This Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is a creamy, dreamy dish with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a hint of basil. It’s love at first bite!
Trust me, serving this to someone special might just earn you some serious brownie points. Who wouldn’t want to marry a chef who makes this? 😍
I love how easy it is to throw everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic. Perfect for a cozy dinner or impressing guests without fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this dish since they cook evenly. You can use chicken thighs if you prefer a richer flavor and juicier texture.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a delightful tang and depth. If you don’t have them, you can use roasted red peppers for a milder flavor, but the taste will be different.
Heavy Cream: This gives the dish its creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter version, use half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative, but the texture might slightly change.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a lovely cheesy punch. If you’re avoiding dairy, nutritional yeast can be a good substitute to achieve some cheesy flavor.
Italian Seasoning: This blend enhances the dish. You can mix your own with dried oregano, basil, and thyme if you don’t have the pre-mixed seasoning.
How Do I Perfectly Sear Chicken for the Best Flavor?
Searing the chicken is an important step that brings out amazing flavors. Here’s how to do it properly:
- Heat your skillet over medium-high heat before adding olive oil. It’s ready when the oil shimmers.
- Season your chicken with salt and pepper. This adds flavor right from the start.
- Place chicken in the skillet without overcrowding. Sear for 3-4 minutes on one side until golden brown, then flip and do the same for the other.
- Once both sides are browned, transfer the chicken to the crockpot. This gives your dish a wonderful, rich flavor that makes a difference!
How to Make Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained and chopped)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
The total cooking time for this delicious chicken is about 4 to 6 hours in the crockpot after a quick prep of about 15 minutes. So, set it and forget it while you go about your day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sear the Chicken:
Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with a pinch of salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the chicken in the skillet and sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. This will help seal in all the flavors! After that, remove the chicken from the skillet and transfer it to your crockpot.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant, but be careful not to burn it! Next, toss in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning, cooking them for another minute. This will bring out all those lovely flavors.
3. Combine and Simmer:
Now, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet. Whisk everything together until well combined. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer—this is where the magic happens! It will start to smell wonderful.
4. Pour Over the Chicken:
Carefully pour the sun-dried tomato mixture over the chicken breasts that are waiting in the crockpot. Finally, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top to add extra creaminess and flavor.
5. Cook in the Crockpot:
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 4-6 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is tender and cooked all the way through. If you need to add a little time, that’s perfectly fine! The longer it cooks, the more flavorful it gets.
6. Shred or Serve Whole:
Once cooked, you can gently shred the chicken using two forks for easy serving, or keep it whole if you prefer. Just spoon that creamy, delicious sauce over the chicken!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, garnish your dish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley before serving. This chicken is perfect with pasta, rice, or any side of your choice. Enjoy your amazing meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it first. Thaw frozen chicken by placing it in the refrigerator overnight or using the quick method of sealing it in a plastic bag and submerging it in cold water. Don’t forget to pat it dry with paper towels before searing to avoid moisture in the skillet!
Can I Substitute Heavy Cream with a Lighter Option?
Sure! If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and Greek yogurt. Just keep in mind that using lighter dairy may change the texture slightly, so stir gently to combine without curdling.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. Simply cook it in the crockpot when you’re ready to serve. This can save you a lot of time on a busy day!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store leftover Crockpot Marry Me Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, making sure to stir occasionally for even heating. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream can help refresh the sauce.
