Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe

If you're looking for a dinner that's so delicious, it might just make someone fall in love with you, then this Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken recipe is exactly what you need! This slow-cooked dish is packed with flavor from tender chicken breasts simmered in a creamy, garlicky sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and aromatic herbs. It's the perfect easy, yet impressive, meal to serve to your loved ones—and yes, the name comes from the idea that after tasting it, they might propose!

Let’s dive into this rich and decadent dish that’s ideal for a cozy dinner or special occasion. You’ll love the simplicity of using a crock pot, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while you go about your day.

this Recipe

What is Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken?

Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is a slow-cooked, creamy chicken dish that’s incredibly flavorful, featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a savory sauce made with heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and herbs. The slow cooking process makes the chicken ultra-juicy while infusing it with the rich, garlicky flavor of the sauce. This dish has earned its playful name because, supposedly, it’s so delicious that whoever eats it might be inclined to pop the question! Whether or not that's true, the combination of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and the slight tang of sun-dried tomatoes is absolutely irresistible.

Ingredients List for Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need to make this romantic, flavorful dish. This recipe serves about 4 people, but you can adjust it to feed more by doubling the ingredients.

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for searing the chicken)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, drained and roughly chopped)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Substitutions and Variations

One of the great things about Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is that it’s adaptable. Here are some ideas to modify the recipe to suit your taste or what you have on hand:

• Chicken Thighs: You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a richer flavor. Thighs are juicier and won’t dry out as easily during slow cooking.
• Cream Alternatives: To lighten up the recipe, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. For a dairy-free version, use full-fat coconut milk (although this will change the flavor slightly).
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers can work as a substitute, though sun-dried tomatoes add a unique tangy-sweet flavor.
• Herbs: Feel free to experiment with different herbs. Fresh rosemary, basil, or sage can add another layer of flavor. Fresh herbs are recommended for garnish, but dried herbs work well during cooking.
• Add Veggies: For a more complete one-pot meal, toss in some vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini during the last hour of cooking.

These variations give you plenty of options to tweak the dish to your liking while keeping the flavors fresh and exciting.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s walk through the steps to make this delicious Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken.

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

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This helps to build flavor right from the start.

Step 2: (Optional) Sear the Chicken

For an extra layer of flavor, you can quickly sear the chicken breasts in a hot skillet with a bit of olive oil before placing them in the crock pot. Cook each side for about 2-3 minutes until they are golden brown, but not fully cooked. This step is optional, but it helps to develop deeper flavors.

Step 3: Add Chicken to Crock Pot

Place the seasoned (and seared, if you did the optional step) chicken breasts at the bottom of the crock pot.

Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Sauce

In a medium bowl, combine the minced garlic, chicken broth, heavy cream, grated Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, thyme, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine everything. The Parmesan will add a lot of savory, umami flavor to the sauce, while the sun-dried tomatoes add a touch of sweetness and tang.

Step 5: Pour the Sauce Over the Chicken

Pour the creamy mixture over the chicken breasts, ensuring that the chicken is fully submerged in the sauce. This allows the chicken to soak up all the rich flavors as it cooks.

Step 6: Cook the Chicken

Cover the crock pot with the lid and cook the chicken on LOW for 3-4 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Chicken breasts are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Step 7: (Optional) Thicken the Sauce

If you’d like a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Add this mixture to the crock pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking, and stir to combine. This will help thicken the sauce into a luscious, creamy consistency.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Once the chicken is done cooking, remove it from the crock pot and spoon some of the delicious creamy sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve with your favorite side dishes like mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken turns out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes:

• Overcooking the Chicken: Chicken breasts can dry out if overcooked. Be sure to check the internal temperature around the lower end of the cooking time to avoid dryness.
• Skipping the Searing Step: While searing is optional, it adds a depth of flavor that makes the dish even more delicious. Don’t skip this step if you have time!
• Not Thickening the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, don’t forget to use the cornstarch slurry. The slow cooking method can leave the sauce a bit thin without it.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Once your Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is ready, you’ll want to serve it up beautifully. Here are some ideas for sides and presentation:

How to Serve Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

This dish pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas:

• Mashed Potatoes: The creamy sauce is perfect over fluffy mashed potatoes.
• Pasta: Serve the chicken and sauce over fettuccine or penne for a comforting pasta dish.
• Rice: Simple white or brown rice works wonderfully to soak up the rich sauce.
• Crusty Bread: Use crusty bread or garlic bread to mop up every last bit of the sauce.

Presentation Ideas for Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley on top of the chicken before serving for a burst of color and flavor.
• Add Lemon Slices: Serve with lemon wedges or slices for a fresh, citrusy contrast to the rich cream sauce.
• Plating Tip: Place the chicken breast on a plate with a side of your starch (potatoes, pasta, or rice), and spoon the creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes generously over the top.

Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe Tips

To get the best results, keep these tips in mind:

• Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-grated Parmesan cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. For the creamiest sauce, freshly grate the Parmesan yourself.
• Check for Doneness Early: Chicken breasts can overcook quickly in a crock pot. Start checking for doneness at the lower end of the cooking time range.
• Adjust the Spice Level: If you like a spicier dish, add extra red pepper flakes or even a dash of cayenne pepper.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great alternative. They’re juicier and less likely to dry out. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a little longer to cook through.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare everything the night before and refrigerate it in the crock pot insert. The next day, simply pop the insert into the crock pot and start cooking.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the

microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.

Q: Can I freeze Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken?
A: Yes, this dish freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

Conclusion

Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is a creamy, flavorful dish that’s bound to win over anyone you serve it to! With tender chicken breasts, a rich and garlicky cream sauce, and the bold flavor of sun-dried tomatoes, this recipe is perfect for a romantic dinner or simply a comforting meal with family and friends. Best of all, it’s made in the crock pot, making it a hands-off dish that allows you to go about your day while your dinner practically makes itself. Give this dish a try—you never know, it might just lead to a proposal!

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