Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe

The name says it all—this Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is so deliciously creamy and packed with flavor that it might just inspire someone to propose! With tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich, creamy sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, this dish is an easy, slow-cooked version of the famous skillet recipe. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, romantic dinners, or when you want to serve something special without spending hours in the kitchen. This dish is sure to impress with its melt-in-your-mouth chicken and luxurious sauce!

this Recipe

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What is Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken?

Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is a slow cooker version of the popular skillet dish known for its creamy, dreamy sauce. The recipe gets its name from the idea that it’s so delicious, it could make someone want to marry you! Chicken breasts are slow-cooked in a savory sauce made with heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and aromatic herbs. As the chicken cooks in the crock pot, it becomes incredibly tender, and the sauce thickens into a rich, irresistible accompaniment. Serve this dish over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes to soak up all the creamy goodness.

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Ingredients List for Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

To make this creamy, flavorful dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, if you prefer)
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped, oil-packed works best)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Sauce:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup chicken broth (or water)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)

Optional Garnishes:

• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
• Extra Parmesan cheese, for serving

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Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is versatile and can be customized based on your preferences:

• Chicken thighs: You can substitute chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful option.
• Half-and-half instead of heavy cream: If you’re looking to lighten up the dish, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the sauce may be slightly less rich.
• Low-carb version: Serve this dish over cauliflower rice or mashed cauliflower for a low-carb alternative.
• Extra veggies: Add in some spinach or mushrooms during the last hour of cooking for extra texture and nutrition.
• Spicy kick: Increase the red pepper flakes for a spicier dish, or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Season the Chicken:

• Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides of the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.

1. Sear the Chicken (Optional):

• While this step isn’t necessary, searing the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker will give it a deeper flavor and a nice golden-brown color.
• Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side, until lightly browned. Transfer to the crock pot.

1. Prepare the Sauce:

• In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Add the heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using).
• Stir the sauce until the Parmesan is melted and the sauce is well combined. Simmer for about 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.

1. Add Chicken and Sauce to the Crock Pot:

• Place the seasoned chicken breasts (or thighs) into the crock pot. Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken, ensuring the pieces are evenly covered.
• Scatter the chopped sun-dried tomatoes on top of the chicken and sauce.

1. Cook in the Crock Pot:

• Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).

1. Finish the Dish:

• Once the chicken is cooked, stir the sauce in the crock pot to ensure everything is well mixed. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a bit more chicken broth to thin it out.
• Optional: Add fresh spinach to the crock pot during the last 20-30 minutes of cooking, if desired.

1. Serve:

• Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil, and sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top. Serve the chicken and sauce over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up all the creamy goodness.

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

1. Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Sear the chicken (optional) to deepen the flavor and color.
3. Make the creamy sauce by combining heavy cream, Parmesan, chicken broth, garlic, and seasonings.
4. Add everything to the crock pot and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
5. Garnish and serve with your favorite sides like pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the chicken: Chicken breasts can dry out if overcooked, so keep an eye on the time and check for doneness with a meat thermometer. Chicken thighs are more forgiving if you want extra juiciness.
• Using pre-shredded Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and gives the sauce a creamier texture. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
• Not stirring the sauce: Stirring the sauce occasionally during cooking helps to ensure it thickens evenly and doesn’t separate.
• Skipping the sun-dried tomatoes: These add a burst of flavor and richness to the dish, so don’t leave them out!

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Serving and Presentation Tips

For a beautiful presentation of Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken, consider these tips:

• Serve over pasta: Linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti work wonderfully with this creamy sauce.
• Top with fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil adds a pop of color and brightness to the dish.
• Pair with a green salad: A light salad with a tangy vinaigrette can help balance the richness of the creamy sauce.
• Offer garlic bread on the side: Perfect for dipping into the sauce.

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How to Serve Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some serving ideas:

• Over pasta: The creamy sauce pairs wonderfully with fettuccine, linguine, or penne.
• With mashed potatoes: Serve over mashed potatoes for a comforting, cozy meal.
• On rice: Spoon the chicken and sauce over white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
• With crusty bread: Use warm, crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce—it’s irresistible!

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Presentation Ideas for Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

1. Serve in the crock pot: For a rustic, family-style meal, serve the chicken directly from the crock pot. Garnish with fresh herbs and extra Parmesan before bringing it to the table.
2. Plate individually: Serve the chicken breasts on individual plates with a generous spoonful of sauce on top. Garnish with herbs, and place on top of pasta or rice for a more elegant presentation.
3. Add a colorful garnish: Use fresh parsley, basil, or even a wedge of lemon to brighten up the plate.

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Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe Tips

• Add vegetables: For a one-pot meal, add spinach, mushrooms, or even asparagus to the crock pot during the last hour of cooking.
• Make it ahead: You can prepare the sauce and season the chicken ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge, then add everything to the crock pot when you’re ready to cook.
• Double the recipe: If you’re serving a crowd, this recipe is easy to double. Just make sure your crock pot is large enough to fit everything!

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

• Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great option. They tend to stay juicier during slow cooking and absorb the flavors wonderfully.

1. Can I freeze Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken?

• Yes, this dish freezes well. Store the chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

1. What can I serve with Marry Me Chicken?

• This dish pairs perfectly with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or even crusty bread for dipping. A side of roasted vegetables or a green salad would also complement the richness of the sauce.

1. Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

• Yes! You can use the sauté function to sear the chicken and make the sauce. Then, cook on high pressure for 10 minutes with a natural pressure release.

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Conclusion

This Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken recipe is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or serving a special meal for someone you love, this dish is sure to impress. The combination of tender chicken, a rich Parmesan sauce, and flavorful sun-dried tomatoes makes it a standout meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Serve it with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, and enjoy the deliciously creamy flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds!

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