Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking for an easy, heartwarming dish that will have everyone asking for seconds, you’ve landed in the right place! The Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Recipe is one of my all-time favorites. It combines tender chicken with a creamy, dreamy sauce filled with garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Trust me, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen!

What makes this recipe so special is its simplicity and flavor. With just a few wholesome ingredients tossed into the slow cooker, you can create a meal that feels elegant but is incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this dish is sure to wow everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: Just season your chicken and let the crockpot do the work! It’s as simple as that.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: The creamy sauce is a hit with kids and adults alike—everyone loves it!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prep it in the morning, and come home to a delicious meal ready to serve.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan creates a rich taste that’s hard to resist.
• Impressive Presentation: Serve it up with fresh herbs for a beautiful finish that looks like you spent hours cooking.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is part of the fun! For this Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Recipe, you’ll find that these are simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have on hand. Let’s take a look:

For the Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Sauce

• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)

For Garnish

• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 2 tbsp butter
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Variations

The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility! Feel free to customize it according to your taste preferences or what you have in your pantry.

• Swap the protein: Try using boneless turkey breasts or even chickpeas for a vegetarian twist!
• Add more veggies: Toss in some spinach or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.
• Change up the cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or feta for a unique flavor.
• Make it spicy: If you love heat, add more red pepper flakes or even toss in some jalapeños!

How to Make Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. This step is important because it enhances the flavor of the chicken as it cooks in the sauce.

Step 2: Create the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and cornstarch until smooth. Add in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, and optional red pepper flakes. Whisk until everything is well combined. This creamy sauce will be packed with flavor and help keep your chicken moist while cooking.

Step 3: Assemble the Crockpot

Place your seasoned chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot. Pour that delicious sauce mixture over them so they’re fully coated. This ensures every bite of chicken absorbs all those savory flavors.

Step 4: Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Sprinkle those chopped sun-dried tomatoes over the top of the chicken and sauce. They add a delightful sweetness and texture that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.

Step 5: Cook

Set your crockpot to low and cook for 4 hours or high for 2 hours until your chicken is cooked through and tender. Cooking slowly allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together.

Step 6: Finish with Butter

In those last 30 minutes of cooking time, add in your butter by stirring it into the sauce as it melts. This adds richness to your dish that will make everyone rave about it!

Step 7: Serve

Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley if desired. Serve up this succulent chicken with plenty of sauce over rice or pasta—it’s truly comfort food at its best!

Pro Tips for Making Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Recipe

If you’re ready to take your slow-cooking game to the next level, here are some pro tips to ensure your Crockpot Marry Me Chicken turns out perfectly every time!

• Use Quality Ingredients: Opting for fresh chicken and high-quality Parmesan cheese enhances the flavor of the dish significantly. Quality ingredients lead to a richer sauce that will impress anyone at your dinner table.
• Don’t Skimp on Seasoning: Make sure to season your chicken well with salt and pepper before cooking. This foundational step ensures that every bite is flavorful and delicious.
• Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter dish, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with unsweetened almond milk or coconut cream. This keeps it creamy while reducing calories and fat.
• Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary when serving. Fresh herbs not only brighten up the dish visually but also elevate its flavor profile.
• Cook Low and Slow: For maximum tenderness, always opt for cooking on low rather than high if time allows. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully while ensuring the chicken stays juicy and falls apart easily.

How to Serve Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Recipe

Serving your Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is just as delightful as making it! With a few thoughtful touches, you can turn this comforting meal into an elegant feast.

Garnishes

• Fresh Basil or Parsley: A sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens the rich sauce.
• Parmesan Shavings: For an extra touch of indulgence, consider adding some shaved Parmesan on top just before serving; it melts beautifully over warm chicken.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic pair wonderfully with the savory sauce, creating a comforting duo that’s hard to resist.
• Steamed Green Beans: Bright green beans provide a crunchy contrast to the tender chicken, plus they add a healthy component to your meal without overwhelming flavors.
• Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad tossed with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and lemon vinaigrette offers a refreshing side that balances out the richness of the chicken dish.

With these serving ideas in mind, your Crockpot Marry Me Chicken will be not just a meal but a memorable dining experience! Enjoy every bite and don’t forget to share your culinary triumphs!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Recipe is a fantastic option for meal prep enthusiasts! It’s so easy to whip up in advance, making busy weeknights a breeze. You can prepare it ahead of time and enjoy the rich flavors throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the chicken to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store leftover chicken and sauce in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Label the container with the date for easy tracking.

Freezing

• Portion out the cooled chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Remove as much air as possible before sealing to prevent freezer burn.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen chicken overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• For best results, reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring between each interval until hot.

FAQs

Got questions? You’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries about this delicious dish.

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for the Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just be sure to increase cooking time by about 1 hour on low or 30 minutes on high. Make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

What sides go well with the Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Recipe?

This recipe pairs beautifully with rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables. A fresh salad also complements the creamy sauce perfectly!

How can I make this Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Recipe healthier?

To make it lighter, consider using low-fat cream or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream. You can also reduce the amount of cheese used without sacrificing flavor.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Recipe brings warmth and joy to your dining table! It’s a wonderful dish that combines ease with impressive flavors, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy making it and sharing it with loved ones—there’s nothing quite like a home-cooked meal to create lasting memories. Happy cooking!