Introduction
Discover the magic of Crockpot Marry Me Chicken, a dish so incredibly delicious, it’s said to inspire proposals! This creamy, comforting meal brings together tender chicken and a rich sun-dried tomato sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, emphasizing ease with minimal hands-on time thanks to your slow cooker. Get ready to enjoy a popular recipe adaptation that delivers maximum flavor with effortless preparation.
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
This recipe is a busy parent’s dream, combining convenience with irresistible flavor. Here’s why this slow cooker chicken will become a staple in your home:
- Effortless Slow Cooker Prep: Simply add your ingredients, set it, and forget it. Your slow cooker does all the hard work.
- Tender, Juicy Chicken: The slow cooking method ensures perfectly moist and fall-apart chicken every time.
- Rich, Creamy Sauce: Enjoy an unbelievably decadent sun-dried tomato and Parmesan sauce that coats every bite.
- Family-Friendly Meal: Its comforting flavors appeal to everyone, making it a perfect dish for any family dinner.
- Minimal Cleanup: With fewer pots and pans involved, you’ll spend less time scrubbing and more time enjoying.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your amazing Crockpot Marry Me Chicken. This recipe features tender chicken breasts bathed in a rich, flavorful sauce.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 cup chicken stock (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ¾ teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional, for a kick)
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, chopped)
- 1 cup heavy cream (warmed slightly)
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated is best)
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
Notes & Substitutions
Feel free to customize your slow cooker chicken with these helpful tips and alternatives.
- Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully as a substitute for breasts. They stay incredibly moist during slow cooking.
- Chicken Stock Alternatives: If you don’t have chicken stock, vegetable stock or even water with a bouillon cube can work.
- Herb Blends: Use a pre-made Italian seasoning blend (about 1 teaspoon) if you don’t have individual oregano and thyme.
- Warming Heavy Cream: Always warm your heavy cream slightly before adding it to hot liquids. This step prevents the cream from curdling, ensuring a silky-smooth sauce.
- Cream Substitutions: For a lighter sauce, you can try half-and-half, but the richness will be reduced. Cream cheese (2-3 tablespoons, softened) can also add creaminess.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and offers a superior flavor compared to pre-grated varieties. It’s worth the extra minute!
Equipment
Making this easy Crockpot Marry Me Chicken requires just a few basic kitchen tools.
- 5-6 quart slow cooker
- Large skillet (optional, for searing chicken)
- Whisk
- Internal meat thermometer
Instructions
Follow these easy steps to prepare your delicious Crockpot Marry Me Chicken. This recipe is designed to be simple and beginner-friendly, ensuring a successful meal every time.
- Prepare Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with kosher salt and ground black pepper. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Sear the seasoned chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly golden. This step builds flavor and creates a beautiful crust. Carefully transfer the seared chicken to your 5-6 quart slow cooker, along with any leftover butter and juices from the skillet.
- Combine Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken stock and cornstarch until smooth. Add the minced garlic, crushed red pepper (if using), dried oregano, and dried thyme to the mixture. Whisk everything well to combine all the aromatic spices.
- Pour Sauce: Pour the prepared liquid mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Ensure the chicken is mostly submerged to cook properly and absorb the flavors.
- Add Tomatoes: Scatter the chopped sun-dried tomatoes over and around the chicken breasts. These add a burst of sweet and savory flavor to your slow cooker chicken.
- Slow Cook: Cover your slow cooker with its lid. Cook the Crockpot Marry Me Chicken on the low setting for 3-4 hours, or on the high setting for 1.5-2 hours. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your specific slow cooker.
- Check Temperature: Always use an internal meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is safely cooked. The USDA recommends cooking all poultry to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) at its thickest part.
- Finish Sauce: Carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts from the slow cooker and place them on a plate to rest. Stir the slightly warmed heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese into the hot liquid remaining in the slow cooker until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Rest and Serve: Return the rested chicken breasts to the rich, creamy sauce. Spoon some of the luscious sauce over the top of each chicken piece. Set your slow cooker to the “warm” setting and let it rest for another 5-10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Garnish: Just before serving, sprinkle generously with fresh chopped basil leaves. The fresh herbs add a vibrant color and aromatic finish to your amazing slow cooker chicken.
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this creamy Crockpot Marry Me Chicken, beautifully topped with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Mastering your Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is easy with these simple tips.
- Searing Chicken: Searing the chicken breasts before adding them to the slow cooker adds a fantastic depth of flavor and a lovely golden-brown crust. While optional for convenience, it truly enhances the final dish.
- Adjusting Spice: If you enjoy a bit of heat, increase the crushed red pepper flakes to ½ teaspoon or more. If you prefer a milder flavor, omit them entirely.
- Smooth Sauce: For an extra silky-smooth sauce, you can use an immersion blender directly in the slow cooker after removing the chicken. This breaks down any small lumps or tomato pieces.
- Adding Veggies: Stir in a few handfuls of fresh spinach during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking. It will wilt beautifully into the warm sauce.
- Preventing Curdling: Always remember to warm your heavy cream slightly before adding it to the hot sauce. This temperature equalization prevents the cream from shocking and curdling in the heat.
- Thickening Sauce: If your sauce seems too thin after adding the cream and Parmesan, create a slurry with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir it into the slow cooker, cook on high for an additional 15-30 minutes, or until desired thickness.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
Make the most of your delicious Crockpot Marry Me Chicken with these ideas.
- Serving Suggestions: This versatile dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Serve it over pasta like fettuccine or penne, fluffy white rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or alongside some steamed green beans for a complete meal. A crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the extra sauce.
- Storage Instructions: Allow any leftover slow cooker chicken to cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken stock or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.
- Freezing: This dish freezes well! Place cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with different dried herbs like a pinch of rosemary or a dash of smoked paprika for an added layer of flavor.
Nutrition Information
Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown for one serving of this delightful Crockpot Marry Me Chicken.
Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Find quick answers to common questions about making your Crockpot Marry Me Chicken.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 339kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 10g |
| Protein | 23g |
| Fat | 23g |
| Saturated Fat | 13g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 7g |
| Trans Fat | 0.1g |
| Cholesterol | 105mg |
| Sodium | 691mg |
| Potassium | 700mg |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 5g |
| Vitamin A | 908IU |
| Vitamin C | 6mg |
| Calcium | 150mg |
| Iron | 2mg |
Crockpot Marry Me Chicken: An Easy & Flavorful Slow Cooker Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet, then sear chicken until lightly golden. Transfer chicken and any pan juices to the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, whisk chicken stock with cornstarch, minced garlic, crushed red pepper, oregano, and thyme. Pour this mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Top each chicken breast with the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1.5-2 hours, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the chicken to a plate and keep it warm. Stir the warmed heavy cream and grated parmesan into the hot liquid in the slow cooker until the sauce is smooth. Return the chicken to the sauce, spoon sauce over the top, and let it rest for 5-10 minutes on the “warm” setting.
- Garnish generously with fresh chopped basil before serving your Crockpot Marry Me Chicken.
Notes
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, but ensure they are thawed completely before adding them to the slow cooker to maintain proper cooking times and food safety.
Why is it called “Marry Me Chicken”?
The dish earned its playful name because its delicious, comforting flavor is said to be so good, it could inspire a marriage proposal!
How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
Whisk together a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water. Stir this slurry into the hot sauce and cook on high for 15-30 minutes.
Can I reheat this in the slow cooker?
While possible, it’s generally best to reheat individual portions on the stovetop or in the microwave for quicker and more even heating.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can try substituting dairy-free cream alternatives and nutritional yeast for Parmesan, but the texture and flavor will be significantly different.
Conclusion
This Crockpot Marry Me Chicken truly lives up to its name, offering a surprisingly simple yet incredibly rich and flavorful meal. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights, delivering tender chicken in a luscious sun-dried tomato and Parmesan cream sauce with minimal effort. We hope you’ll add this comforting dish to your regular rotation. Give this recipe a try and share your experience in the comments below!
