If you’ve been searching for a comforting, flavorful dish that practically cooks itself while you go about your day, let me introduce you to the Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe. This dish is a creamy, garlicky, sun-dried tomato masterpiece that brings together tender chicken breasts bathed in a luscious sauce that tastes gourmet but is incredibly easy to make. It’s one of those recipes that will have you wondering why you ever stressed about dinner when your slow cooker can deliver this much deliciousness almost effortlessly. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it just might earn a permanent place in your dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients together for this dish is refreshingly simple, yet each element plays a crucial role in building the rich flavor and satisfying texture that make this recipe so irresistible. From the creamy heavy cream to the tangy sun-dried tomatoes, everything blends harmoniously to elevate this chicken dish to the next level.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, providing tender, juicy protein.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For searing the chicken to develop that beautiful golden crust.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds a savory base and helps deglaze the pan for extra flavor.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the rich and creamy sauce that envelops the chicken.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a salty, nutty depth to the sauce.
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: Adds bursts of tangy sweetness and vibrant color.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Offers an earthy, slightly minty herbaceous note.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Gives subtle depth and complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For just a hint of heat that wakes up the palate.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle spice and sharpness.
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish): A fresh, bright finish to the dish.
How to Make Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Season your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Place them in the skillet and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, until they achieve a beautiful golden-brown color. This step locks in the juices and adds a wonderful texture to the final dish. Once seared, transfer the chicken straight into your crock pot—no need to clean the skillet just yet!
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
Using the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant—this releases that incredible garlicky aroma you’ll love. Then pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, carefully scraping up all those tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom. This step brings a world of flavor to your sauce. Pour this garlicky broth right over the chicken in the crock pot.
Step 3: Add the Creamy Goodness
Next, add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, thyme, and the optional red pepper flakes to the crock pot. Give everything a good stir to combine the ingredients and coat the chicken with the luscious sauce. This luscious mixture promises a heavenly balance of creamy, cheesy, and tangy notes that meld perfectly as it cooks.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the crock pot and set it to cook on low for 3 to 4 hours. During this time, the chicken will become incredibly tender, soaking up every bit of that flavorful sauce. Patience here is your friend—resist the urge to peek too often! When done, the sauce will be thickened just right, ready to impress.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley over the chicken to add a burst of color and freshness that brightens the dish. This simple touch makes the meal look as fantastic as it tastes.
How to Serve Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley is a must to bring a vivid green pop and fresh flavor contrast to this creamy dish. You could even add a few cracked black pepper flakes or an extra pinch of Parmesan for the garnish to make it look restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Think creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce, buttery garlic bread for dipping, or a light pasta like fettuccine tossed just in olive oil and garlic. For something extra fresh, steamed green beans or a crisp mixed salad round out the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress your dinner guests? Serve the chicken on a bed of wilted spinach or roasted vegetables, then drizzle the sauce over the top like a velvety finishing touch. For a low-carb option, plate with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to keep the dish light yet satisfying.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe is just as delightful the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld, making your next meal even more flavorful and easy to reheat.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this dish later, it freezes beautifully. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture and taste.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to rewarm the sauce without breaking it. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream while reheating will help refresh the sauce’s creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe?
While it’s best to start with fresh or fully thawed chicken breasts for even cooking, you can use frozen chicken if you increase the slow cooking time slightly. Just ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Swap out the heavy cream for coconut cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative to keep the creamy texture while accommodating dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
Can I add vegetables to the crock pot?
Absolutely! Vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach work well added before cooking. Just keep in mind they may release moisture and could slightly change the sauce consistency.
What type of sun-dried tomatoes should I use?
You can use either oil-packed or dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes. If using dry-packed, rehydrate them in warm water for 10 minutes before chopping to soften and release their flavor.
How spicy is this recipe with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add just a gentle kick to balance the richness of the sauce. You can easily omit them or adjust the amount to suit your spice preference perfectly.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about the Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe that turns any ordinary day into a special occasion. It’s a warm hug of creamy, cheesy, garlicky goodness that’s simple to make but sure to wow anyone lucky enough to try it. If you’re craving an easy yet impressive meal, this recipe is an absolute must-try—your crock pot will do all the hard work while you enjoy the anticipation of a truly delicious dinner.
Print
Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is a creamy, flavorful slow-cooked dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a luscious sauce of heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and aromatic herbs. Ideal for an easy yet impressive dinner, this recipe delivers rich, comforting flavors with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and black pepper. Sear the chicken in the skillet until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Once browned, transfer the chicken breasts to the crock pot.
- Prepare the Garlic and Deglaze: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the pan. Pour this mixture over the chicken in the crock pot.
- Combine Sauce Ingredients: Add the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using) into the crock pot with the chicken and garlic broth. Gently stir or swirl to combine and coat the chicken thoroughly.
- Slow Cook the Chicken: Cover the crock pot with its lid and cook on low heat for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked through, tender, and infused with the creamy sauce flavors.
- Serve and Garnish: Once cooked, garnish the dish with freshly chopped basil or parsley. Serve the Marry Me Chicken alongside pasta, rice, or a selection of vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Searing the chicken before slow cooking helps lock in juices and adds extra flavor and color to the dish.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preference for heat. They can be omitted for a milder flavor.
- Sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy richness; make sure to chop them finely for even distribution.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but the sauce will be less thick.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop.
