Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is an easy and delicious meal you can make in the slow cooker. The chicken becomes tender and juicy while cooking in a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and parmesan cheese. It’s simple to prepare and full of flavor, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why We Love This Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Recipe
There are many reasons why Crockpot Marry Me Chicken has become a favorite in homes everywhere. First, it is incredibly easy to make. Unlike traditional Tuscan chicken recipes that require multiple pots and careful attention, this version lets the crockpot do most of the work. You simply brown the chicken briefly, prepare the creamy sauce, and let the slow cooker bring all the flavors together over a few hours.
Second, the flavor profile is extraordinary. The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and parmesan cheese creates a rich, savory sauce that perfectly complements the tender chicken. Each bite offers a creamy texture with a slight tang from the tomatoes, balanced by the depth of the Italian seasoning. Even picky eaters will find it irresistible.
Third, this dish is adaptable. You can adjust the creaminess of the sauce by adding more heavy cream or chicken broth, or make it a little lighter by substituting half-and-half. Adding fresh basil at the end not only enhances the visual appeal but also brightens the flavor. This flexibility ensures that you can tweak the recipe to suit your preferences without sacrificing taste.
Finally, Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is perfect for meal prep. Leftovers store well in the refrigerator and can be reheated easily without losing flavor. It’s a dish that gives you both the elegance of a restaurant-quality meal and the convenience of home cooking.
Ingredients for Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
To make Crockpot Marry Me Chicken, you need a handful of simple, accessible ingredients that come together to create a rich and flavorful dish. Each component plays a specific role in building the depth of flavor and creamy texture that makes this recipe so irresistible.
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Kosher salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil, for garnish
How to Make Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
Making Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is simple and straightforward, allowing you to create a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort. Start by seasoning the chicken with kosher salt and pepper. This step ensures that the meat is flavorful from the inside out. Next, heat olive oil in a large skillet and brown the chicken on both sides for just a few minutes. Browning the chicken is important because it adds extra flavor and texture to the finished dish, even though it will finish cooking in the slow cooker.
Once the chicken is browned, remove it from the skillet and prepare the sauce. Melt butter in the same skillet and sauté minced garlic for a brief moment until fragrant. Stir in flour to make a roux, then gradually whisk in chicken broth, heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Allow the sauce to simmer until it thickens slightly. This creamy, flavorful mixture will be the base that infuses the chicken with rich taste as it cooks.
Pour the sauce into the bottom of your crockpot and arrange the browned chicken on top. Scatter sun-dried tomatoes over the chicken to add a tangy, sweet punch of flavor. Cover the crockpot and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours, or on low for 5 to 6 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a juicy, savory dish that will delight everyone at your table.
Finally, garnish the chicken with fresh basil before serving. The basil adds a pop of color and a fresh, aromatic note that complements the creamy sauce. Serve this dish over pasta, rice, or with your favorite vegetables to create a complete meal.
How to Serve Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
Serving Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is as enjoyable as making it. The creamy sauce is perfect for spooning over a bed of fettuccine, penne, or any pasta you love. The pasta absorbs the rich flavors of the sauce, making every bite satisfying. For a lighter option, serve it over cauliflower rice or alongside roasted vegetables.
You can also pair this dish with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad to create a complete meal. The dish is visually appealing, with the golden-brown chicken nestled in the creamy sauce and bright pops of red from the sun-dried tomatoes. Fresh basil sprinkled on top adds a touch of elegance and color, making the presentation feel gourmet without any extra effort.
Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is also perfect for casual meals or dinner parties. Its rich flavor and tender texture will impress guests, while the slow cooker ensures you can spend time with your family and friends instead of being stuck in the kitchen.
Expert Tips for Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
To get the best results with Crockpot Marry Me Chicken, follow a few expert tips. First, don’t skip browning the chicken. Even a quick sear on the stove adds depth of flavor that transforms the dish. Second, make sure to use fresh garlic and good-quality parmesan cheese. These small details can make a big difference in the overall taste of the dish.
Third, pay attention to the thickness of the sauce. If it becomes too thick during slow cooking, you can add a little extra chicken broth or cream to reach your desired consistency. Conversely, if the sauce is too thin, remove the lid of the crockpot during the last 20 minutes of cooking to allow it to thicken naturally.
You can also experiment with additional herbs like thyme or oregano for extra layers of flavor. For a slightly smoky taste, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika to the sauce. Remember to adjust seasoning at the end, tasting the sauce before serving to make sure the flavors are balanced.
How to Store Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
Storing Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is simple. Once cooled, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The creamy sauce helps keep the chicken moist and flavorful, so reheating is easy. Warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain the sauce’s texture.
For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken with the sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Keep in mind that fresh basil should be added after reheating to maintain its vibrant color and flavor.
Variation of Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
There are several ways to vary this recipe to suit your taste. For a lighter version, you can replace heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream. If you prefer a spicier dish, add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle heat.
You can also incorporate different vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers into the crockpot for added nutrition and color. For a cheesy twist, sprinkle additional parmesan or mozzarella over the top during the last 30 minutes of cooking. These variations allow you to customize the dish while keeping the core flavors that make Crockpot Marry Me Chicken so irresistible.
FAQ about Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used. They are slightly more flavorful and stay moist, making them a great alternative.
Do I need to brown the chicken first?
Browning is recommended for added flavor, but you can skip it if you are short on time. The slow cooker will still cook the chicken thoroughly.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can assemble the chicken and sauce in the crockpot the night before and refrigerate it. Start cooking in the morning or when ready to serve.
What can I serve with Crockpot Marry Me Chicken?
It pairs well with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables. A simple green salad also complements the richness of the dish.
Is this dish gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the sauce.
Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
Equipment
- Crockpot
- Skillet
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts
- kosher salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- 3 Tbsp. butter
- 2 tsp. garlic (minced)
- 3 Tbsp. flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained)
- 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken with kosher salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet and brown the chicken on both sides for a few minutes.
- Remove the chicken and melt butter in the same skillet. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant, then stir in flour to make a roux.
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth, heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Allow the sauce to simmer until slightly thickened.
- Pour the sauce into the bottom of your crockpot and arrange the browned chicken on top. Scatter sun-dried tomatoes over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 5-6 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving. Serve over pasta, rice, or with your favorite vegetables.
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