This Easy Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is a creamy, dreamy dish that you’ll fall in love with! Made with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and rich parmesan, it’s perfect for any day of the week.
And let’s be real, this dish just might win your heart! 🍽️ I love how I can toss everything in and let the slow cooker do the magic. Pair it with pasta or rice, and you’re all set for a cozy meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe as they stay juicy and tender. If you’re looking for a leaner option, skinless chicken thighs work well too!
Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its richness. If you prefer a lighter version, use half-and-half or whole milk, but be aware the sauce will be less creamy.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a nice depth of flavor. Instead of Parmesan, you can use Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: They bring in a lovely tang. If you can’t find them, you could use roasted red peppers for a different flavor profile, but they will add a bit more sweetness.
Seasoning: Adjust the red pepper flakes according to your spice preference. If you want a herby twist, add a bit of fresh rosemary or thyme.
How Do You Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked and Flavorful?
Searing the chicken before it goes into the crock pot is essential. This step locks in flavor and gives a nice golden color. Just heat up some olive oil and quickly sear each side for about 2-3 minutes. Don’t worry about cooking it all the way through; it will finish cooking in the crock pot!
- After searing, carefully transfer the chicken to the crock pot.
- Mix all the other sauce ingredients in one bowl – this keeps things simple and combines flavors beautifully.
- Lastly, cooking on low is usually better since it allows for the chicken to stay moist and absorb the flavors. Just set it and forget it!
With these tips, you’ll make a meal that’s sure to impress anyone at the table! Enjoy!
Easy Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed, drained)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Time Needed
This dish takes about 15 minutes to prep, and then you’ll let it cook in the crock pot. If you use the low setting, it’ll take 4-6 hours, or just 2-3 hours on high. Perfect for a busy day!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sear the Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. While it’s warming up, season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken and sear it for about 2-3 minutes on each side until it’s golden brown. You don’t need to cook it all the way through yet. Just get a nice color on it. When done, transfer the chicken to your crock pot.
2. Make the Creamy Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, chicken broth, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Whisk everything together until it’s well mixed.
3. Combine in the Crock Pot
Pour this creamy sauce mixture over the chicken that’s already in the crock pot. Make sure the chicken is nicely coated with the sauce.
4. Cook to Perfection
Cover the crock pot and set it to cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. When it’s done, the chicken should be cooked through and tender. It’ll smell amazing too!
5. Final Touches
Before serving, give the sauce a gentle stir to mix it all back together. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed with extra salt or pepper. It’s all about your flavor preference!
6. Serve with Love
Garnish your dish with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a pop of color. Serve the creamy chicken over pasta, rice, or alongside some crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce. Enjoy your easy, luscious Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken!
FAQ
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts in This Recipe?
It’s best to use thawed chicken for this recipe to ensure even cooking. If you only have frozen chicken, be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or use the cold water method—submerge the sealed chicken in cold water until fully thawed. Then proceed with the recipe as directed.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, you can use half-and-half or whole milk. While it will still taste delicious, the sauce will be slightly less creamy. For a dairy-free option, coconut cream can work, but it will impart a different flavor!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’d like to keep it longer, you can freeze the chicken and sauce for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I Add Vegetables to the Dish?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Just toss them in the crock pot with the chicken and sauce to cook together. Adding veggies is a great way to enhance the dish’s flavor and nutrition!