- Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
Ah, my friend, the delightful invention of Crockpot Marry Me Chicken! I stumbled upon this gem one cozy Sunday afternoon, while searching for something hearty and lip-smackingly delicious for dinner. As the tantalizing aroma wafted through my kitchen, the rich scent of sun-dried tomatoes and garlic danced in the air, wrapping me in a warm embrace that whispered, “Your home just became the coziest place on Earth.” With the kitchen filled with this symphony of savory fragrances, I couldn’t help but picture my loved ones gathered around the table, laughter filling the room, and an unspoken promise of love lingering in the air. Little did I know then that this mouthwatering dish would take center stage in my culinary repertoire, and I have no doubt that it will become a beloved classic in your home too.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Peasy: Toss everything in the crockpot, and let it do the magic while you kick back and relax.
- Full of Flavor: Each bite is bursting with savory goodness from creamy cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and fragrant herbs.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for family dinners or entertaining friends; this dish never fails to impress.
- Healthy Comfort Food: Tender chicken bathed in rich flavors, making it a satisfying option without the guilt.
- Versatile: Pair it with different sides or transform the leftovers into something completely new!
Recipe Snapshot
| Category | Cuisine | Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Yield | Skill Level |
|———–|———|———–|———–|————|——–|————-|
| Main Dish | Italian | 10 mins | 6-8 hours | 6-8 hours | 4 servings | Beginner |
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Tender and juicy, the star of the show.
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil): These little morsels add a dose of sweetness and tang.
- 1 cup heavy cream: For that luxurious, velvety sauce that coats the chicken perfectly.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Rich and nutty, it gives depth to the sauce, creating an irresistible combo.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: A must for that aromatic balance—garlic makes everything better!
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: This blend elevates the dish into a comforting Italian feast.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple, essential ingredients that bring out the flavors.
- Fresh basil for garnish: Adds a pop of freshness and color, tying everything together beautifully.
Full recipe card is below.
How to Make It
1. Combine Ingredients
In your trusty slow cooker, let’s begin! Toss in the sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, Parmesan, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir it all together, and let those delightful scents fill the kitchen as the ingredients mingle.
2. Add Chicken
Carefully nestle the chicken breasts into this creamy mixture. Make sure they’re coated in all the delicious flavors we’ve just created—trust me, it’s the key to infusing every bite with perfection.
3. Cook Low and Slow
Cover your slow cooker and set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. As it simmers, the chicken becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the sauce thickens into a creamy dream.
4. Serve with Style
When the time’s up, it’s showtime! Garnish with fresh basil, and enjoy the look of delight on everyone’s faces. Serve it over pasta, rice, or a bed of fresh greens for a delightful meal!
Pro Tips for Success
- Sear the Chicken First: For added flavor, quickly sear the chicken breasts in a hot pan to get a golden crust before adding them to the slow cooker.
- Add Veggies: Toss in some spinach or bell peppers for added nutrients and a pop of color.
- Use Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: If you want to tone down the creaminess a bit, replace some of the heavy cream with low-sodium chicken broth.
- Let It Rest: After cooking, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving—this helps the juices redistribute.
Flavor Variations
- Spice Things Up: Add chili flakes for a little heat!
- Herbal Twist: Feel free to experiment with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.
- Creamy Tomato Spin: Incorporate a can of crushed tomatoes for added depth and color.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or even a side of roasted vegetables. As for drinks, a glass of crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon makes a refreshing choice. For plating, don’t forget to sprinkle extra Parmesan and basil for visual allure!
Make-Ahead & Storage
You can prep the sauce a day ahead and store it covered in the fridge. If you want to save time, assemble everything in the slow cooker insert and keep it in the fridge overnight. It’ll be ready to go in the morning! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Leftovers
Leftover Crockpot Marry Me Chicken can be transformed into a delightful pasta dish! Toss it with some cooked pasta for a quick meal or pile it on a hearty sandwich for lunch.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze this! Just let the chicken cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. For best results, consume within 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, the stovetop is your best friend! Simply warm up the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until warm. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even warming.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can! Just add an extra hour to the cooking time.
What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
No worries! You can substitute with roasted red peppers for a different flavor profile.
Can I make this dish in the oven?
Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake covered for about 25-30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.
What can I serve with Crockpot Marry Me Chicken?
It’s perfect over pasta, rice, or alongside a crisp salad!
Final Thoughts
As you bring this Crockpot Marry Me Chicken to life in your kitchen, I can already envision the smiles and warmth it will create. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience—one filled with love, laughter, and delightful aromas. So, gather your loved ones and let this dish be a part of your cozy evenings. Happy cooking, my dear friends! Enjoy every delicious bite! 💖
PrintCrockpot Marry Me Chicken
- Total Time: 370 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty and flavorful crockpot dish filled with tender chicken, creamy sauce, and sun-dried tomatoes, perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- In your slow cooker, combine sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, Parmesan, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to mix.
- Nestle the chicken breasts into the creamy mixture, ensuring they’re coated well.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving. Enjoy over pasta, rice, or fresh greens.
Notes
Sear the chicken for added flavor, and consider adding veggies like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 360 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian