Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: Utilizing a slow cooker means minimal hands-on time, making it perfect for busy days.
• Rich and Flavorful: The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and aromatic herbs creates a sauce that’s both savory and slightly tangy.
• Versatile Serving Options: Pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, catering to various preferences.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Chicken breasts (skin-on or skinless)
• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Butter
• White wine or chicken broth
• Sour cream or heavy cream
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Dried Italian herbs
• Garlic granules
• Paprika
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs.
2. Sear the Chicken: In a skillet or the slow cooker (if it has a sauté function), heat butter and a bit of oil. Place the chicken, skin-side down, and cook until golden brown.
3. Add Cooking Liquid: Flip the chicken breasts and add white wine or chicken broth to the pot. Sprinkle with paprika, garlic granules, and add the sun-dried tomatoes.
4. 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).
5. Incorporate Cream: Move the chicken to one side and stir in sour cream or heavy cream until well combined. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, stirring until the cheese melts into the sauce.
6. Serve: Transfer the chicken and sauce to a serving dish, garnish with additional Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired, and serve alongside your chosen accompaniment.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes

Variations

• Protein Alternatives: Substitute chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier result.
• Herb Choices: Fresh basil can replace parsley for a different flavor profile.
• Additional Vegetables: Incorporate spinach or mushrooms into the sauce for added texture and nutrients.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much.

FAQs

What is Marry Me Chicken?

Marry Me Chicken is a popular dish where chicken is cooked in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, rumored to be so delicious 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 more tender and juicy dish.

Do I need to sear the chicken before slow cooking?

Searing adds depth of flavor and color to the chicken but can be skipped if you’re short on time.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Substitute the sour cream or heavy cream with a dairy-free alternative, and use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese.

What can I serve with Marry Me Chicken?

It pairs well with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.

How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?

Mix a small amount of cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the sauce and cook until it thickens.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Yes, adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers can enhance the dish’s flavor and nutritional profile.

Is it possible to make this recipe in the oven?

Yes, you can bake the seared chicken and sauce in an oven-safe dish at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

How long will leftovers last?

Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze Marry Me Chicken?

Cream-based sauces may separate upon freezing and reheating, so it’s not recommended to freeze this dish.

Conclusion

Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken offers a delectable combination of tender chicken and a luscious, flavorful sauce, all achieved with minimal effort thanks to the slow cooker. Whether you’re aiming to impress guests or simply craving a comforting meal, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.