There’s something incredibly satisfying about a dish that seems to bring everyone together at the table, and Easy Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is just that meal. This delightful recipe marries tender chicken with savory flavors, making it an unforgettable dish that you’ll want to prepare over and over again. With the convenience of a crockpot, it allows you to set it and forget it, bringing delicious aromas wafting through your home while you go about your day.
Why We Love This Easy Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
One of the best things about Easy Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is its simplicity. Packed with flavor and easy to prepare, this recipe takes minimal effort while yielding impressive results. The combination of juicy chicken, rich cream, and sun-dried tomatoes creates a harmonious blend that is both satisfying and comforting. You’ll love how the slow-cooking method tenderizes the chicken, infusing every bite with the delightful sauce. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, dinner parties, or even special occasions.
Ingredients about Easy Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
To craft this delicious meal, gather the following fresh ingredients:
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp finely minced garlic
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes (well drained)
- 2 tbsp salted butter
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
- Grated parmesan cheese (for serving)
How to Make Easy Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Directions
Making Easy Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is a breeze. Start by preparing your crockpot; ensure it’s clean and ready to go.
First, in a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn. Next, mix in the flour, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Stir until well combined, and let it cook for about another minute. This will create a flavorful roux that will thicken your sauce.
After your roux is ready, gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Keep stirring as the mixture heats up and begins to thicken. Once it reaches a creamy consistency, remove it from the heat and stir in the heavy cream and sun-dried tomatoes.
Now, take your chicken breasts and place them into the crockpot in a single layer. Pour the creamy garlic sauce over the top, ensuring the chicken is well covered. Dot the mixture with small pieces of butter.
Set your crockpot to low and cook for about 6 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and absorb all the wonderful flavors. If you’re short on time, you can use the high setting for about 3 hours, but keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking.
Once the cooking time is up, check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it is fully cooked (should reach 165°F). Shred the chicken if you like or serve it whole. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Before serving, garnish with fresh basil leaves and sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese for an added burst of flavor.
How to Serve Easy Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
When it comes to serving Easy Crockpot Marry Me Chicken, get creative! This dish pairs beautifully with various sides that complement the richness of the sauce. Consider serving it over a bed of fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes, allowing the sauce to soak in and enhance the overall experience.
For a lighter option, serve it on top of a fresh green salad or with steamed vegetables. You can also try serving it with crusty bread or pasta to help soak up all the delicious sauce. Don’t forget to sprinkle additional parmesan cheese on top for presentation!
You can also make this dish a part of your meal prep for the week. Portion it out into containers with your chosen sides for quick and easy meals throughout your busy days.
Expert Tips: Easy Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
To ensure your Easy Crockpot Marry Me Chicken turns out perfectly every time, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Don’t skip the searing: Searing the garlic and making the roux adds depth to the flavor, so take the time to do this step.
- Use high-quality chicken: Opt for fresh, high-quality chicken breasts to achieve the best texture and flavor.
- Add vegetables: If you want to incorporate some vegetables, consider adding sliced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach into the crockpot with the chicken for added nutrition.
- Adjust the consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix in a little more flour or cornstarch after the cooking time is up. Just remember to cook it for a little longer to let it thicken.
- Experiment with seasonings: Feel free to adjust the herbs and spices according to your preference, and try different combinations like thyme or oregano for a twist.
- Cool before storing: If you have leftovers, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to the fridge. This will help maintain the taste and texture.
How to Store Easy Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers of Easy Crockpot Marry Me Chicken (though it’s hard to resist seconds!), make sure to store them properly. Allow the dish to cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.
For longer storage, consider freezing the chicken and sauce. Divide the portions into freezer-safe containers or bags, and make sure to label them with the date. This meal can be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then heat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
Variation of Easy Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
While the original recipe for Easy Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is fantastic as is, there are plenty of ways to switch things up to keep it exciting. Here are some delightful variations to consider:
- Cheesy Chicken Version: Blend in some cream cheese along with the heavy cream for an extra creamy and cheesy taste.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs like fresh thyme or rosemary for a different flavor profile.
- Spicy Kick: If you like a little heat, add some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the dish to spice it up.
- Replace Chicken with Turkey: Swap the chicken for turkey breast for a different take on this recipe. The flavors will still meld beautifully.
- Italian Flavors: Incorporate Italian sausage slices for a robust flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve it over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional carbs for a lighter meal.
FAQ section
What is Easy Crockpot Marry Me Chicken?
Easy Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is a delicious recipe featuring boneless chicken breasts cooked in a creamy garlic and sun-dried tomato sauce, made in a crockpot for ease and convenience.
How long does it take to cook Easy Crockpot Marry Me Chicken?
Cooking this dish on low takes approximately 6 hours, while cooking on high will take about 3 hours. Always check to ensure the chicken is fully cooked before serving.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but you may need to adjust the cooking time. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
Can I make Easy Crockpot Marry Me Chicken ahead of time?
Without a doubt! You can prepare the ingredients and store them in the refrigerator for up to a day before cooking. This makes it an excellent option for meal prep.
What can I serve with Easy Crockpot Marry Me Chicken?
This dish pairs well with rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with crusty bread for dipping in the creamy sauce.
Enjoy your cooking adventure with Easy Crockpot Marry Me Chicken!
Easy Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breast halves Use high-quality chicken for best results.
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1.5 cups chicken broth
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 cup heavy cream For a richer taste.
- 1 tbsp finely minced garlic
- 0.5 tsp salt Adjust to taste.
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- 0.33 cups sun-dried tomatoes Well drained.
- 2 tbsp salted butter Cut into small pieces.
- Fresh basil leaves For garnish.
- Grated parmesan cheese For serving.
Instructions
Preparation
- Prepare your crockpot; ensure it’s clean and ready to use.
- In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant.
- Mix in the flour, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Stir until well combined and cook for another minute.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, stirring to eliminate lumps. Heat until thickened, then remove from heat and stir in the heavy cream and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Place chicken breasts in the crockpot in a single layer, and pour the creamy sauce over the top, ensuring they are well covered.
- Dot with small pieces of butter.
Cooking
- Set the crockpot to low for about 6 hours, or high for about 3 hours, checking for doneness.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F before serving.
- Shred the chicken if desired, or serve whole, adjusting seasoning if necessary.
Serving
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese.
- Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!