This Easy Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is a lovely dish featuring tender chicken in a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes. It’s super simple to make and packed with flavor!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect here because they stay juicy in the crockpot. If you want a richer flavor, you can use thighs instead. They’re a bit more forgiving if you overcook them!
Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you could swap in half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream. Just remember, it might change the flavor slightly.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a nice tartness. If you can’t find them, you could use fresh tomatoes, but you’ll want to sauté them first to concentrate their flavors.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan enriches the sauce. If you’re out, Pecorino Romano works great as a substitute. For a dairy-free option, skip the cheese or use a plant-based version.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: This adds some heat, but it’s optional if you prefer a milder flavor. Paprika or black pepper can be good alternatives for a different kind of warmth.
How Do I Get the Sauce Just Right?
To achieve a rich and creamy sauce, it’s key to mix the heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan well before pouring over the chicken. This way, the flavors combine nicely. If your sauce turns out too thin after cooking, don’t worry! Here’s how to fix it:
- Make a cornstarch slurry: Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water.
- Add this mixture to the crockpot, stir, and cook on high for an extra 10-15 minutes. This will help thicken the sauce perfectly!
And remember, always taste your sauce before serving. You can adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed for the best flavor!
Easy Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (preferably packed in oil)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 4-6 hours of cooking time in the crockpot. Just season your chicken, mix the sauce, and let the slow cooker do the rest. It’s an easy and delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and dried Italian seasoning. This adds a flavorful base to your dish.
2. Optional Searing:
If you have a few extra minutes, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken breasts for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re lightly browned. This step adds additional flavor, but you can skip it to save time!
3. Crockpot Setup:
Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. This is where the magic happens!
4. Make the Creamy Sauce:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, chicken broth, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Ensure everything is well mixed.
5. Combine Everything:
Pour the creamy mixture over the chicken evenly, making sure the chicken is well coated.
6. Cooking Time:
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through. The longer it cooks, the more flavorful it will be!
7. Final Touches:
When the chicken is done, give the sauce a gentle stir to combine. If you find that it’s a bit too thin for your liking, you can thicken it by adding a slurry made of 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of cold water. Cook the mixture on high for an additional 10-15 minutes until thickened.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the chicken with the sauce spooned over the top, garnished with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and flavor. This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or some crusty bread to soak up that delicious sauce.
Enjoy your delicious and effortless Crockpot Marry Me Chicken! This dish is sure to impress everyone around the dinner table!
FAQ for Easy Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re starting with frozen chicken breasts, make sure to increase the cooking time to about 6-8 hours on low. Always ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
Can I Substitute Heavy Cream with Something Lighter?
Yes, you can use half-and-half or whole milk as a lighter alternative. Just keep in mind that the sauce might be less creamy, so you might want to add a bit of extra cheese for flavor!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to thicken the sauce if needed.
Can I Make This Recipe in Advance?
Definitely! You can prep everything a day ahead. Assemble the ingredients in the crockpot (without cooking) and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, just pop it into the slow cooker to cook all day!
