This Easy Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is a warm, creamy dish full of flavor! With chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a tasty creamy sauce, it’s sure to win hearts at the dinner table.
Honestly, it’s like love on a plate! I love throwing everything in the crock pot and letting it work its magic. Serve it over pasta or rice for a cozy meal everyone will enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work well for tenderness. If you’re looking for an alternative, thighs can add more flavor and moisture, so feel free to use them instead.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: They add a punch of flavor! If you don’t have them, you could use fresh tomatoes or even roasted red peppers for a different taste. Just cook them down a bit first for the right texture.
Heavy Cream: This creates the rich sauce. If you’re aiming for something lighter, try using half-and-half or a non-dairy cream substitute like coconut cream; just know it may alter the flavor slightly.
Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan is great for added flavor. If you’re out or need a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can provide a cheesy taste, or use any hard cheese you have on hand.
How Do You Get the Best Flavor from the Chicken?
Searing the chicken before slow cooking adds a rich, golden color and enhances its flavor. Here’s how:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then cook until golden, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- This step is optional but can really elevate your dish!
Putting it straight in the crock pot is totally fine if you’re short on time. Just be sure to check it’s fully cooked through before serving!
Easy Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (if searing chicken before slow cooking)
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of spice)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken takes around 10-15 minutes of preparation time. After that, you can let it cook in the crock pot for 4 to 6 hours on low or 2 to 3 hours on high. It’s the perfect “set it and forget it” recipe!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. (Optional) Sear the Chicken:
If you want to enhance the flavor, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. This step is optional but adds a nice touch!
2. Place Chicken in the Crock Pot:
After searing or if you’re skipping that step, place the chicken breasts into the crock pot. It’s now ready for the tasty sauce!
3. Add the Flavor:
Sprinkle the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes evenly over the chicken breasts. This adds a lot of great flavor!
4. Make the Creamy Sauce:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, chicken broth, grated Parmesan, dried basil, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper until well combined. Pour this delicious mixture over the chicken in the crock pot.
5. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through. The flavors will meld beautifully during this time!
6. Final Touches:
Before serving, give the sauce a good stir to combine all the flavors. If the sauce seems too thin, you can remove the chicken and thicken the sauce by cooking it on high for an additional 10-15 minutes with the lid off or by adding a cornstarch slurry.
7. Serve It Up:
Plate the chicken and cover it with the creamy sauce. It goes great over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes—whatever you prefer!
8. Garnish and Enjoy:
Finally, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and a little extra Parmesan cheese on top for garnish if you like. Now it’s ready to impress!
Enjoy your delicious, creamy, and savory Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken! It’s sure to become a favorite!
FAQ for Easy Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it first for even cooking. To thaw quickly, place the chicken in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water. Avoid cooking it directly from frozen as it may result in uneven cooking.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare everything (except the cream) in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook it in the crock pot. Just add the cream mixture before cooking to keep the flavors fresh!
What If My Sauce Is Too Thin?
No worries! If the sauce is too thin, remove the chicken and cook the sauce on high without the lid for about 10-15 minutes to thicken it up. Alternatively, you can mix a slurry of cornstarch and water and stir it into the sauce until it reaches your desired consistency.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
