Sticky Sweet Bacon Glazed Chicken
235
18
1.30k
Sticky Sweet Bacon Glazed Chicken is my latest culinary obsession, and trust me, it’s an irresistible dish that you’ll want to make over and over again. Imagine succulent chicken legs bathed in a sweet and savory glaze, then finished off with crispy bacon bits for that extra crunch. It’s a perfect choice for any weeknight dinner but can easily elevate a casual gathering or special occasion. What’s more, thanks to the slow cooker, this dish practically makes itself, leaving you plenty of time to enjoy good company or indulge in a well-deserved moment of relaxation!
Why you’ll love this dish
Simply put, Sticky Sweet Bacon Glazed Chicken checks all the boxes. It’s an easy, flavorful recipe that delights kids and adults alike. The combination of sweet ginger honey and rich molasses results in a glaze that caramelizes beautifully over the chicken, making every bite burst with flavor. Plus, with simple ingredients readily available in your pantry, it’s budget-friendly too.
Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy dinner with friends, this dish shines at the table. It’s perfect served with rice or veggies and looks impressive with minimal effort. You’ll definitely want to add this to your recipe repertoire!
“This chicken is a family favorite! The sweet and slightly spicy glaze combined with the crispy bacon takes it to a whole new level. Easy to make, and my kids can’t get enough of it!” – Sarah, satisfied home cook
Preparing Sticky Sweet Bacon Glazed Chicken!
Let’s break down how to whip up this delicious dish. The process is straightforward, involving a delightful glaze, a bit of seasoning, and the magic of slow cooking. You’ll have tender, juicy chicken legs in a fraction of the time, thanks to our trusty slow cooker. Here’s what you need to do.
What you’ll need
Here’s a list of the stars in this recipe:
- 6 large chicken legs (bone-in, skin-on, or skinless if you prefer)
- 1/2 cup ginger honey (regular honey works too)
- 1/8 cup molasses
- 1/8 cup sugar (brown sugar can be used)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium is a good alternative)
- 1 tsp sriracha (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp water
- Seasoned salt (or a sprinkle of pepper and garlic powder)
- 6 slices of bacon (chopped)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
Feel free to mix and match ingredients to suit your dietary preferences, like opting for sugar alternatives if needed.
Step-by-step instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together the cornstarch and water, and set it aside.
- In a medium-sized pot, combine ginger honey, molasses, granulated sugar, soy sauce, ginger, and sriracha. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Stir in the cornstarch and water mixture, allowing the sauce to thicken before removing it from the heat.
- To prepare for cooking, line your slow cooker with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Next, in a mixing bowl, season the chicken legs generously with seasoned salt, along with some pepper and garlic powder.
- Add the seasoned chicken legs to the slow cooker, pouring the warm glaze over them.
- Add 1/2 cup of water to the slow cooker and set it on high for approximately 3 hours.
- In a skillet, cook the bacon pieces until crispy. Once cooked, place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease. If you didn’t chop the bacon before cooking, crumble it now and set it aside.
Best ways to enjoy it
To serve your Sticky Sweet Bacon Glazed Chicken, you have several delightful options! Pair it with fluffy white rice soaked in that luscious glaze, or alongside steamed vegetables for a colorful, balanced meal. You could even toss a fresh salad with a sweet vinaigrette to complement the chicken’s richness.
Get a little creative with presentation—consider serving the chicken atop a bed of grains like quinoa, or nestle it in a taco shell with some slaw for a fun twist. Drizzling some additional honey or glaze on top before serving brings a beautiful finish to the dish!
Storage and reheating tips
Got leftovers? No problem! To keep your Sticky Sweet Bacon Glazed Chicken fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. You can even pop it back into the slow cooker for a gentle reheat if that’s more your style. If you want to save it for a longer period, freezing it behaves well—just make sure to let it cool down before placing it in a freezer-safe container. It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Helpful cooking tips
Here are some key tips to ensure your sticky chicken turns out perfectly every time:
- For an extra burst of flavor, let the chicken marinate in the glaze for a few hours (or overnight) before slow cooking.
- If you prefer a thicker glaze, simply add a small amount more of cornstarch dissolved in water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Don’t rush the bacon cooking process! Crispy bacon adds the perfect textural contrast to the tender chicken.
Creative twists
Feeling adventurous? Here are some fun variations you can try to make this dish your own:
- Sweet heat: Add more sriracha or incorporate chopped fresh chilies to amp up the spice level.
- Fresh herbs: Stir in some chopped cilantro or green onions just before serving for a fresh flavor enhancement.
- Fruit lovers: Add chunks of pineapple or apple to the slow cooker for a sweet twist that balances the savory flavors.
Common questions
What is the cooking time for this recipe?
This dish cooks beautifully in a slow cooker on high for about 3 hours. If you prefer to cook on low, allow about 6-7 hours of cooking time for the chicken to become tender.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of legs?
While you can use chicken breasts, be aware they cook faster, and you may want to adjust the cooking time to avoid drying them out.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Ensure all other ingredients you use are also gluten-free.
With its delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors, Sticky Sweet Bacon Glazed Chicken is bound to become a staple in your home cooking. Enjoy the process of making and sharing this delicious meal with friends and family!
Sticky Sweet Bacon Glazed Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- In a small bowl, mix together the cornstarch and water, and set it aside.
- In a medium-sized pot, combine ginger honey, molasses, granulated sugar, soy sauce, ginger, and sriracha. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Stir in the cornstarch and water mixture, allowing the sauce to thicken before removing it from the heat.
- Line your slow cooker with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Season the chicken legs generously with seasoned salt, along with some pepper and garlic powder.
- Add the seasoned chicken legs to the slow cooker, pouring the warm glaze over them.
- Add 1/2 cup of water to the slow cooker and set it on high for approximately 3 hours.
- In a skillet, cook the bacon pieces until crispy. Once cooked, place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease.
- If you didn’t chop the bacon before cooking, crumble it now and set it aside.
