Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe

Are you looking for a slow-cooked meal that’s not only flavorful but also guaranteed to impress? This Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is a creamy, savory dish that has earned its romantic name because it’s said to be so good, it might just lead to a marriage proposal! Whether you’re cooking for a loved one, a special occasion, or just want a delicious meal, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household. Stick around as we dive into the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and expert tips to help you master this dish!

What is "Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken"?

"Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken" is a creamy and savory chicken dish that has become popular for its rich flavor and tender, slow-cooked chicken breast. It typically involves a blend of cream, chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan cheese, and various herbs and spices, all slow-cooked together to create a velvety sauce that coats the chicken perfectly. The name comes from the idea that the flavors are so irresistible, it’s "proposal-worthy." Cooking it in a crock pot makes it incredibly easy and convenient, perfect for a busy weeknight or a romantic dinner at home.

Ingredients List for Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken:

To get started, you’ll need a few simple, fresh ingredients. These can be easily found at your local grocery store, and once combined, they create a sauce that is rich, creamy, and utterly delicious.

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – You can use thighs if you prefer a more tender, flavorful cut of meat.
• 1 cup of heavy cream – This forms the creamy base of the sauce, giving it richness.
• ½ cup of chicken broth – Helps to thin out the sauce slightly and infuses even more savory flavor.
• ½ cup of grated parmesan cheese – Adds a nutty, salty kick to the sauce, helping to balance the creaminess.
• ½ cup of sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped) – Adds a slightly sweet and tangy contrast to the creamy sauce.
• 2 teaspoons of garlic powder or 4 cloves of minced garlic – Adds depth of flavor.
• 1 teaspoon of onion powder – Provides a subtle onion flavor without the texture.
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano – A classic herb that pairs beautifully with chicken and tomatoes.
• 1 teaspoon of thyme – Another herb that brings a fragrant, earthy taste to the dish.
• ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes – Optional, but adds a slight heat to balance the richness of the sauce.
• Salt and pepper to taste – Essential for seasoning the chicken and sauce.
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil – For searing the chicken before placing it in the crock pot (optional, but recommended for added flavor).

Substitutions and Variations

If you don’t have all the exact ingredients, don’t worry! You can make a few substitutions without compromising too much on flavor. Here are a few ideas:

• Chicken Thighs vs. Chicken Breasts: If you prefer a juicier cut of meat, chicken thighs are a great substitute for chicken breasts. They become incredibly tender and juicy after hours in the slow cooker.
• Light Cream vs. Heavy Cream: To reduce the fat content, you can swap heavy cream for half-and-half or light cream. Keep in mind, the sauce may not be as thick or rich, but it will still be delicious.
• Fresh Tomatoes vs. Sun-Dried Tomatoes: If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes on hand, fresh cherry or Roma tomatoes can be used. Just be aware that the flavor won’t be as concentrated and sweet.
• Vegetarian Version: If you want to make this dish vegetarian, you can substitute the chicken with firm tofu or even cauliflower florets. The sauce is flavorful enough to work with a variety of proteins.
• Cheese Variations: While parmesan is traditional, feel free to experiment with other hard cheeses like Asiago or Romano for a different flavor profile.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients, let’s move on to the cooking process. The beauty of this recipe is how easy it is to prepare, especially with the convenience of a crock pot.

How to Cook Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Season the Chicken: Start by seasoning your chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder on both sides. This step ensures that your chicken is flavorful from the inside out.
2. Sear the Chicken (Optional but Recommended): Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. This step adds extra flavor and locks in moisture, but you can skip it if you're short on time.
3. Prepare the Sauce: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, chicken broth, grated parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
4. Add Ingredients to Crock Pot: Place the seared chicken breasts in the bottom of your crock pot. Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-covered.
5. Cook on Low or High: Set your crock pot to low and cook for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The key here is to cook until the chicken is tender and easily shredded or cut.
6. Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you don't have a thermometer, make sure the chicken is no longer pink in the center.
7. Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If your sauce seems a bit too thin for your liking, you can thicken it by removing the chicken and stirring in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water) into the sauce. Cook on high for an additional 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
8. Serve: Once the chicken is done cooking and the sauce is to your desired consistency, serve your Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken hot!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Skipping the Searing Step: While optional, searing the chicken adds a depth of flavor that can’t be achieved with slow cooking alone. Don’t skip this step if you want a more flavorful dish.
2. Overcooking the Chicken: Be mindful of the cooking time. Even though the crock pot is a slow cooker, leaving the chicken in too long can make it dry, especially if you’re using chicken breasts.
3. Forgetting to Taste the Sauce: Always taste the sauce before serving to adjust the seasoning. You might find that you need a bit more salt, pepper, or even some extra parmesan for added flavor.

Serving and Presentation Tips

While Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is delicious on its own, how you serve and present it can elevate the meal to a whole new level. Here are some serving ideas to help make your dish the star of the dinner table.

How to Serve Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

• Over Pasta: One of the best ways to enjoy this dish is by serving it over a bed of your favorite pasta, like fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti. The creamy sauce clings perfectly to the pasta, creating a comforting, filling meal.
• With Rice or Mashed Potatoes: For a more hearty, comforting meal, serve the chicken alongside rice or mashed potatoes. The starchy sides help soak up the rich sauce.
• With Vegetables: Balance the richness of the dish by serving it with roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus.

Presentation Ideas for Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil on top of the chicken adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
• Use a Pretty Serving Dish: Serve the chicken in a shallow, wide dish to allow the sauce to pool around the chicken breasts. This makes it easy for guests to spoon extra sauce over their servings.
• Top with Extra Parmesan: Grate some extra parmesan over the chicken just before serving for an added touch of luxury.

Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe Tips

• Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe is fantastic for meal prepping! The chicken and sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• Freezing Tips: You can also freeze the cooked chicken and sauce for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in a saucepan over medium heat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. However, it's best to thaw them before cooking for more even results. If you use them frozen, make sure to add extra time to the cooking process.

2. Can I make this recipe without a crock pot?
Yes! You can cook Marry Me Chicken in a Dutch oven or a large skillet. Sear the chicken as instructed, add the sauce, and then simmer on low for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.

3. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months.

Conclusion

This Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken recipe is a perfect example of how a few simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. Whether you're preparing it for a date night or a family dinner, the creamy sauce, tender chicken, and rich flavors are sure to impress. Plus, with easy preparation and minimal hands-on cooking time, this dish is a winner in both flavor and convenience. Try it today and let the flavors speak for themselves – who knows, it might just lead to a proposal!

Print