Step 1

Cut the bacon into 1/4 inch pieces, and cook them in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until they’re crispy. Remove the bacon from the pan and set aside, but reserve the bacon grease.

Step 2

Add the onions to the pan with the bacon grease and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes, add in the garlic and cook for another 1 minute, or until aromatic. Remove the onions and garlic from the pan and place into the crockpot, then discard the remaining  bacon grease.

Step 3

Add the chicken broth, garlic salt, black pepper, paprika, sugar, and red pepper flakes to a 6 quart crockpot, and stir to combine. Add in half of the bacon and mix.

Step 4

Place the green beans into the crockpot, making sure they are all laying in the same direction and are tight together, this will ensure they cook evenly. Put additional chicken broth in if needed. The beans don't need to be fully submerged, but they do need to be about 90% covered.

Step 5

Cook on low for 6 - 7 hours (or on high for 4 hours). If cooking on the low setting, check to see if they are at your desired tenderness after 6 hours. If not, continue to cook until tenderness is reached.

Step 6

Once the string beans are done, drain them from the chicken broth. Toss with butter, the remainder of the bacon, and add salt and pepper to taste.