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A cozy and comforting slow cooker recipe featuring tender chicken cooked in smoky barbecue sauce, combined with cheesy tortellini, crispy bacon, and a creamy cheddar sauce.

Ingredients

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  • 2–3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 8 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
  • 1 (20-ounce) package refrigerated cheese tortellini
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook bacon until crispy, crumble, and set half aside for topping.
  2. Place chicken in an even layer in the slow cooker and sprinkle with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  3. Pour barbecue sauce and chicken broth over the chicken and gently stir around the edges to blend.
  4. Sprinkle half the cooked, crumbled bacon over the top.
  5. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until chicken is cooked through and tender.
  6. Remove the chicken and shred with two forks; return shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to coat with the sauce.
  7. Add refrigerated cheese tortellini to the slow cooker and gently stir to combine with the chicken and sauce, being careful not to break the pasta.
  8. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine.
  9. Add 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and fully combined.
  10. Cover and cook on HIGH for 20 to 30 minutes more, until the tortellini is tender and everything is heated through.
  11. Give the mixture a gentle stir and let it sit for a few minutes to allow the sauce to thicken.
  12. Top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese and the reserved crumbled bacon.

Notes

Boneless skinless chicken thighs can be substituted for breasts with the same cooking time., Use frozen tortellini by adding an extra 10 to 15 minutes cooking and checking for tenderness., Cheese variations like Monterey Jack or mozzarella can be used; mixing cheddar with pepper jack adds spice., Different BBQ sauce flavors can customize the dish, and hot sauce or chipotle can add heat., Add fresh spinach or bell peppers in the last 10 to 15 minutes to add nutrients and color., Use turkey bacon or omit bacon for a lighter version, adding bacon crispy and just before serving., Vegetarian options include roasted mushrooms, smoked tofu, or plant-based chicken substitutes with vegetable broth instead of chicken broth., To keep bacon crispy, cook separately and add as topping just before serving., Sauce thickness can be adjusted by adding chicken broth if too thick or cooking uncovered to thicken if too thin., This dish can be prepared ahead; refrigerate for 3-4 days or freeze components separately (chicken and sauce) for up to 2 months.

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