Prepare to transform your ordinary Monday into an extraordinary culinary adventure with the most mouthwatering, fall-apart tender chicken recipe you've ever encountered! This Hunk of Meat Monday Crock Pot Bacon Wrapped Italian Chicken is not just a meal – it's a flavor explosion that will have your family begging for seconds. Imagine succulent chicken breasts lovingly wrapped in crispy bacon, bathed in zesty Italian dressing, and slow-cooked to absolute perfection. Whether you're a busy home cook or a weekend warrior in the kitchen, this recipe promises maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 8 slices of bacon
- 1 cup Italian dressing
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken breasts by patting them dry with paper towels to ensure proper bacon adherence and seasoning absorption.
- Season each chicken breast generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, ensuring even coverage on all sides.
- Wrap each seasoned chicken breast completely with 2 slices of bacon, overlapping the bacon slightly to create a secure covering. The bacon will help keep the chicken moist during slow cooking.
- Spray the inside of your crock pot with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Place the bacon-wrapped chicken breasts carefully into the crock pot, arranging them in a single layer without overcrowding.
- Pour the entire cup of Italian dressing evenly over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated.
- Cover the crock pot and set to low heat setting, which will allow the chicken to cook slowly and become tender over 6 hours.
- After 6 hours, check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F (74°C) to ensure it's fully cooked.
- Optional: For crispier bacon, place the cooked chicken under the broiler for 2-3 minutes before serving.
- Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, then serve hot.
Tips
- Pat the chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning to ensure the bacon adheres perfectly and seasons penetrate deeply.
- Use thick-cut bacon for best results – it creates a more robust wrap and crisps up beautifully.
- Don't skip the meat thermometer! Checking the internal temperature ensures your chicken is safely cooked to 165°F.
- For extra crispy bacon, use the optional broiler method mentioned in the recipe – it adds a delightful crunch.
- If possible, choose chicken breasts of similar size to ensure even cooking throughout.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, guaranteeing maximum tenderness.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making this a great meal prep option.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 45g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 140mg
