There’s something magical about a slow cooker meal that fills your home with warmth and the irresistible aroma of comfort food. And this Creamy Chicken Bacon Stroganoff is just that—pure, cozy indulgence! Juicy, tender shredded chicken in a rich, creamy sauce with crispy bacon and hearty egg noodles… it’s a dish that feels like a hug in a bowl.
If you love easy, satisfying dinners that practically cook themselves, this one is a must-try! Plus, it’s packed with flavor and perfect for busy nights. So, grab your slow cooker and let’s make some magic!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Incredibly Creamy & Rich – The combination of sour cream, heavy cream, and a flavorful sauce makes this dish irresistibly smooth and delicious.
✔️ Set It and Forget It – The slow cooker does all the work, leaving you free to go about your day.
✔️ Bacon Makes Everything Better – That smoky, crispy goodness adds an incredible depth of flavor!
✔️ Perfect for Meal Prep – It reheats beautifully, making it great for leftovers or batch cooking.
✔️ Family-Friendly – Even picky eaters will love this creamy, comforting dish!
What Does Chicken Bacon Stroganoff Taste Like?
Imagine the classic beef stroganoff, but even creamier and cozier. The chicken is melt-in-your-mouth tender, the bacon adds a savory, smoky crunch, and the sauce is velvety smooth with a hint of Dijon mustard and paprika. It’s comforting, a little tangy, and absolutely irresistible!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Stroganoff:
-
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
-
6 slices of bacon, chopped
-
1 medium onion, diced
-
3 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 cup chicken broth
-
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
-
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
-
1 teaspoon dried thyme
-
1 teaspoon paprika
-
½ cup sour cream
-
½ cup heavy cream
-
Salt and pepper to taste
-
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For Serving:
-
12 oz egg noodles (or pasta of your choice)
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
✔️ Slow cooker
✔️ Large skillet
✔️ Tongs or spatula
✔️ Wooden spoon
✔️ Measuring cups & spoons
✔️ Knife & cutting board
Ingredient Substitutions & Additions
🔹 Swap the Chicken – You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra tenderness.
🔹 Make It Mushroomy – Add sliced mushrooms for an earthy depth of flavor.
🔹 Go Low-Carb – Skip the noodles and serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
🔹 Dairy-Free? – Use dairy-free sour cream and coconut cream as substitutes.
🔹 More Protein? – Stir in a little Greek yogurt for added protein and tang.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Stroganoff
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, but don’t discard that flavorful bacon grease!
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
In the same skillet, sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer the chicken to the slow cooker.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic for about 2 minutes, until soft and fragrant.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Add the chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, thyme, and paprika to the skillet. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a gentle simmer for about 1-2 minutes.
Step 5: Slow Cook the Chicken
Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours (or HIGH for 2.5 hours) until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
Step 6: Shred & Make It Creamy
Once the chicken is fully cooked, shred it with two forks directly in the slow cooker. Stir in the sour cream, heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Let it cook for another 10 minutes on LOW to warm through.
Step 7: Cook the Noodles
While the stroganoff is finishing, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 8: Serve & Enjoy!
Spoon the creamy stroganoff over the cooked noodles, top with crispy bacon and fresh parsley, and dig in!
What to Serve with Chicken Bacon Stroganoff
🍞 Crusty Bread – Perfect for soaking up all that creamy sauce.
🥗 Side Salad – A fresh green salad balances out the richness.
🥦 Steamed Veggies – Try broccoli, green beans, or roasted Brussels sprouts.
🍷 A Glass of White Wine – A crisp Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully.
Tips for the Best Stroganoff
✔️ Don’t Overcook the Chicken – Keep it tender by cooking on LOW for best results.
✔️ Use Full-Fat Dairy – This makes the sauce ultra-rich and creamy.
✔️ Thicken If Needed – If the sauce is too thin, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons cold water, stir it in, and let it cook for 5 more minutes.
✔️ Make It Ahead – The flavors get even better the next day!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
🧊 To Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
🔥 To Reheat: Warm gently on the stove over low heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently.
❄️ To Freeze: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Can I Make This Stroganoff Without a Slow Cooker?
Yes! If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can make this on the stovetop or in an Instant Pot:
🔥 Stovetop Method:
-
Follow the same steps, cooking the bacon, searing the chicken, and making the sauce in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven.
-
Cover and let the chicken simmer on low heat for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
-
Shred the chicken, stir in the creams, and serve over noodles.
⚡ Instant Pot Method:
-
Use the Sauté function to cook the bacon, sear the chicken, and sauté the aromatics.
-
Add the sauce ingredients, close the lid, and pressure cook on High for 10 minutes.
-
Let it naturally release for 5 minutes, then shred the chicken and stir in the creams before serving.
How to Make This Dish Even More Flavorful
If you want to take this Chicken Bacon Stroganoff to the next level, try these tips:
✨ Use Smoked Paprika – It gives a deep, smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with bacon.
🧄 Roast the Garlic First – For a sweeter, more complex flavor, roast the garlic before adding it to the sauce.
🍷 Deglaze with White Wine – Instead of just chicken broth, add a splash of white wine to enhance the richness.
🧀 Stir in Some Parmesan – A little freshly grated Parmesan cheese makes the sauce even more indulgent.
🌿 Try Fresh Herbs – Swap dried thyme for fresh thyme or add a sprinkle of tarragon for an extra herby touch.
Make It a Complete Meal with These Sides
Want to make dinner extra special? Pair this stroganoff with these delicious sides:
🥖 Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up that creamy sauce.
🥗 Caesar Salad – Crisp greens and tangy dressing balance the richness of the stroganoff.
🍷 White Wine Pairing – A glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the creamy flavors beautifully.
How to Make This Recipe for a Crowd
This stroganoff is perfect for feeding a group, and it’s easy to double!
👩🍳 For Large Gatherings:
-
Use twice the ingredients and cook in a 6-quart or larger slow cooker.
-
Serve it buffet-style with a variety of pasta options like fettuccine or mashed potatoes.
🛠 Make It Ahead of Time:
-
Cook the chicken and sauce the day before, then reheat on low before serving.
-
Keep the noodles separate until ready to serve to prevent them from getting soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
A: Yes! If using rotisserie chicken, add it in the last 30 minutes just to warm through.
Q: Can I make this on the stovetop?
A: Absolutely! Follow the same steps, but simmer the chicken in a covered pan for about 30-40 minutes.
Q: What’s the best way to make it thicker?
A: A cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water) will do the trick!
Final Thoughts: Why You Need This Recipe in Your Life
This Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Stroganoff is comfort food at its best—rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. It’s easy to make, perfect for leftovers, and guaranteed to be a family favorite!
If you try this recipe, leave a review below and tag me on Pinterest—I’d love to see your creations!
👉 Looking for more cozy slow cooker meals? Try these next!
-
Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken
-
Garlic Butter Chicken & Mushrooms
-
One-Pot Chicken Alfredo
Happy cooking! 🍽️✨
