Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe

Are you looking for a mouthwatering, easy-to-make recipe that will leave everyone asking for seconds? Then you’ve come to the right place! This Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is a rich, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion, from busy weeknight dinners to romantic meals at home. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this slow cooker recipe will have your family and friends falling in love with your cooking all over again. Keep reading for step-by-step instructions, ingredient tips, and serving suggestions for the ultimate Marry Me Chicken recipe!

What is “Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken”?

Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is a creamy, flavorful chicken dish made with boneless chicken breasts simmered in a rich sauce of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and heavy cream. The chicken becomes tender and juicy while the sauce develops deep flavors as it slowly cooks over hours in the crock pot. The name "Marry Me Chicken" comes from the idea that this dish is so delicious, it might just inspire someone to propose! Whether or not you’re aiming for a proposal, this recipe is a guaranteed hit at the dinner table.

Ingredients List for Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

Before you get started, gather the following ingredients for a rich and flavorful dish. Here’s everything you’ll need for your Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for searing the chicken)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

Ingredients List for the Optional Side Dishes

To make this meal complete, you might want to pair Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken with some delicious side dishes. Here are a few options:

1. Mashed Potatoes: You’ll need about 4-5 large potatoes, butter, milk, and salt for a creamy mashed potato side that soaks up the chicken’s rich sauce.
2. Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans make a light, nutritious companion to the chicken.
3. Pasta or Rice: 2 cups of cooked pasta or rice can serve as a base to catch all that wonderful sauce.

Substitutions and Variations for Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

If you’re missing an ingredient or want to modify the recipe to suit your dietary needs, here are some common substitutions and variations that still yield fantastic results:

• Chicken Thighs: Swap the chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier, more tender result.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream or cashew cream in place of heavy cream for a dairy-free version of this dish. You can also use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.
• Low-Carb/Keto: Skip the sun-dried tomatoes and pair the chicken with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta or regular rice.
• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you ensure your chicken broth and Parmesan are certified gluten-free.
• Additional Veggies: Add sliced mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to the slow cooker for more vegetables.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken: If you want extra flavor, lightly season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly browned. This step is optional but recommended for better texture and flavor.
2. Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, garlic, oregano, thyme, and basil. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and season the mixture with a bit of salt and pepper.
3. Arrange in Crock Pot: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crock pot. Pour the creamy sauce mixture evenly over the chicken. Make sure the chicken is fully submerged in the sauce for maximum flavor.
4. Slow Cook: Cover the crock pot with its lid and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, depending on your time frame. The chicken should be tender and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. Finishing Touches: Once the chicken is done cooking, give the sauce a good stir. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt or Parmesan for extra flavor.
6. Garnish: Before serving, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or basil on top for a burst of color and freshness.

How to Cook Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is all about letting the slow cooker do the work for you. The key steps are preparing a flavorful sauce, slow-cooking the chicken until it’s fall-apart tender, and finishing it off with fresh herbs. Here’s a quick recap:

1. Sear the Chicken (optional) to develop a deeper flavor.
2. Mix the Sauce using heavy cream, Parmesan, and seasonings.
3. Layer the Crock Pot with the chicken and pour the sauce on top.
4. Slow Cook for 4-5 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high.
5. Finish with a garnish of fresh herbs and adjust seasoning to taste.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the Chicken: Chicken breasts can dry out if left too long in the crock pot. Stick to the cooking times recommended—around 4-5 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high.
2. Not Searing the Chicken: While it’s an optional step, searing the chicken can improve both the texture and flavor of the finished dish. It’s worth the extra few minutes!
3. Forgetting to Adjust Seasoning: Crock pot meals often need a final taste adjustment after cooking. Always taste your sauce before serving to ensure it has enough salt and flavor.
4. Using Low-Fat Dairy: Full-fat heavy cream gives the sauce its luxurious texture. Low-fat alternatives might result in a thinner, less creamy sauce.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is as versatile in presentation as it is delicious. Whether you’re serving this dish for a romantic dinner or a casual family meal, here are some ways to make it look as amazing as it tastes:

• Plate It Over Pasta or Rice: Serve the chicken over a bed of pasta or rice, spooning extra sauce on top for a beautiful, elegant dish.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil brightens up the look of the dish.
• Serve in the Crock Pot: For a more casual setting, bring the entire crock pot to the table and let guests help themselves. This works well for family-style meals.

How to Serve Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

This creamy, flavorful chicken dish pairs beautifully with various sides. Here are some of the best ways to serve Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken:

1. With Mashed Potatoes: The creamy sauce is perfect for drizzling over mashed potatoes.
2. Over Pasta: Serve the chicken with fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti for an Italian-inspired meal.
3. With Rice or Quinoa: The hearty sauce also goes well with white rice, brown rice, or quinoa for a gluten-free option.
4. With Crusty Bread: Sopping up the sauce with a slice of warm, crusty bread is a must!

Presentation Ideas for Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

• Romantic Dinner: Serve the chicken on a clean white plate, topped with extra sun-dried tomatoes and garnished with parsley. Add a side salad and a glass of wine for an elegant touch.
• Casual Family Meal: Serve in the crock pot or in a large serving dish, letting everyone help themselves. Add pasta, rice, or veggies on the side for a complete meal.

Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe Tips

• Sear the Chicken: If you have time, sear the chicken before placing it in the crock pot. This adds extra flavor and improves texture.
• Add Veggies: For added nutrition, throw in a handful of spinach or mushrooms halfway through cooking.
• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil or parsley really brightens the flavors in this dish, especially if you’re serving it for a special occasion.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use frozen chicken for Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken?
A: Yes, but if using frozen chicken, add an extra hour to the cooking time. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is a great make-ahead dish. You can prepare the ingredients the night before, refrigerate them, and then pop everything into the crock pot the next day.

Q: How long can I store leftovers?
A: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The sauce may thicken, but you can thin it with a little extra broth or cream when reheating.

Q: Can I freeze Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken?
A: Yes, this dish freezes well. Just store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in a saucepan over low heat.

Conclusion

Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is an easy, flavorful recipe that is sure to impress. The slow-cooked chicken, combined with a creamy, Parmesan-rich sauce, will leave your guests asking for the recipe! Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just a weeknight dinner, this dish is a guaranteed success. Serve it with mashed potatoes, pasta, or crusty bread, and you’ll have a meal that’s both elegant and comforting. Happy cooking, and don’t be surprised if someone falls in love with your cooking!

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