Garlic Clove Chicken Thighs with Bacon in Gravy Recipe

If you’re craving a cozy, soulful dish that’s bursting with flavor, you’ve got to try this Garlic Clove Chicken Thighs with Bacon in Gravy Recipe. It’s one of those meals that feels like a warm hug—rich, tender, and downright comforting. What makes it so special is the magic of slow-cooked garlic alongside crispy bacon and juicy chicken thighs, all swimming in a luscious gravy that’ll have you licking your plate clean.

I love making this dish on weekends when I have a little extra time to savor the aromas filling my kitchen. It’s perfect for family dinners or when you want to impress friends without spending hours fussing over complicated steps. Trust me, once you try this Garlic Clove Chicken Thighs with Bacon in Gravy Recipe, it’ll quickly become your go-to for solid, satisfying comfort food.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are a dream team: smoky bacon, tender chicken thighs, and mellow garlic cloves all come together to build deep layers of flavor. My trick is to get good quality bone-in chicken thighs and fresh garlic—both really shine in this slow-cooked dish.

• Bacon: Use thick-cut for better texture and flavor, and slice it before cooking to get it perfectly crisp.
• Bone-in skin-on chicken thighs: These give the best moisture and taste—don’t substitute with boneless or skinless, or you’ll lose some of the juicy richness.
• Garlic cloves: Peel them well; it sounds like a lot (40 cloves!), but they mellow beautifully and become spreadable, almost like butter.
• Dried thyme: Just a hint here to bring out an earthy, herbaceous note without overpowering the dish.
• Salt and pepper: Season simply — the gravy packet already has salt, so no need to go overboard.
• Chicken gravy packet: I usually grab McCormick or your favorite brand—this adds robust savory depth.
• Water: Just half a cup to mix with the gravy packet; the chicken releases juices that turn into the silky sauce.

Variations

I’m all about making recipes your own, and this Garlic Clove Chicken Thighs with Bacon in Gravy Recipe is perfect for a little twist. Whether you want it spicier, lighter, or even a bit more herb-forward, there’s room to play.

• Spicy variation: I like to add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when browning the chicken for a subtle kick that balances the richness.
• Herb swap: Instead of thyme, try rosemary or sage for a different but equally cozy flavor vibe.
• Low sodium: Use a low-sodium gravy packet and adjust salt carefully, especially if you want to watch your intake.
• Oven method: If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can bake the assembled dish covered in a 325°F oven for around 2 hours, checking periodically.

How to Make Garlic Clove Chicken Thighs with Bacon in Gravy Recipe

Step 1: Crispy Bacon for That Smoky Base

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat and adding your sliced bacon. Cook it until it’s nice and crispy—don’t rush this part; the texture really sets the tone for the whole dish. Once browned, remove the bacon and set it on paper towels to drain. Reserve about 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease in the pan to cook your chicken, and discard the rest. This little amount is just the right touch to infuse flavor without overwhelming.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken Thighs

Take your seasoned chicken thighs—just salt and pepper—and sear them in that reserved bacon grease. Brown each side for 3 to 4 minutes until you get a golden crust. This step is key; it locks in the juices and brings an irresistible depth to the final dish. Don’t crowd the pan, or you’ll steam the chicken instead of browning it. I usually do this in batches if needed.

Step 3: Layer Flavors in the Slow Cooker

Transfer the browned chicken thighs to your slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer if possible—they soak up flavors better this way. Sprinkle the crispy bacon pieces over the chicken, add the dried thyme, and scatter all those peeled garlic cloves evenly on top. The garlic might seem overwhelming raw, but it transforms into sweet, buttery bites.

Step 4: Make and Pour the Gravy

Whisk your chicken gravy packet with half a cup of water until smooth. Pour this over the chicken, bacon, and garlic mixture in the slow cooker. The gravy base melds everything together into a luscious sauce as it cooks.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection

Cover and cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours. The chicken will become fall-off-the-bone tender, and the garlic softens so much you can spread it on bread or mix it into your sides. Resist the urge to peek too much—the slow cooker does its magic quietly!

How to Serve Garlic Clove Chicken Thighs with Bacon in Gravy Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or thyme over the dish right before serving to add a pop of color and fresh flavor. Sometimes a squeeze of lemon juice helps to cut through the richness if you want a little brightness. These garnishes are simple but really elevate the whole plate.

Side Dishes

This chicken in gravy is fantastic with creamy mashed potatoes—perfect for soaking up every drop of that garlicky sauce. Roasted green beans or sautéed spinach bring some freshness and balance. For a no-fuss combo, you can’t go wrong with crusty bread to scoop up the gravy and spread the soft garlic.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving this over buttery polenta or even a bed of wild rice to add texture and an earthy touch. Plating the chicken with a drizzle of the garlic-laden gravy, crispy bacon on top, and a sprinkle of herbs makes it look restaurant-worthy. Warm a few slices of garlic bread on the side, and you’ve got a feast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The gravy thickens as it cools, so when you reheat, add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen it back up. The garlic cloves soften even more, making them perfect for spreading on toast the next day.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully. Just portion it into freezer-safe containers after it cools, and it’ll keep for up to 3 months. When you defrost overnight in the fridge, the flavors come back just as rich, making it a great make-ahead meal for busy weeks.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a little water or broth to keep the gravy smooth. If you’re in a rush, microwaving covered in 1-minute increments works fine, just stir halfway through to evenly warm the chicken without drying it out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Clove Chicken Thighs with Bacon in Gravy Recipe is one of those dishes I turn to when I want something hearty, flavorful, and genuinely satisfying without a fuss. It’s unfussy yet feels special—perfect for cozy dinners or Sunday meal prep. I promise, once you slow cook those garlic cloves with the smoky bacon and juicy chicken thighs, you’re going to find a new favorite that sparks comfort and joy every time you make it. Give it a try—it’s like a warm kitchen hug on a plate!

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