“Marry Me Chicken” is one of those irresistibly creamy, comforting dishes that promises to win over hearts—hence its name! This slow-cooked version is perfect for busy days when you want a gourmet meal with minimal effort. The rich, velvety sauce combined with tender chicken makes it an unforgettable dish that your family or guests will adore. People often rave about how this meal leaves a lasting impression, earning it its “marry me” title. It’s a favorite for date nights, anniversaries, or any occasion when you want a meal to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Simple ingredients but big flavors
- Perfect for crock-pot convenience
- Creamy, flavorful sauce without added alcohol
- Ideal for special occasions or weeknight meals
- Easy to make ahead and store
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/4 cup turkey ham, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
How to Make Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden. This step enhances the flavor but is optional if you are short on time.
- Assemble the Crock Pot: Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic, thyme, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes to the crock pot. Stir well to combine.
- Add the Chicken and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Place the seared chicken breasts into the crock pot, making sure they’re covered by the sauce. Sprinkle in the sun-dried tomatoes and turkey ham for extra richness.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. You can also cook it on high for 2-3 hours if you’re in a rush.
- Finish and Serve: Once done, give the sauce a stir to fully incorporate all the flavors. Garnish with fresh basil and serve the chicken with the creamy sauce over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Cooking Tips:
- Browning the chicken before adding it to the crock pot adds extra flavor but can be skipped if you’re short on time.
- To thicken the sauce, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Add a handful of fresh spinach during the last 10 minutes of cooking for extra color and nutrition.
Helpful Tips:
- Use low-sodium broth to prevent the dish from becoming too salty.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream, though it will alter the flavor slightly.
- You can substitute turkey ham with turkey bacon for a different flavor.
Details:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-5 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes (low) or 2 hours 10 minutes (high)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Adaptable for Gluten-Free
Notes:
If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Nutritional Information (approximate per serving):
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe, staying moist and tender throughout the cooking process.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish ahead and reheat it in the crock pot on the warm setting or on the stove.
What should I serve with Marry Me Chicken?
This dish is delicious served over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, and pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp salad.
Storage Instructions:
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Related Recipes:
If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cheesy delights:
Conclusion:
Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is an easy-to-make, flavorful meal that’s bound to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Its creamy, rich sauce and tender chicken make it perfect for both special occasions and weeknight dinners. Try it out and see why everyone falls in love with this dish!
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Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken
Description
“Marry Me Chicken” is one of those irresistibly creamy, comforting dishes that promises to win over hearts—hence its name! This slow-cooked version is perfect for busy days when you want a gourmet meal with minimal effort. The rich, velvety sauce combined with tender chicken makes it an unforgettable dish that your family or guests will adore. People often rave about how this meal leaves a lasting impression, earning it its “marry me” title. It’s a favorite for date nights, anniversaries, or any occasion when you want a meal to impress.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/4 cup turkey ham, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden. This step enhances the flavor but is optional if you are short on time.
- Assemble the Crock Pot: Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic, thyme, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes to the crock pot. Stir well to combine.
- Add the Chicken and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Place the seared chicken breasts into the crock pot, making sure they’re covered by the sauce. Sprinkle in the sun-dried tomatoes and turkey ham for extra richness.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. You can also cook it on high for 2-3 hours if you’re in a rush.
- Finish and Serve: Once done, give the sauce a stir to fully incorporate all the flavors. Garnish with fresh basil and serve the chicken with the creamy sauce over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Notes
If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
