This Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is a creamy, dreamy dish that features tender chicken simmered in a luscious sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and herbs. Perfect for impressing your loved ones!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe. If you prefer darker meat, you can use thighs. They’re juicy and add more flavor.
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream gives the sauce its richness, but you can substitute half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter option. Just know the texture may change a bit!
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a burst of flavor. If you don’t have them, you can use roasted red peppers instead—they’ll give you some sweetness and a nice color.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds saltiness and creaminess. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can provide a savory flavor.
Seasonings: Use your favorite dried herbs if you don’t have Italian seasoning. Fresh herbs work too! Just use more since they are less concentrated.
How Do I Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked and Tender?
For tender chicken, sear it first! This step locks in flavors and helps achieve that gorgeous golden crust. Don’t cook it all the way through in the skillet; just a nice sear is perfect, as it will finish cooking in the crockpot.
- Heat your skillet on medium-high before adding oil.
- Sear each side for about 2-3 minutes until golden.
- Transfer to the crockpot and let the slow cooker finish the job!
Cooking on low allows the chicken to become juicy and absorb the sauce. Low and slow is the way to go!
How to Make the Creamy Sauce Just Right?
The creamy sauce is key! Make sure to mix the garlic, cream, broth, and cheese well in a bowl before pouring it over the chicken. This ensures even flavor distribution. Stir it gently after cooking to blend it all together nicely.
- Combine your sauce ingredients well to avoid clumps of cheese.
- After cooking, give the sauce a good stir to thicken it slightly.
- Taste before serving—add salt or pepper as needed for balance.
This way, the sauce is rich, creamy, and full of flavor that will make everyone at your table fall in love!
How to Make Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (you can also use a mix of basil, oregano, and thyme)
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
For Serving:
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked white rice or pasta, for serving
Time Estimate:
This delicious Crockpot Marry Me Chicken takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then cooks in the crockpot for 4-6 hours on low, or 2-3 hours on high. So, about 15 minutes of hands-on time and then you can relax while it cooks!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Make sure to coat them evenly for the best flavor.
2. Sear the Chicken:
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown. Remember, they’re not fully cooked yet, so don’t worry if they’re still a bit underdone. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set them aside.
3. Transfer to the Crockpot:
Place the seared chicken breasts in the crockpot. This is where the magic happens!
4. Make the Creamy Sauce:
In a mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, heavy cream, chicken broth, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, dried Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if you’re using them). Mix everything together well to create a creamy sauce.
5. Pour the Sauce Over Chicken:
Now pour that luscious creamy sauce over the chicken in the crockpot, ensuring the chicken is mostly covered.
6. Cover and Cook:
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours. The chicken is done when it’s tender and fully cooked through!
7. Stir and Adjust:
Once the cooking time is up, gently stir the sauce in the crockpot to combine all the flavors. Taste it and adjust the seasoning, if needed—you might want a little more salt or pepper.
8. Serve with Your Favorite Side:
Serve the chicken over a bed of cooked white rice or pasta, generously spooning the creamy sauce on top. It’s so good!
9. Garnish and Enjoy:
Don’t forget to sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness before serving. Enjoy your wonderful meal!
This recipe serves up a delightful combination of flavors and textures. You will definitely want to keep it handy for special occasions and romantic dinners! Enjoy your cooking adventure! ❤️
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. If you’re short on time, you can also use a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water to speed up the thawing process.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to heat evenly.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the creamy sauce and sear the chicken a day in advance. Simply store them separately in the fridge and combine them in the crockpot the next day. This can enhance the flavors!
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and butter (about 3/4 cup milk plus 1/4 cup melted butter). For a dairy-free substitute, try coconut cream for a rich texture!
