Prepare the beef bacon: In a small frying pan over medium heat, cook the chopped beef bacon for 4-5 minutes until it turns a deep reddish-brown and gives off a savoury, smoky aroma. The pieces should be crisp and the fat rendered. Transfer to a plate lined with kitchen paper to drain.

Layer the chicken: Place the chicken thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer if possible. Sprinkle over the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper. You'll see the spices dusting the pale chicken flesh, creating a speckled, aromatic base.

Add the creamy elements: Dot the cubed cream cheese evenly over the chicken, then scatter half the cooked beef bacon on top. Pour in the chicken stock around the edges — the liquid should barely cover the bottom, not submerge the chicken entirely.

Slow cook until tender: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You'll know the chicken is ready when the meat shreds effortlessly with two forks and the kitchen fills with a rich, cheesy, smoky fragrance.

Shred the chicken: Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. The meat should pull apart into long, juicy strands, absorbing the creamy sauce. The colour will shift from pale to a warm, golden hue as the cheese blends in.

Thicken the sauce: Stir the cornflour slurry into the shredded chicken mixture. Replace the lid and cook on high for a further 15-20 minutes. You'll notice the sauce change from a watery consistency to a thick, glossy coating that clings to the back of a spoon.

Finish with cheese and bacon: Sprinkle over the grated cheddar cheese and the remaining crispy beef bacon. Stir gently until the cheese melts into the sauce, creating a smooth, stretchy, pale yellow mixture with visible flecks of bacon throughout. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Garnish and serve: Top with sliced spring onions for a fresh, sharp contrast against the rich, creamy sauce. Serve immediately while the cheese is still molten and the sauce is at its most luxurious.