Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: Utilizing a slow cooker makes this recipe straightforward, allowing you to set it and forget it until mealtime.
- Rich and Creamy: The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese creates a luscious sauce that envelops the chicken beautifully.
- Versatile Serving Options: Pair this dish with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes to suit your preferences.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Its indulgent flavors make it a hit for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chicken breasts
- Butter
- Olive oil (or oil from sun-dried tomatoes)
- Italian seasoning
- Garlic granules
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- White wine or chicken broth
- Heavy cream or sour cream
- Cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Directions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Sear the Chicken: In a skillet or the browning function of your slow cooker, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Sear the chicken breasts, skin side down, until golden brown. Flip and sear the other side briefly.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Place the seared chicken breasts into the slow cooker.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in white wine or chicken broth. Add sun-dried tomatoes, garlic granules, and paprika.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on the LOW setting for 90 minutes to 2 hours, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Finish the Sauce: Move the chicken to one side. Stir in heavy cream or sour cream until well combined. Add grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley or basil. If a thicker sauce is desired, mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry and stir it into the sauce; let it cook for an additional 10 minutes to thicken.
- Serve: Transfer the chicken and sauce to a serving dish. Garnish with extra Parmesan and herbs if desired. Serve hot over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe serves 4 people.
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 2 hours on LOW in the slow cooker
Variations
- Protein Alternatives: Substitute chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier option.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version, noting that it will alter the flavor profile.
- Herb Substitutions: Fresh basil can replace parsley for a different herbal note.
- Additional Vegetables: Incorporate spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition and texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of cream or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
- Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
What is Marry Me Chicken?
Marry Me Chicken is a popular dish featuring chicken cooked in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. It’s rumored to be so delicious that it could prompt a marriage proposal.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used and may result in a juicier dish.
Is it necessary to sear the chicken before slow cooking?
Searing adds flavor and color but can be skipped if you’re short on time.
Can I make this dish without a slow cooker?
Yes, you can prepare it on the stovetop by simmering the chicken in the sauce until fully cooked.
How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
Stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
Full-fat sour cream can be used as a substitute for heavy cream.
Are sun-dried tomatoes necessary?
Sun-dried tomatoes add a distinct flavor, but you can substitute them with fresh diced tomatoes or omit them if preferred.
How long does it take to cook on the HIGH setting?
Cooking on HIGH is not recommended for this recipe, as it can make the chicken breasts a little tough.
Can I add pasta directly to the slow cooker?
It’s best to cook pasta separately to ensure it doesn’t become overcooked or mushy.
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is a creamy and flavorful slow-cooked chicken dish in a sun-dried tomato sauce. A perfect recipe for effortless and proposal-worthy dinners.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or oil from sun-dried tomatoes)
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic granules
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or sour cream
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet or the slow cooker’s browning function. Sear chicken until golden brown on both sides.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Place chicken into the slow cooker.
- Add Liquids & Seasonings: Pour in white wine or chicken broth. Add sun-dried tomatoes, garlic granules, and paprika.
- Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 90 minutes to 2 hours, or until chicken is fully cooked (165°F/75°C).
- Finish the Sauce: Stir in heavy cream or sour cream, Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs. If thicker sauce is desired, add a cornstarch slurry and cook an additional 10 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with extra Parmesan and herbs. Serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Notes
- Substitute chicken thighs for juicier meat.
- Use coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
- Add spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American