There's something magical about the aroma of Marry Me Chicken simmering away in your crock pot. The creamy, rich sauce paired with tender, melt-in-your-mouth chicken makes this dish irresistible.
I first discovered this recipe while searching for a simple yet romantic dinner idea to surprise my spouse. Little did I know it would become an instant family favorite, making its way into our weekly meal rotation. Whether you're trying to impress someone special or need an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner, this dish is a winner. Letโs dive in!
Why You'll Love This Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken
Get ready to fall head over heels for this irresistible recipe. Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken checks all the boxes for a delicious, comforting, and easy-to-make meal.
First, this dish is effortless to prepare, thanks to the crock pot. With just 10 minutes of prep, you can set it and forget it while the slow cooker does all the work.
Second, the flavors are extraordinary. The creamy sauce is infused with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian herbs, creating a decadent blend that's perfect over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
It's also family-friendly. Whether you're serving picky eaters or foodies, this dish never fails to impress. Plus, itโs versatile enough for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Finally, itโs a one-pot wonder. Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor? Yes, please! The crock pot makes this dish a stress-free option for even the busiest days.
Ingredients Notes
The beauty of Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Hereโs a closer look at what makes this dish so special.
- Chicken breasts or thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a lean option, but thighs work wonderfully if you prefer a richer flavor and juicier texture. Both are great choices for this recipe.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: These add a burst of tangy sweetness and a touch of sophistication. Look for jarred, oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Heavy cream: This is the base of the creamy sauce. It adds richness and a silky texture that perfectly complements the tender chicken.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is key for that nutty, salty flavor that ties the dish together. Avoid pre-shredded cheese, as it doesnโt melt as smoothly.
- Italian seasoning: A mix of dried herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme infuses the sauce with earthy, aromatic notes.
Special equipment: A 6-quart crock pot is ideal for this recipe, ensuring everything cooks evenly and the sauce thickens beautifully.
How To Make This Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken
Creating this indulgent dish is as easy as it gets. Follow these simple steps for a guaranteed success.
- Prepare the chicken: Start by seasoning your chicken with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. This step ensures the meat is flavorful throughout.
- Assemble the ingredients: In the crock pot, layer the chicken, minced garlic, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then give it a gentle stir to combine.
- Cook low and slow: Set your crock pot to low and let the magic happen. Cook for 4-5 hours, or until the chicken is fork-tender. If you're in a rush, the high setting will have it ready in about 2-3 hours.
- Add the finishing touches: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This will thicken the sauce and enhance its flavor.
- Serve and enjoy: Spoon the chicken and sauce over your choice of pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and extra freshness.
This recipe takes about 4-6 hours from start to finish, depending on your crock pot setting, making it the perfect choice for busy days or lazy weekends.
Storage Options
If youโre lucky enough to have leftovers, Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken stores beautifully. Hereโs how to keep it fresh:
- Refrigerator: Store the chicken and sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, place the cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the sauce's consistency.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is incredibly versatile, making it easy to tailor to your preferences or dietary needs.
- Protein options: Swap the chicken for turkey cutlets, pork chops, or even shrimp for a new twist.
- Dairy-free version: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and substitute vegan Parmesan for a dairy-free alternative.
- Add veggies: Stir in baby spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini during the last hour of cooking for added nutrients and texture.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to give the sauce a spicy kick.
- Gluten-free option: Serve over gluten-free pasta or cauliflower rice to make this dish gluten-free.
No matter how you customize it, this Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is guaranteed to be a hit at your table.
Ready to wow your loved ones with this creamy, dreamy dish? Let me know how it turns out in the comments belowโhappy cooking!
PrintCrock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe
This Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken recipe is a deliciously creamy and flavorful slow cooker dish that's easy to prepare. Perfect for busy nights or special occasions, this dish will surely "marry" you to its irresistible taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (low) or 2 hours (high)
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes (low) or 2 hours 10 minutes (high)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ยฝ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ยฝ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ยผ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken on both sides until lightly browned (about 2-3 minutes per side).
- Place seared chicken in the crock pot.
- In a bowl, mix heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Pour over the chicken.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes on top of the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Serve over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.
Notes
- Searing the chicken adds extra flavor but can be skipped for convenience.
- For a thicker sauce, whisk in a slurry of cornstarch and water during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Adjust seasoning to taste before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 540mg
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