parsley or a sprinkle of chopped chives to add a pop of color and fresh brightness. Sometimes a little squeeze of lemon over the top just before serving adds a lovely zing that cuts through the richness.
Side Dishes
My family goes crazy for pairing this garlic chicken with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery egg noodles to soak up all those garlicky juices. Roasted green beans or a simple side salad with vinaigrette keep things fresh and balance the richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
If I’m serving this for a special dinner, I like to arrange the chicken thighs on a large platter surrounded by those golden roasted garlic cloves and scattered crispy bacon bits. Adding a few sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary makes it feel truly festive and restaurant-worthy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep great in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I’ve always had success keeping the chicken separate from the garlic and bacon to maintain texture, then reheating everything together before serving.
Freezing
I freeze portions of the chicken thighs and sauce in freezer-safe containers or bags. When I thaw them in the fridge overnight, the garlic flavor remains intact and the chicken stays tender—just reheat gently.
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer warming it up in a skillet over medium heat to refresh the crispy skin a bit, or in the oven at 350°F covered loosely with foil to avoid drying out. Microwave works in a pinch but I notice the skin doesn’t stay as crisp.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this Garlic Chicken Thighs with Bacon Recipe?
You can definitely try using chicken breasts, but keep in mind that thighs stay juicier and tend to handle slow cooking better without drying out. If using breasts, monitor the cooking time closely and consider cutting them into larger pieces to keep moisture locked in.
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Do I have to use a slow cooker, or can I make Garlic Chicken Thighs with Bacon Recipe on the stove?
The slow cooker is ideal for tenderizing the chicken and mellowing the garlic over time without much babysitting. However, you could simmer everything gently on the stove with a tight lid for about 1.5 to 2 hours, just watch the liquid level carefully to prevent drying out or burning.
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Is 40 cloves of garlic really necessary? It seems like a lot!
It does sound like a ton, but don’t worry—the garlic softens in the slow cooker and loses its sharp raw bite, turning sweet and buttery. Plus, they act almost like little flavor bombs you can spread on your chicken or bread. If you love garlic, this amount is perfect.
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Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just make sure to select a gluten-free chicken gravy packet or use a homemade gluten-free gravy mix. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Chicken Thighs with Bacon Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s honest, straightforward, and packed with layers of flavor that impress without any complicated techniques. Every time I make it, my family asks for seconds—and honestly, I don’t blame them. I can’t recommend it enough if you want a meal that’s cozy, full of garlicky goodness, and effortlessly delicious. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out—you might just find your new go-to comfort food!
Print
Garlic Chicken Thighs with Bacon Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
This 40 Clove Garlic Chicken recipe features tender bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs slow-cooked to perfection with an abundance of mellow roasted garlic cloves, crispy bacon, and a rich chicken gravy. The slow cooking allows the garlic to infuse the chicken with a deep, sweet flavor, making this dish warm, comforting, and perfect for a hearty family meal.
Ingredients
Meat and Poultry
- 8 oz. bacon, sliced before cooking
- 2-3 lb. bone-in skin-on chicken thighs (5-6 chicken thighs)
Seasonings and Aromatics
- 40 cloves garlic, peeled
- ½ tsp. salt
- ¼ tsp. pepper
- ½ tsp. dried thyme
Other Ingredients
- 0.87 oz. chicken gravy packet (such as McCormick)
- ½ cup water
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: Set a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the sliced bacon. Cook until crisp, then transfer the bacon to paper towels to drain. Discard most of the bacon grease from the skillet, leaving about 2 tablespoons behind for cooking the chicken.
- Brown the Chicken Thighs: Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper evenly. Place the chicken thighs in the skillet with the reserved bacon grease and brown them thoroughly on both sides until golden and slightly crispy.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Once browned, place the chicken thighs into the slow cooker, arranging them evenly at the bottom.
- Add Bacon, Thyme, and Garlic: Sprinkle the crispy bacon pieces, dried thyme, and all 40 peeled garlic cloves over the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Prepare Gravy and Pour: In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken gravy packet with ½ cup water until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken and garlic in the slow cooker.
- Slow Cook the Chicken: Cover and cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and the garlic is soft and mellow. The chicken will absorb the flavors and create a savory, garlicky sauce.
Notes
- Do not add extra salt beyond what is called for; the chicken gravy packet contains sufficient salt for the dish.
- Use only the specified ½ cup of water. The chicken will release natural juices during cooking to create the perfect sauce consistency.
- Pre-peeled garlic cloves save time and make this recipe easy to prepare.
- Bone-in, skin-on thighs provide the best flavor and retain moisture during slow cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with sauce and garlic
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
