Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Recipe

“Marry Me Chicken” has become a viral sensation in the culinary world, known for its irresistibly creamy, flavorful sauce that could, figuratively, make anyone propose! The idea behind the name is that the dish is so delicious, it’s bound to win hearts.

Traditionally made on the stovetop, this recipe adapts the classic to the slow cooker, allowing for easy, hands-off preparation. Imagine tender chicken bathed in a creamy, parmesan-rich sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and aromatic herbs—all simmered to perfection in a crockpot. This comforting dish is perfect for family dinners, romantic evenings, or any occasion where you want to impress.

Equipment Needed

To make this Crockpot Marry Me Chicken, you’ll need:

• A slow cooker (4 to 6 quarts): This is essential for slow cooking the chicken to tenderness.
• Cutting board and knife: For preparing the chicken and chopping garlic.
• Mixing bowl: To combine the sauce ingredients before adding them to the crockpot.
• Whisk: For blending the sauce smoothly.
• Tongs or a fork: For handling the cooked chicken.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by prepping the chicken breasts:

1. Season the Chicken: Generously season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. This will ensure that the chicken is flavorful as it slow cooks.
2. Optional Browning: For extra flavor, you can sear the chicken breasts in a skillet over medium-high heat with a little olive oil before placing them in the crockpot. This step is optional but adds a beautiful golden color and caramelized flavor to the chicken.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine the sauce ingredients:

1. Chicken Broth: This adds moisture and helps thin out the rich sauce as it cooks.
2. Heavy Cream: Creates the luscious, creamy base.
3. Grated Parmesan: Adds depth and a savory, salty bite.
4. Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Finely chop them and stir them in for a pop of tangy sweetness.
5. Minced Garlic: For a fragrant, aromatic background flavor.
6. Oregano, Thyme, and Red Pepper Flakes: These herbs and spices add complexity and a hint of warmth.
7. Whisk: Whisk everything together until well combined.

Step 3: Assemble in the Crockpot

Now that your chicken and sauce are prepped, it’s time to assemble the dish in the slow cooker:

1. Add the Chicken to the Crockpot: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.
2. Pour the Sauce: Pour the creamy sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring the chicken is mostly submerged.
3. Cook on Low: Set your crockpot to low and cook for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Cooking on low ensures the chicken stays juicy and the sauce thickens gradually.
   • High Option: If you’re short on time, you can cook on high for 2-3 hours, but low and slow is recommended for the best texture.

Step 4: Finish and Thicken the Sauce

Once the chicken is cooked through, you’ll want to finish the sauce:

1. Check for Doneness: Make sure the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
2. Remove Chicken: Using tongs, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and set it aside on a plate.
3. Thicken the Sauce: If the sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by:
   • Mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stirring it into the sauce. Cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
4. Return the Chicken: Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, return the chicken to the crockpot and spoon the sauce over the top to coat it.

Step 5: Serve

Your Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is now ready to serve! Here’s how to plate it for maximum deliciousness:

1. Serve with a Starchy Side: This dish pairs wonderfully with a bed of pasta, creamy mashed potatoes, or fluffy white rice. The starchy base helps to absorb the rich, creamy sauce.
2. Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or basil over the top for a pop of fresh flavor and vibrant color.
3. Extra Sauce: Spoon any remaining sauce over the chicken for extra creaminess and flavor.
4. Optional Side of Bread: Serve with a slice of crusty bread to sop up the sauce—trust me, you won’t want to leave any behind!

Tips for Success

To ensure your Crockpot Marry Me Chicken turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

• Choose Chicken Thighs for Extra Tenderness: While chicken breasts are leaner, thighs have a higher fat content and stay juicier during slow cooking.
• Sear for Added Flavor: If time permits, sear the chicken before slow cooking for a deeper flavor and more attractive appearance.
• Control the Thickness of the Sauce: If the sauce turns out too thick, you can thin it with additional chicken broth or a splash of cream. If it’s too thin, thicken it with cornstarch as described earlier.
• Don’t Skip the Garnish: Fresh herbs like parsley or basil really brighten up the richness of the dish, so don’t forget to add them at the end!

Variations

This Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is already a star recipe, but there are plenty of ways to tweak it to suit your preferences:

• Add Vegetables: For a one-pot meal, add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or even broccoli to the slow cooker about 30 minutes before serving. This adds nutrition and makes the dish heartier.
• Use Different Cheeses: Swap out the parmesan for another hard cheese like asiago or pecorino for a different flavor profile.
• Spice It Up: If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
• Lighter Version: For a lighter version of this dish, you can substitute half-and-half or milk for the heavy cream. The sauce will be less rich but still delicious.

Nutritional Information

This Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is indulgent but can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. Here’s a general breakdown of its nutritional benefits:

• Protein: Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.
• Healthy Fats: While heavy cream and cheese add fat, they also contribute to the dish’s creamy texture. You can opt for lower-fat alternatives if desired.
• Vitamins and Minerals: Garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and herbs add valuable antioxidants, vitamins (like vitamin C), and minerals (such as potassium) to the dish.

Storage and Reheating

Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is also an excellent recipe for leftovers. Here’s how to store and reheat it:

• Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
• Reheating: Reheat gently to avoid drying out the chicken. You can add a little extra chicken broth or cream to the sauce if it thickens too much during storage.

Conclusion

Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is the perfect recipe for busy weeknights, date nights, or family dinners when you want something rich, flavorful, and comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. The slow cooker does all the hard work, leaving you with tender chicken coated in a decadent, creamy sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds—if not for your hand in marriage!

Yield: 6

Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Recipe

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"Marry Me Chicken" has become a viral sensation in the culinary world, known for its irresistibly creamy, flavorful sauce that could, figuratively, make anyone propose! The idea behind the name is that the dish is so delicious, it’s bound to win hearts. Traditionally made on the stovetop, this recipe adapts the classic to the slow cooker, allowing for easy, hands-off preparation. Imagine tender chicken bathed in a creamy, parmesan-rich sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and aromatic herbs—all simmered to perfection in a crockpot. This comforting dish is perfect for family dinners, romantic evenings, or any occasion where you want to impress.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 4 hours

Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Cooked pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice (for serving)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
• In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. (This step is optional but adds extra flavor.)

2. Make the Sauce:

• In a bowl, combine the heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until well combined.

3. Add Ingredients to the Crockpot:

• Place the seared (or raw) chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot.
• Pour the creamy sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring the chicken is well covered.

4. Cook the Chicken:

• Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

5. Serve:

• Once cooked, give the sauce a stir and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
• Serve the chicken with the creamy sauce over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice.
• Garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley.

Notes

Searing the Chicken: Searing adds extra depth of flavor, but you can skip this step if you're short on time.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes: You can use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for extra richness, or rehydrate dry ones before using.

Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to let it reduce, or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water).

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove.

Freezing: The cooked chicken and sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.