Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite lazy-day dinner – this insanely creamy Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken! It’s the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes and sigh after the first bite. I stumbled upon this recipe when my sister came over unexpectedly last winter, and now it’s my go-to “impress someone” meal (though honestly, I make it just for myself way too often).
The magic happens while you go about your day – just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it work its wonders. Six hours later, you’ve got tender chicken swimming in this luxurious sauce with sun-dried tomatoes that add little bursts of sweet-tangy flavor. My neighbor actually knocked on my door last time I made it because, as she put it, “Whatever you’re cooking smells like heaven!” That’s the power of Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken – it fills your whole house with the most incredible garlicky, herby aroma.
Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken
Let me count the ways this recipe will steal your heart (just like it stole mine!):
- Effortless elegance: Dump everything in the crock pot and walk away – it basically cooks itself while you binge your favorite show
- Flavor bomb: That creamy, garlicky sauce with pops of sweet sun-dried tomatoes will have you licking the spoon (no judgment!)
- Meal prep magic: Makes amazing leftovers – the flavors get even better the next day
- Crowd-pleaser: Works for date nights, family dinners, or when you need to impress your in-laws (it’s how I got my nickname “the chicken whisperer”)
- Endlessly adaptable: Serve over pasta, rice, or just grab some crusty bread to soak up all that glorious sauce
Ingredients for Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken
Okay, let’s gather our ingredients – this is where the magic starts! I’ve learned through trial and error that quality matters here, especially with such a simple ingredient list. Here’s what you’ll need for that perfect creamy goodness:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total – look for plump ones with even thickness)
- 1 cup heavy cream (yes, the full-fat kind – trust me, it makes all the difference)
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth (I use homemade, but store-bought works too)
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (the oil-packed ones add extra flavor, but dry works too – just plump them in warm water first)
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (none of that powdery stuff – it melts so much better)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder in a pinch, but fresh is best)
- 1 tsp dried basil (rub it between your fingers before adding to wake up the flavor)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste (I do about 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional but pretty!)
See? Nothing fancy, just good, honest ingredients that come together to create something magical. Now let’s get cooking!
How to Make Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken
Alright, let’s dive into the good stuff – turning those simple ingredients into the most tender, flavorful chicken you’ll ever make. I promise it’s easier than you think! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have everyone at your table asking when you’ll make this again.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
First things first – grab those beautiful chicken breasts. Here’s my little secret: pat them dry with paper towels first. It helps the sauce cling better later. No need to season them yet – we’ll get to that. Just place them in your crock pot in a single layer. If they’re really thick (more than 1 inch), I sometimes give them a quick pound with a rolling pin to even them out. This way they cook evenly and stay juicy.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
Now for the magical sauce! In a medium bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and chicken broth until they’re best friends. Then toss in those gorgeous sun-dried tomatoes, grated Parmesan, minced garlic (oh, that heavenly smell!), basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Give it a really good stir – you want all those flavors to start mingling right away. The Parmesan might clump a bit at first, but keep stirring and it’ll smooth out. Taste it (yes, right now!) and adjust the seasoning if needed. I usually add an extra pinch of salt because the flavors will mellow during cooking.
Step 3: Cook and Serve
Pour that luscious sauce right over your waiting chicken breasts. Try to coat them evenly – I use a spoon to baste them a bit. Now, cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours. No peeking! Every time you lift that lid, you’re letting heat escape and adding cooking time. When it’s done, the chicken should be fork-tender – if you try to shred it with two forks, it should practically fall apart. Garnish with fresh parsley (it adds such a pretty pop of color!) and serve immediately. Watch out – people might start proposing after one bite of this chicken!
Pro tip: If your sauce seems a bit thin after cooking, don’t panic! Just remove the chicken and let the sauce bubble uncovered on high for 15-20 minutes to thicken up. Or mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water and stir it in, then cook for another 10 minutes. Either way works like a charm!
Tips for Perfect Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken
After making this dish more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some tricks that’ll take your Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken from good to “oh my goodness, what IS this?!” levels of delicious:
- Shred it up: For a fun twist, use two forks to shred the cooked chicken right in the sauce – it soaks up even more flavor and makes perfect filling for sandwiches or wraps
- Cream control: To prevent curdling, always use room temperature cream and avoid cooking on high for too long (low and slow is your friend!)
- Tomato trick: If using oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, pat them dry first so they don’t make the sauce greasy
- Fresh herb magic: Stir in some fresh basil at the end for a bright pop of flavor that’ll make your taste buds dance
- Size matters: Cut larger chicken breasts in half horizontally for more even cooking – no one likes dry edges with a raw center!
Trust me, these little touches make all the difference between “good chicken” and “marry me now” chicken!
Serving Suggestions for Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken
Oh, the possibilities! This chicken is so versatile – I’ve served it a dozen different ways and it’s always a hit. My absolute favorite? Piled high over a bowl of fettuccine with extra sauce. But don’t stop there! Try it with:
- Fluffy white rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up every drop of that glorious sauce
- Crusty garlic bread for dipping (trust me, you’ll want to lick the plate)
- A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness
- Roasted veggies on the side – the sauce makes even Brussels sprouts taste amazing!
Storing and Reheating Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken
Here’s the good news – this chicken tastes even better the next day as the flavors really get cozy together! Just let it cool completely, then pop it in an airtight container (I’m obsessed with glass ones – no sauce stains!). It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, be gentle – either warm it slowly in a saucepan over low heat (stirring often) or in the microwave at 50% power in short bursts. Whatever you do, don’t let it boil again or the cream might separate. Nobody wants broken sauce!
Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Variations
Listen, I make this recipe at least twice a month, so I’ve gotten creative with swaps when I’m out of ingredients or feeding friends with different tastes. Here are my favorite twists that still keep all that marry-me magic:
- For meat lovers: Brown some beef bacon or turkey bacon bits and sprinkle on top before serving – gives an amazing salty crunch!
- Dairy-free dream: Swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk (the canned kind) and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan – my vegan sister couldn’t believe how good it was
- Extra veggie power: Toss in a handful of spinach or kale during the last 30 minutes of cooking – it wilts perfectly into that creamy sauce
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the other seasonings for a subtle kick that’ll make you go “Wow!”
- Tomato twist: No sun-dried tomatoes? Use 2 tbsp tomato paste mixed into the sauce plus some roasted red peppers for texture
The best part? No matter how you tweak it, that creamy, comforting soul of the dish always shines through. Have fun playing with it!
Nutritional Information for Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken
Now, let’s be real – we’re not eating this dish because it’s “light,” but because it’s downright delicious! That said, here’s the scoop for those who like to know: One serving (about 1 chicken breast with sauce) clocks in around 350 calories, with 20g fat (10g saturated), 35g protein, and 8g carbs. But listen – these numbers can vary depending on your exact ingredients. Did you use extra Parmesan? More cream? Different brands? All that changes the math. My philosophy? Enjoy every creamy, dreamy bite now, then maybe take an extra walk tomorrow!
FAQs About Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Oh honey, I’ve been there! While fresh is best, frozen works in a pinch. Just add 1-2 extra hours cooking time on low and skip any added salt (frozen chicken often has sodium). Pro tip: don’t stack them – lay them out single layer so they cook evenly.
Help! My sauce is too thin – how do I thicken it?
Don’t panic – we’ve all faced the “soupy sauce” situation! Two fixes: 1) Remove the chicken and simmer the sauce uncovered on high for 15-20 minutes, or 2) Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water, stir it in, and cook 10 more minutes. Either way, you’ll get that luscious, cling-to-your-spoon consistency.
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely! Assemble everything in the crock pot insert the night before (keep the sauce separate if possible), refrigerate, then pop it in the cooker in the morning. Just add 30 extra minutes cooking time since it’s starting cold. The flavors actually get better!
What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
No worries! Try roasted red peppers for sweetness or a tablespoon of tomato paste for depth. I’ve even used a handful of cherry tomatoes tossed in during the last hour when desperate – still delicious!
Can I use chicken thighs instead?
You bet! Thighs stay extra juicy. Use bone-in for more flavor (just remove skin) and cook the same time. They’ll be fall-off-the-bone tender. My husband actually prefers thighs – says they make the sauce even richer!
Now go make this chicken and wow someone special (even if that someone is you!). Tag me @ChickenQueen with your creations – I love seeing your versions! For more great recipes, check out RecipeTin Eats.
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Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 mins (low) or 3 hours 10 mins (high)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A creamy, flavorful chicken dish made in a crock pot, perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in the crock pot.
- In a bowl, mix heavy cream, chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, garlic, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Shred the chicken before serving for a different texture.
- Serve over pasta or rice.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 6 hours (low) or 3 hours (high)
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
