This Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is your ticket to a delicious, fuss-free meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but only took minutes of active prep. It’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights or impressing guests, practically guaranteeing rave reviews and maybe even a proposal! Get ready for the easiest, creamiest, and most flavorful chicken you’ve ever made.
Key Ingredients for Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this irresistible Crockpot Marry Me Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 4 large): Trimmed of any excess fat.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: For browning the chicken.
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth: Low sodium is preferred.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: The secret to that rich, luxurious sauce!
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Plus extra for garnishing.
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped (not packed in water for best flavor)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped, plus extra for garnish
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How to Make Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
This Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is incredibly easy to make, delivering a deliciously creamy, savory, and satisfying meal with minimal effort. Its rich sauce, tender chicken, and vibrant sun-dried tomatoes come together to create a dish that feels gourmet yet requires very little active cooking time. The preparation takes mere minutes, then your slow cooker does all the work, making it perfect for hands-off cooking. With a total prep time of just 15 minutes, you’ll be enjoying a fantastic dinner in no time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season generously on both sides with salt and pepper.
- Sear the Chicken (Optional but Recommended): Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly golden brown. This step adds depth of flavor and a nice texture to the chicken, though it can be skipped if you’re in a hurry.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet (or directly in your slow cooker if it has a sauté function), add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Combine in the Crockpot: Transfer the seared chicken breasts (if seared) or raw chicken directly to your slow cooker. Add the sautéed onion and garlic mixture over the chicken.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Pour in the chicken broth, then sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Stir gently to combine everything around the chicken.
- Slow Cook: Cover your crockpot and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C). Cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker and the thickness of your chicken breasts.
- Shred and Add Creaminess: Once cooked, use two forks to carefully shred the chicken directly in the crockpot.
- Finish the Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and fresh chopped basil. Mix well until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth, creamy, and coats the shredded chicken beautifully.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to your preference.
- Serve: Ladle the Crockpot Marry Me Chicken over your favorite side dish, garnish with extra fresh basil and Parmesan, and get ready for rave reviews!
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
You’re going to absolutely adore this Crockpot Marry Me Chicken for its unbelievably creamy and flavorful sauce that transforms simple chicken into a gourmet experience. The vibrant sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil infuse every bite with Mediterranean-inspired richness, while the tender, slow-cooked chicken practically melts in your mouth. This dish rivals any restaurant-quality creamy chicken, but it saves you a significant amount on dining out, turning a potential splurge into an affordable, delicious home-cooked meal.
Beyond its incredible taste and cost-effectiveness, this recipe shines with its effortless preparation—simply set it and forget it! The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, allowing you to focus on other things while a magnificent dinner simmers to perfection. If you love the hearty comfort of a classic Chicken Alfredo but crave a more unique and bright flavor profile, this Marry Me Chicken is your next obsession. Don’t wait; gather your ingredients and try this sensational recipe tonight. Your taste buds (and your budget) will thank you!
What to Serve Crockpot Marry Me Chicken With
This Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides to complete your meal. For a classic and satisfying option, serve it over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, butter noodles, or fluffy white rice – they’re perfect for soaking up every last bit of that irresistible sauce. If you’re looking for something lighter, steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette offer a refreshing contrast. A crusty garlic bread or focaccia is also excellent for dipping. To drink, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light-bodied Pinot Noir would complement the rich flavors wonderfully.
Top Tips for Perfecting Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
- Don’t Skip the Sear (if time allows): While optional, quickly searing the chicken breasts before adding them to the crockpot develops a deeper, richer flavor and helps achieve a better texture. It’s a small step that makes a big difference.
- Quality Ingredients Matter: Since there are relatively few ingredients, using high-quality chicken broth, fresh Parmesan, and flavorful sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, not water) will elevate the dish significantly.
- Adjust Cream and Cheese to Taste: The amounts for heavy cream and Parmesan are a good starting point. Feel free to add a little more of either at the end if you desire an even richer or cheesier sauce.
- Shredding vs. Dicing: Shredding the chicken directly in the sauce allows it to absorb maximum flavor and creates a lovely, rustic texture. If you prefer, you can remove the chicken, shred it, and then return it to the sauce.
- Taste Before Serving: Always taste the finished sauce before serving and adjust salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, or red pepper flakes as needed. Flavors can mellow during slow cooking, so a final adjustment is key.
- Prevent Curdling: If your heavy cream is very cold, temper it by stirring a spoonful of the hot sauce into the cream before adding it to the crockpot. This helps prevent any slight chance of curdling, though with heavy cream, it’s generally not an issue.
Storing and Reheating Tips
To ensure your delicious Crockpot Marry Me Chicken remains fresh and tasty, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container within two hours of cooking. It will store beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, this dish freezes exceptionally well! Transfer cooled leftovers to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving a little headspace. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
To reheat, the best method is gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If the sauce seems a bit thick, you can stir in a splash of chicken broth or milk to bring it back to your desired consistency. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, using short bursts and stirring in between to ensure even heating and prevent the chicken from drying out. Avoid overheating to maintain the creamy texture of the sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Marry Me Chicken isn’t just a recipe; it’s an invitation to effortless comfort and incredible flavor. Its rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken are truly captivating. Give it a try soon – you might just find your new favorite meal!
try also :
- Lentil and Sweet Potato Salad
- Cranberry Brie Bites
- Crispy Sweet Potato Bites
- Matcha Cake Recipe
- find more in Pinterest
Crockpot Marry Me Chicken FAQs
Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A1: Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and often result in even more tender and flavorful chicken. The cooking time might remain similar, but always ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Q2: What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
A2: While sun-dried tomatoes add a unique depth of flavor, you can substitute with a tablespoon of tomato paste for a subtle tomato flavor, or simply omit them. The dish will still be delicious!
Q3: Can I make this dairy-free?
A3: Substituting the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese is challenging, as they are central to the “creamy” aspect of this dish. Some dairy-free heavy cream alternatives might work, but the flavor profile will change significantly. You would also need a good dairy-free Parmesan substitute.
Q4: My sauce seems too thin/thick. How can I fix it?
A4: If the sauce is too thin, you can try simmering it on the stovetop for a few minutes (after removing the chicken) to reduce it, or create a quick cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp cold water) and stir it into the hot sauce until thickened. If it’s too thick, simply stir in a splash more chicken broth or heavy cream until it reaches your desired consistency.
Q5: Can I add vegetables to the crockpot?
A5: Yes! Sliced bell peppers (red or yellow work well) or mushrooms can be added along with the onions and garlic. Just be aware they will cook down quite a bit in the slow cooker. Spinach can be stirred in during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking, or when you add the cream and Parmesan, so it just wilts.
Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season generously on both sides with salt and pepper.2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, Salt, freshly ground black pepper
- Sear the Chicken (Optional but Recommended): Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly golden brown. This step adds depth of flavor and a nice texture to the chicken, though it can be skipped if you’re in a hurry.1 tbsp olive oil, 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet (or directly in your slow cooker if it has a sauté function), add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.1 medium yellow onion, 3 cloves garlic, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- Combine in the Crockpot: Transfer the seared chicken breasts (if seared) or raw chicken directly to your slow cooker. Add the sautéed onion and garlic mixture over the chicken.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Pour in the chicken broth, then sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Stir gently to combine everything around the chicken.1 cup chicken broth, 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning, 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil
- Slow Cook: Cover your crockpot and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C). Cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker and the thickness of your chicken breasts.
- Shred and Add Creaminess: Once cooked, use two forks to carefully shred the chicken directly in the crockpot.
- Finish the Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and fresh chopped basil. Mix well until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth, creamy, and coats the shredded chicken beautifully.1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup fresh basil
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to your preference.Salt, freshly ground black pepper, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- Serve: Ladle the Crockpot Marry Me Chicken over your favorite side dish, garnish with extra fresh basil and Parmesan, and get ready for rave reviews!