Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe You’ll Want Again

My culinary adventure with marry me chicken in a crock pot began on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

Tender chicken breasts simmered slowly, filling the kitchen with an irresistible aroma that made everyone curious.

Creamy sauce and perfectly seasoned meat promise a meal that could potentially seal romantic deals.

Unexpected ingredients blend harmoniously, creating a dish that feels both comforting and sophisticated.

The magic happens when simple components transform into something extraordinary right before your eyes.

Minimal effort yields maximum flavor, making this recipe a true weeknight champion.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this delectable creation that might just inspire a marriage proposal.

Why Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Is So Creamy And Good

• Unleash Effortless Cooking: This crock pot recipe transforms complex flavors into a simple, hands-off meal that practically prepares itself while you go about your day.
• Savor Quick Weeknight Comfort: Minimal prep and straightforward ingredients mean you can whip up a restaurant-quality dinner in just minutes, perfect for busy families craving delicious home-cooked meals.
• Customize with Ease: The recipe offers flexible serving options like pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice, making it adaptable to different taste preferences and pantry availability.
• Impress Without Stress: Despite its gourmet-sounding name, “Marry Me Chicken” delivers bold, creamy flavors that seem sophisticated but require minimal culinary skills to execute perfectly.

Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Ingredient List

• Chicken: Tender and juicy protein that forms the base of the dish, best when using boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs.

• Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Italian Seasoning, Smoked Paprika: Fragrant spice mix that adds depth and complexity to the chicken’s flavor profile.

• Olive Oil: Provides a smooth cooking surface and adds subtle richness to the dish.

• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that brings intense, bold flavor to the sauce.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Concentrated, tangy tomato pieces that add a sweet and slightly tart dimension.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Provides a gentle heat and warm spiciness to the overall dish.

• Chicken Broth: Creates moisture and helps tenderize the chicken during slow cooking.

• Heavy Cream: Delivers rich, luxurious texture and smoothness to the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Salty, nutty cheese that adds depth and complexity to the sauce.

• Basil, Oregano: Fresh herbs that provide bright, aromatic notes to the final dish.

• Cornstarch: Optional ingredient to help create a thicker, more luxurious sauce consistency.

• Fresh Basil, Extra Parmesan: Adds fresh flavor and visual appeal to the finished dish.

How To Make Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken At Home

Step 1: Prep The Magical Chicken

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Italian seasoning
• Smoked paprika

Make sure every inch of the chicken gets some love!

Step 2: Create Golden Perfection

Heat up a skillet with a splash of olive oil. Dance the chicken around the pan, creating a gorgeous golden-brown exterior. This quick sizzle locks in all those incredible flavors – aim for about 2-3 minutes on each side.

Step 3: Slow Cooker Magic Begins

• Minced garlic
• Tangy sun-dried tomatoes
• Spicy red pepper flakes
• Rich chicken broth

Step 4: Patience Pays Off

Cover your crock pot and let the magic happen. Choose your adventure:

Low and slow: 4-6 hours

Quick and hot: 2-3 hours

The chicken will become so tender it practically melts in your mouth!

Step 5: Creamy Dream Transformation

• Velvety heavy cream
• Nutty Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil
• Aromatic oregano

Want an extra thick sauce? Whisk cornstarch with water and let it simmer for a few more minutes.

Step 6: Plate And Celebrate

• Pasta
• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Fluffy rice

Enjoy your culinary masterpiece!

Top Tips For Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Success

• Boost Chicken Flavor: Generously coat chicken with a robust spice blend before searing to lock in deep, mouthwatering taste profiles.
• Sear for Golden Perfection: Take extra minutes to brown chicken in a hot skillet, creating a delectable caramelized exterior that enhances overall texture and richness.
• Cream Sauce Hack: Slowly incorporate heavy cream to prevent curdling, stirring gently to achieve a silky, luxurious sauce that coats every bite.
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust red pepper flakes to dial heat up or down, making the dish perfectly tailored to personal spice preferences.
• Low and Slow Magic: Embrace the crock pot’s gentle cooking method, allowing flavors to meld and chicken to become incredibly tender without losing moisture.

How To Store Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Easily

• Preserve your delicious Marry Me Chicken with smart storage techniques.
• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness and food safety.
• Keep the chicken and sauce together in a sealed container, which will help lock in moisture and prevent drying out.
• Consume refrigerated portions within 3-4 days for optimal taste and quality.
• When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency and prevent the meat from becoming tough.
• Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, ensuring you label with the date.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before gently rewarming on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly.
• Pro tip: Separate the sauce from the chicken before freezing to prevent separation and maintain the best texture when you’re ready to enjoy your meal again.

What Pairs Best With Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

• Craft the Perfect Wine Companion: Reach for a crisp, medium-bodied white like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc that cuts through the creamy sauce and complements the sun-dried tomatoes’ tangy sweetness.
• Design a Hearty Side Salad Pairing: Whip up a zesty arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, shaved Parmesan, and toasted pine nuts to balance the rich, creamy chicken and add a fresh, peppery crunch.
• Select an Ideal Bread Sidekick: Toast some crusty garlic bread or focaccia to soak up the luxurious sauce, providing a delightful textural contrast and enhancing the meal’s Italian-inspired flavors.
• Match with Complementary Vegetable Blend: Roast a medley of Mediterranean vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant with olive oil and herbs to echo the dish’s aromatic profile and add nutritious variety.

Ways To Tweak Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

• Spicy Mediterranean Chicken: Replace sun-dried tomatoes with fresh cherry tomatoes and add chopped kalamata olives. Increase red pepper flakes for extra heat. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese before serving for a tangy Mediterranean touch.
• Herb Garden Chicken: Swap Italian seasoning with fresh chopped rosemary, thyme, and sage. Add a handful of fresh spinach during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Garnish with chives and extra fresh herbs for a vibrant green boost.
• Mushroom Cream Chicken: Sauté sliced cremini or wild mushrooms before adding to the crock pot. Substitute heavy cream with a mix of cream cheese and chicken broth for a richer texture. Add a splash of white wine for deeper flavor complexity.
• Coconut Curry Chicken: Replace chicken broth with coconut milk and add mild curry powder. Stir in some grated ginger and turmeric for an exotic twist. Top with chopped cilantro and toasted coconut flakes for a Southeast Asian-inspired version.

FAQs For Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

• What makes this Marry Me Chicken recipe special?

The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, creamy sauce, and perfectly seasoned chicken creates an irresistibly delicious dish that’s so good, it might just make someone fall in love with your cooking!

• Can I use chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe?

Both work great! Chicken breasts will be leaner, while chicken thighs will be more tender and flavorful. Just adjust cooking time slightly – breasts might cook a bit faster.

• Is this recipe spicy?

It has a very mild heat from the red pepper flakes. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can reduce or completely omit the red pepper flakes. The flavor will still be amazing and comforting.

• Do I really need to sear the chicken before slow cooking?

Searing is optional but recommended. It adds a beautiful golden color and develops deeper, richer flavors. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step and the dish will still taste delicious.

Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 4-6 hours
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy “marry me chicken” elevates weeknight dinners with irresistible Italian-inspired flavors. Rich parmesan sauce and tender chicken promise romantic meal magic you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 6 chicken thighs)

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Liquid and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped, drained if packed in oil)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for thickening, optional)
• ¼ cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped
• Extra grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken by gently patting it dry and generously coating with a robust blend of aromatic seasonings, ensuring each piece is thoroughly seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and a hint of smoked paprika.
2. Develop rich flavor layers by quickly searing the seasoned chicken in a hot skillet with olive oil, creating a golden-brown exterior that locks in moisture and intensifies the taste profile – aim for 2-3 minutes per side without fully cooking the meat.
3. Transfer the partially seared chicken into the crock pot, carefully arranging the pieces to maximize even cooking and flavor distribution, then introduce minced garlic, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, and a splash of savory chicken broth.
4. Allow the slow cooker to work its magic, covering and cooking the chicken on low temperature for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, transforming the meat into a tender, succulent centerpiece.
5. Elevate the dish’s richness by incorporating velvety heavy cream, nutty Parmesan cheese, fragrant basil, and earthy oregano, stirring gently to create a luxurious sauce. For those desiring a more substantial consistency, whisk cornstarch with water and fold into the mixture, letting it simmer for an additional 15 minutes.
6. Present the dish with a flourish, adorning it with fresh basil leaves and a generous dusting of Parmesan cheese, then serve alongside complementary accompaniments like pasta, creamy mashed potatoes, or fluffy rice.

Notes

• Ensure chicken is completely dry before seasoning to achieve a perfect golden-brown sear and lock in those delicious flavors.
• Customize the spice level by adjusting red pepper flakes – use a pinch for mild heat or go bold with a generous sprinkle.
• Transform this dish into a low-carb meal by serving over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4-6 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 640
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 45 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 48 g
• Cholesterol: 180 mg