Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe

Are you looking for an easy, flavorful dish that will impress your loved ones and leave everyone at the table asking for seconds? Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is the perfect recipe to prepare when you want something simple yet impressive. This creamy, savory dish combines tender chicken breasts, sun-dried tomatoes, herbs, and a luscious sauce that’s so delicious, it might just make someone fall in love with you all over again! Read on for everything you need to know to master this irresistible dish.

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What is Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken?

Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is a creamy, slow-cooked chicken dish with bold flavors that meld together beautifully in a crock pot. The recipe got its playful name because it's so good that it might inspire a marriage proposal! The dish features chicken breasts cooked in a rich sauce of cream, parmesan cheese, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes. It's incredibly easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients List for Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

To make this delicious Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, drained, and chopped)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for some heat)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional for browning the chicken)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Substitutions and Variations

While the original recipe is mouthwatering on its own, there are several ways you can customize it to suit your dietary needs or flavor preferences:

• Chicken Thighs: If you prefer dark meat, you can substitute chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They will be just as tender and flavorful after slow cooking.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative in place of the heavy cream, and substitute nutritional yeast for Parmesan cheese.
• Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme in place of dried herbs to add a burst of freshness.
• Extra Vegetables: Add spinach, mushrooms, or artichoke hearts for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve the dish over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta or traditional rice.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients, let’s walk through the step-by-step process for making Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts generously with salt, black pepper, and a sprinkle of the dried herbs (thyme, oregano, and basil). If you have extra time, you can sear the chicken in a hot skillet with a tablespoon of olive oil before placing it in the crock pot. Searing will add a deeper flavor and color to the chicken, but this step is optional.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, remaining dried herbs, and red pepper flakes (if using). This creamy sauce is the heart of the dish and will infuse the chicken with its rich, irresistible flavors.

Step 3: Add Ingredients to Crock Pot

Place the seasoned (and possibly seared) chicken breasts at the bottom of the crock pot. Pour the creamy sauce mixture evenly over the chicken. Make sure the chicken is fully submerged in the sauce so it cooks evenly and absorbs all the flavors.

Step 4: Cook on Low or High

Cover the crock pot with the lid. Cook the chicken on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, depending on your time constraints. Cooking it low and slow will result in more tender chicken, but if you’re in a hurry, the high setting works just fine.

Step 5: Check for Doneness

After the cooking time has elapsed, check the internal temperature of the chicken using a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked. If needed, continue cooking until it reaches this temperature.

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

1. Season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry, season with salt, pepper, and herbs, and optionally sear in a skillet.
2. Prepare the sauce: Mix heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and herbs.
3. Assemble in crock pot: Add chicken to the crock pot, pour the sauce over the top.
4. Cook: Set the crock pot to low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
5. Garnish and serve: Once cooked, garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Chicken: It’s easy to overcook chicken breasts in a crock pot, leading to dry and tough meat. Be sure to check the internal temperature of the chicken after the minimum cooking time to avoid overcooking.
• Using Too Much Liquid: Resist the urge to add extra liquids to the recipe. The chicken will release some of its own juices as it cooks, and too much liquid will make the sauce watery instead of creamy.
• Not Searing the Chicken: While optional, searing the chicken before slow cooking adds depth to the flavor. If you skip this step, the chicken will still be delicious, but browning adds a nice richness.
• Skipping the Herbs: The combination of thyme, oregano, and basil is essential for the dish's signature flavor. Don’t skimp on the herbs or substitute them with bland alternatives.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is not only easy to make but also versatile when it comes to serving and presentation. Here’s how to serve it in style:

How to Serve Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

This rich, creamy chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Serve it over:

• Mashed Potatoes: The creamy sauce tastes divine when paired with buttery mashed potatoes.
• Pasta: Fettuccine or penne pasta are great choices for soaking up the sauce.
• Rice: Jasmine or basmati rice work well to complement the savory flavors of the chicken.
• Vegetables: If you’re looking for a lighter option, serve the chicken over a bed of sautéed spinach or roasted vegetables.

Presentation Ideas for Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

To elevate the dish’s appearance and make it extra special for guests, try these presentation ideas:

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil adds color and freshness.
• Use a Serving Platter: Instead of serving directly from the crock pot, transfer the chicken and sauce to a beautiful serving platter.
• Add Color: Serve with roasted cherry tomatoes or bright green vegetables to add vibrant color to your plate.
• Sprinkle Parmesan on Top: Just before serving, sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan over the chicken for an extra touch of elegance.

Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe Tips

• Thickening the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoon water) about 20 minutes before serving. Turn the crock pot to high and let the sauce thicken.
• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a little extra cream if needed.
• Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just make sure to cool the chicken and sauce completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this recipe in the oven instead of a crock pot?

Yes! You can bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Bone-in chicken breasts or thighs will take slightly longer to cook through in the crock pot.

How can I reduce the calories in this dish?

For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the amount of Parmesan cheese. You can also serve it over cauliflower rice or spiralized vegetables to cut down on carbs.

Conclusion

Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is a decadent yet simple dish that’s sure to win over your family, friends, or significant other. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality meal right in your kitchen. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or just a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe is bound to become a new favorite. So grab your crock pot and get ready to make some magic happen in your kitchen!

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