Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Recipe

If youโ€™re searching for a show-stopping dinner with hardly any fuss, Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is the dreamy answer. This crowd-pleasing dish features tender chicken breasts simmered in a creamy, garlicky sun-dried tomato sauce that tastes like it came from a high-end Italian bistro, except you practically just toss everything in the crockpot and let the magic happen. Whether itโ€™s a weeknight dinner or the centerpiece of a special meal, Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is bound to win hearts and requests for secondsโ€”all thanks to its irresistible blend of flavors and effortless preparation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is a testament to how a handful of simple components can transform into something spectacular. Each ingredient has a starring role, coming together for mouthwatering flavor, succulent texture, and a gorgeously rich sauce.

  • Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts serve as the perfect tender canvas for soaking up all that creamy, garlicky sauce.
  • Olive oil: Just a drizzle for a golden sear and a touch of Mediterranean flavorโ€”donโ€™t skip this, as it brings out the best in your chicken.
  • Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic infuses the sauce with bold, aromatic depth youโ€™d swear took hours to develop.
  • Sun-dried tomatoes: Their sweet-tangy flavor and chewy texture provide a delicious pop of color and a gourmet touch.
  • Chicken broth: This forms the savory base for your sauce, bringing everything together in comforting harmony.
  • Heavy cream: Creaminess alert! Heavy cream yields that lush, velvety sauce youโ€™ll want to scoop up with bread.
  • Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan gives the sauce a rich, nutty, and slightly salty finish.
  • Italian seasoning: A sprinkle of classic Italian herbs adds instant flavor complexityโ€”think basil, oregano, and rosemary.
  • Red pepper flakes: Just a pinch offers a gentle kick but you can adjust for your heat preference.
  • Salt and black pepper: To tasteโ€”critical for highlighting every savory note in this comforting dish.

How to Make Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Before your chicken gets cozy in the crockpot, give it a quick sear in a hot skillet with olive oil. Just a few minutes on each side will lock in the juices and build a gorgeous caramelized flavor that shines all the way through the slow cooking process.

Step 2: Layer Ingredients in the Crockpot

Once the chicken is golden, nestle the pieces in your crockpot. Scatter the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes over the top, making sure the savory, tangy flavors will infuse every bite. This layering helps ensure the chicken stays juicy and every mouthful bursts with Mediterranean flair.

Step 3: Whisk Up the Creamy Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, heavy cream, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, plus a little salt and black pepper. This simple mixture turns into silken magic as it cooks, draping the chicken in creamy, tangy goodness. Pour the sauce evenly over the layered chicken and toppings in your crockpot.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Set your crockpot on low for 3-4 hours or high for about 2 hours. Donโ€™t lift the lid too oftenโ€”your Crockpot Marry Me Chicken deserves uninterrupted cooking time for the most melt-in-your-mouth texture. The chicken is done when itโ€™s cooked through and tender, and the sauce is bubbling blissfully.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Once the chicken is cooked, give the sauce a gentle stir and taste for seasoning. Sprinkle extra Parmesan or fresh herbs if youโ€™re feeling fancy. Serve your Crockpot Marry Me Chicken hot and bask in the raves from around your table.

How to Serve Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

This creamy chicken dish gets even more irresistible with a few finishing touches. Try a generous shower of freshly grated Parmesan, a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or parsley, or even some extra sun-dried tomatoes. These little extras lift the dish visually and amplify its restaurant-worthy flavor.

Side Dishes

Crockpot Marry Me Chicken absolutely sings when served atop fluffy mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or a bed of buttery angel hair pasta. For something lighter, pair with garlicky sautรฉed spinach or a bright arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette. Donโ€™t forget an extra hunk of crusty bread to mop up every last drop of that rich sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to wow dinner guests or just enjoy something a bit fun, spoon the Crockpot Marry Me Chicken and its glorious sauce into shallow individual bowls, top with herb sprigs, and tuck in a parmesan crisp for crunch. For entertaining, serve it family-style from the crockpot with a stack of warm dinner rolls on the side for dippingโ€”watch it disappear in no time!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover Crockpot Marry Me Chicken and sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. The flavors get even better the next day, making it a dream for meal-prep or quick lunches. It will keep fresh for up to 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing

If you want to save it for a rainy day, this dish freezes surprisingly well. Simply cool completely and freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheatingโ€”just know that the creamy sauce may separate slightly when frozen, but itโ€™s still delicious stirred back together.

Reheating

Reheat Crockpot Marry Me Chicken gently over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally until warm. If the sauce seems too thick, splash in a little extra milk or chicken broth to bring back its silky texture. You can also reheat portions in the microwaveโ€”just do it in short bursts for the best result.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit more forgiving and remain extra juicy after slow cooking. Feel free to substitute boneless, skinless thighs in place of breastsโ€”they work beautifully in Crockpot Marry Me Chicken.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

You can swap the heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, or even use coconut cream for a subtle sweetness and dairy-free twistโ€”though it will slightly alter the flavor of your Crockpot Marry Me Chicken.

How spicy is this dish?

The pinch of red pepper flakes offers just the gentlest warmth, but Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is mostly creamy and rich, not spicy. Add more or less red pepper flakes to suit your personal taste.

Can I prep this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble everything in the crockpot insert the night before and refrigerate it covered. In the morning, just pop the insert into the crockpot base and start cookingโ€”dinner will basically make itself.

Is Crockpot Marry Me Chicken gluten-free?

Yes, as written, this recipe is naturally gluten-freeโ€”just check that your sun-dried tomatoes, broth, and Parmesan are certified gluten-free if cross-contamination is a concern.

Final Thoughts

Itโ€™s hard not to fall in love with a dish as easy yet impressive as Crockpot Marry Me Chicken. Each bite is packed with comfort, warmth, and vibrant flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Donโ€™t be surprised if it becomes your new go-to for weeknight dinners and cozy gatherings alikeโ€”give it a try and let your crockpot do the delicious work!

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Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Recipe

Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 114 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main-course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is a tender, creamy, and flavorful slow-cooked chicken dish featuring juicy chicken breasts in a rich sun-dried tomato cream sauce. This easy, crowd-pleasing recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and special occasions alike, promising melt-in-your-mouth chicken that’s impossible to resist!


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Chicken

  • 3 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Sauce

  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), drained and chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

To Finish

  • Chopped fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Season and Sear the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown (not cooked through). This step locks in flavor, but you can skip it for extra convenience.
  2. Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) until combined.
  3. Assemble in the Crockpot: Place seared chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken, ensuring itโ€™s well coated.
  4. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours, or until chicken is cooked through and tender. Avoid overcooking to keep the chicken juicy and tender.
  5. Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you like a thicker sauce, mix 2 teaspoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Let it simmer with the lid slightly ajar.
  6. Serve: Sprinkle chopped basil or parsley over the cooked chicken. Serve hot over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to mop up the sauce.

Notes

  • You can substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
  • Skip searing the chicken for an even quicker prep, though searing adds extra flavor and texture.
  • For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
  • The sauce thickens as it cools; add a splash of broth to loosen it if reheating.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 920mg
  • Fat: 27g
  • Saturated Fat: 13g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 48g
  • Cholesterol: 165mg

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