This Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is a keeper! Juicy chicken is cooked slowly in a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and garlic for a rich flavor. Perfect for impressing your loved ones!
Picture this: you serve it with some pasta or rice, and everyone is at the table asking for your secret recipe! Spoiler alert: it’s all in the crockpot magic. 🍗❤️
I love how simple it is—just toss everything into the crockpot and let it do its thing! It’s stress-free, and you’ll have a delicious meal waiting for you at the end of the day.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star here, but you could swap with thighs for more flavor and moisture. They take a bit longer to cook, so adjust your timing accordingly.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a tangy bite. If you don’t have them, try using fresh tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a different twist. Just chop them finely to keep the texture balanced.
Heavy Cream: This is what makes the sauce rich and creamy. You can use half-and-half for a lighter version, or coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative. Just keep in mind it may change the flavor somewhat.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds that distinctive cheesy flavor. If you’re out, Pecorino Romano works well too. Nutritional yeast can be a good substitute for a vegan option.
Italian Seasoning: This blend makes it super easy to flavor your dish. If you don’t have it, mix together dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary for a similar herb profile.
How Do I Get the Perfect Golden Chicken?
Searing the chicken before adding it to the crockpot is optional, but I highly recommend it. This simple technique intensifies the flavor and gives your chicken a beautiful golden crust.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- This extra step adds depth to the flavor and texture of your chicken.
Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Crockpot Marry Me Chicken requires about 15 minutes of prep time, and then you simply let it cook. Allow 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high for cooking. So, you can have a delightful meal ready in just a few hours!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Searing the Chicken (Optional):
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the skillet and sear each side for 2-3 minutes until they are golden brown. This step adds extra flavor, but you can skip it if you’re short on time!
2. Preparing the Sauce:
In the crockpot, combine the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, dried basil, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed. This will be the delicious sauce that makes your chicken super creamy!
3. Adding the Chicken:
Now, place the seared chicken breasts right into the crockpot. Make sure they are covered by the sauce you just prepared. This will let the chicken soak up all those yummy flavors!
4. Top it Off:
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the chicken. This will melt into the sauce and add an extra layer of deliciousness!
5. Cooking Time:
Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The chicken is done when it is cooked through and tender. The longer you let it cook, the more flavorful it will be!
6. Serving:
Once your chicken is cooked, serve it up with the creamy sauce generously spooned over the top. Don’t forget to garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color!
7. Enjoy!:
Serve your Marry Me Chicken with pasta, rice, or your favorite vegetables for a complete meal. Dive in and enjoy every bite of this irresistible dish!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, but you’ll want to ensure it’s completely thawed before cooking! I recommend thawing frozen chicken in the fridge overnight or in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water for about an hour. This way, it cooks evenly in the crockpot.
How Can I Make This Dish Low-Carb?
To make this dish low-carb, simply serve it over steamed vegetables like broccoli, zucchini noodles, or cauliflower rice instead of pasta or regular rice. You can also reduce the amount of cream and cheese for fewer carbs while still keeping it delicious!
Can I Substitute Heavy Cream?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mix of milk and a thickening agent like cornstarch. Just note that using milk may result in a slightly less creamy texture.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm gently on the stove or microwave. If the sauce thickens too much upon refrigeration, you can add a splash of chicken broth or cream when reheating to loosen it up.
