Imagine walking into your kitchen to the mouthwatering aroma of slow-cooked chicken, infused with garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. This is what you get with Crockpot Marry Me Chicken, a dish that’s become a favorite for busy weeknights and special occasions alike. Its creamy sauce and tender chicken make it perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself. After all, who wouldn’t want to "marry" the cook who whips up something this delicious?
Why make this recipe
Why you’ll love this dish
There are countless reasons to add Crockpot Marry Me Chicken to your repertoire. First off, it’s incredibly convenient. Just set your slow cooker in the morning and return home to a dish that tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. It’s also budget-friendly, making it an ideal choice for families or anyone wanting to save a few bucks while enjoying gourmet flavors.
As one thrilled home cook shared: “This chicken was a hit at our dinner party! The flavors were out of this world, and everyone asked for the recipe!”
Moreover, it’s endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re on a busy weeknight or hosting a special celebration, this dish can effortlessly fit the occasion. You can even make it ahead of time, freeing you up to enjoy quality time with your guests or family.
How to make Crockpot Marry Me Chicken: The Ultimate Slow Cooker Recipe
Step-by-step overview
The beauty of Crockpot Marry Me Chicken lies in its simplicity. You’ll appreciate the straightforward process that brings such rich flavors together without fuss. This dish typically comes together with just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, making it as easy to prepare as it is delightful to eat.
Ingredients
What you’ll need
Here’s what you’ll gather to create this tasty dish:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 4 large breasts)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil (drained and chopped)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated is best)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped)
Feel free to customize! For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk.
Directions
Step-by-step instructions
- Pat the chicken breasts dry.
- In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Rub this seasoning mix all over the chicken breasts.
- Place the seasoned chicken in the bottom of your 6-quart slow cooker.
- Top the chicken with minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
- Pour chicken broth around the chicken to keep it moist during slow cooking.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Using two forks, shred the chicken while still in the crockpot, or remove it to shred and then return it to the pot.
- Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the sauce is smooth and the cheese has fully melted.
- Turn off the slow cooker and mix in the fresh basil. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes for the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Serve hot, and enjoy every bite!
How to serve Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
Best ways to enjoy it
This Chicken is fabulous on its own, but consider pairing it with something to soak up that delicious sauce. Serve it over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, or alongside rice or pasta. Fresh crusty bread is also a perfect accompaniment. Don’t forget to garnish with extra chopped basil for a pop of color and flavor!
How to store
Storage and reheating tips
Leftovers can be a lifesaver! Make sure to let the chicken cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For long-term storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. Just be careful not to overheat, so the sauce remains creamy!
Tips to make
Helpful cooking tips
- Prep Ahead: If you’re short on time, season the chicken the night before and let it marinate in the fridge. This will enhance the flavors.
- Don’t Skimp on Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese really makes a difference in the creaminess of the sauce.
- Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to tweak the seasonings based on your preference. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick!
Variations
Creative twists
Want to shake things up? Consider adding some sautéed spinach or chopped bell peppers to the slow cooker for extra veggies. You can also swap out the sun-dried tomatoes for roasted red peppers or diced olives for a different take. For a lighter version, use chicken thighs instead of breasts, which will add additional flavor and tenderness!
FAQs
Common questions
1. How long does it take to cook Crockpot Marry Me Chicken?
On LOW, it takes about 3-4 hours, and on HIGH, it takes 2-3 hours. It depends on your slow cooker, so check for doneness!
2. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
While you can use frozen chicken, it’s recommended to thaw them first for more even cooking.
3. Is this dish kid-friendly?
Absolutely! The creamy sauce and tender chicken make this dish a hit with kids and adults alike. Just adjust the seasonings per your family’s preference!
Enjoy making and sharing this incredible dish with your loved ones!
Print
Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
- Total Time: 255 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A mouthwatering slow-cooked chicken dish infused with garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, perfect for busy weeknights and special occasions.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 4 large breasts)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil (drained and chopped)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated is best)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil (chopped)
Instructions
- Pat the chicken breasts dry.
- In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Rub this seasoning mix all over the chicken breasts.
- Place the seasoned chicken in the bottom of your 6-quart slow cooker.
- Top the chicken with minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
- Pour chicken broth around the chicken to keep it moist during slow cooking.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 180-240 minutes or HIGH for 120-180 minutes, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Using two forks, shred the chicken while still in the crockpot, or remove it to shred and then return it to the pot.
- Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the sauce is smooth and the cheese has fully melted.
- Turn off the slow cooker and mix in the fresh basil. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes for the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Serve hot, and enjoy every bite!
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the refrigerator or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat gently.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian