Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

If you’re searching for a dish that combines effortless preparation with luxurious, creamy flavors, look no further than Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken. This dish brings together tender chicken breasts slowly simmered in a velvety sauce loaded with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and herbs. It’s the perfect weeknight meal that feels special enough to impress but simple enough to prepare without fuss. Once you try Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken, it will quickly steal your heart and become a go-to comfort classic in your dinner rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Unmatched Convenience: Cooking in a slow cooker means you set it and forget it, freeing your day from kitchen stress.
  • Deliciously Creamy Sauce: The perfect blend of cream, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes creates an irresistible sauce that coats every bite.
  • Family-Friendly Flavor: Mild yet savory ingredients appeal to all ages, making it a crowd pleaser for family dinners.
  • Versatile Meal: Pair it with pasta, rice, or veggies for endless serving options that suit your mood and pantry.
  • Impress Without Extra Effort: This recipe looks and tastes gourmet but requires minimal hands-on time and ingredients.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting started with Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken means gathering a handful of simple but key ingredients that bring out rich flavors and creamy textures. Each one plays an essential role in making this dish both comforting and memorable.

  • Chicken Breasts: Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts ensures quick cooking and a tender, juicy outcome.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a tangy sweetness and a burst of vibrant color that brightens the sauce.
  • Heavy Cream: This ingredient is the secret to the sauce’s decadent, silky texture.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan boosts flavor with its sharp, nutty notes.
  • Garlic and Italian Herbs: Fresh garlic and herbs like basil or oregano add warmth and aromatic complexity.
  • Chicken Broth: A splash adds depth and balances the richness in the sauce.

Variations for Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

One of the best things about Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is how easily you can tweak the recipe to suit your preferences, dietary requirements, or ingredients you have on hand. Try these variations to make it your own.

  • Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to introduce exciting heat.
  • Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut milk or cashew cream in place of heavy cream and nutritional yeast for Parmesan.
  • Vegetarian Twist: Substitute chicken with hearty portobello mushrooms or cauliflower steaks for a plant-based variation.
  • Cheesy Upgrade: Mix in mozzarella or Gruyere cheese for extra gooey, melty goodness.
  • Fresh Herb Boost: Experiment with rosemary, thyme, or fresh parsley to shift the flavor profile subtly.
Why Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Steals Hearts

How to Make Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Season your boneless, skinless chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs to enhance natural flavors before slow cooking.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

In a skillet, lightly sauté minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil until fragrant, which helps unlock their full aroma and taste.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients in the Crock Pot

Place the seasoned chicken in the slow cooker and pour in the chicken broth, sautéed garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes. Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese last for that luscious sauce boost.

Step 4: Cook Low and Slow

Set the crock pot on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and the sauce to thicken naturally.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness that’s irresistible.

Pro Tips for Making Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh garlic and fresh herbs to amplify the flavor.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Crock Pot: Give the chicken enough space to cook evenly and absorb the sauce completely.
  • Choose Quality Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes tend to have a richer taste than dry-packed versions.
  • Use Thicker Cream for Sauce: Heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk yields the best creamy consistency without thinning out.
  • Finish With Fresh Herbs: Adding herbs at the end keeps their bright aroma intact for a fresh, vibrant touch.

How to Serve Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh basil, parsley, or even a handful of grated Parmesan cheese on top instantly elevates the dish’s presentation and flavor profile.

Side Dishes

This creamy chicken pairs beautifully with buttered pasta, garlic mashed potatoes, or a bed of steamed green veggies like broccoli or asparagus to round out your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the chicken over cauliflower rice or inside soft flour tortillas for a casual taco-style twist that’s both fun and satisfying.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer cool leftovers into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days to keep flavors fresh and textures intact.

Freezing

Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken freezes well; just store it in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags and use within 2-3 months for best taste.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to prevent the creamy sauce from separating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and tend to stay juicier with slow cooking, giving you even more tender results.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is naturally gluten-free, just ensure that your chicken broth and other ingredients are labeled gluten-free.

How long does it take to cook in a crock pot?

On low heat, expect 4 to 6 hours, while on high, it typically takes 2 to 3 hours, depending on the thickness of your chicken breasts.

Can I add vegetables to the crock pot?

Definitely! Bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach are great additions and can be added at the start or halfway through cooking depending on desired texture.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use coconut milk, cashew cream, or even full-fat Greek yogurt as a dairy alternative, but add yogurt towards the end to prevent curdling.

Final Thoughts

Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is a deliciously creamy and comforting dish that’s incredibly easy to prepare and perfect for sharing with loved ones. Its rich sauce and tender chicken will have everyone asking for seconds, making it a heartfelt choice for any weeknight or special occasion. Give this recipe a try, and let it steal your heart just like it does mine!

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Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is a creamy, flavorful slow cooker dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich sauce of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and herbs. This easy-to-make recipe delivers a comforting, gourmet-quality meal perfect for weeknights that pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or vegetables.

  • Author: James
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high
  • Total Time: Approximately 4-6 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (preferably oil-packed)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, or a mix)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sautéing)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the boneless, skinless chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs to enhance their natural flavors before slow cooking.
  2. Sauté the Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Lightly sauté the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes until fragrant to unlock their full aroma and taste.
  3. Combine Ingredients in the Crock Pot: Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth, then add the sautéed garlic and sun-dried tomatoes mixture. Finally, add the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese to create the luscious sauce.
  4. Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and the sauce to thicken naturally.
  5. Finish and Serve: Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Notes

  • Use fresh garlic and fresh herbs whenever possible to amplify the flavor.
  • Do not overcrowd the crock pot to ensure the chicken cooks evenly and absorbs the sauce completely.
  • Choose oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for a richer taste compared to dry-packed varieties.
  • Use heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk for the best creamy sauce consistency without thinning it out.
  • Add fresh herbs at the end to preserve their bright aroma and vibrant flavor.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: Crock Pot Chicken, Marry Me Chicken, Slow Cooker Recipe, Creamy Chicken, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Easy Dinner, Comfort Food, Gluten Free

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