Crockpot Marry Me Chicken: The Easiest Recipe Ever!

Crockpot Marry Me Chicken: the name alone promises a dish so irresistible, so utterly delightful, that it could inspire a proposal! And trust me, after one bite of this creamy, sun-dried tomato and parmesan-infused chicken, you’ll understand why. Forget slaving over a hot stove; this recipe is all about effortless elegance, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion where you want to impress without the stress.

While the exact origins of “Marry Me Chicken” are shrouded in a bit of mystery, its popularity exploded online, becoming a viral sensation. The story goes that someone made this dish for their significant other, and well, let’s just say the rest is history! It speaks to the power of a truly delicious meal to create connection and lasting memories. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the incredible depth of flavor it achieves with minimal effort.

People adore Crockpot Marry Me Chicken because it’s incredibly flavorful, boasting a rich, creamy sauce that perfectly complements the tender chicken. The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and parmesan cheese creates a symphony of tastes that will tantalize your taste buds. Plus, the slow cooker does all the work, resulting in chicken that’s fall-apart tender and infused with all those amazing flavors. It’s the ultimate comfort food, easy to prepare, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. What’s not to love?

Ingredients:

• 1.5 – 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained (reserve 2 tablespoons of the oil)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil, for garnish
• Cooked pasta or mashed potatoes, for serving

Preparing the Chicken:

1. First, let’s get our chicken ready. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them brown better.
2. In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. This is our spice rub!
3. Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken breasts, making sure they’re evenly coated. Don’t be shy! We want that flavor to really penetrate.

Searing the Chicken (Optional but Recommended):

While this step is optional, I highly recommend it for added flavor and texture. Searing the chicken before putting it in the crockpot gives it a beautiful golden-brown crust and helps to lock in the juices.

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. You might need to do this in batches.
3. Sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. You’re not cooking it all the way through at this point, just browning the outside.
4. Remove the seared chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Building the Crockpot Marry Me Chicken:

1. Now, let’s get our crockpot ready. If you seared the chicken in a skillet, you can use the same skillet to sauté the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. This will pick up all those delicious browned bits from the chicken. If not, just use the reserved sun-dried tomato oil directly in the crockpot.
2. Add the minced garlic and drained sun-dried tomatoes to the crockpot (or skillet, if using). Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
3. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the crockpot (or skillet). This is where a lot of flavor is hiding!
4. Gently place the seared (or unseared) chicken breasts into the crockpot, nestled in the broth and sun-dried tomatoes.

Slow Cooking the Chicken:

1. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when it’s cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
2. Check the chicken for doneness after the minimum cooking time. Cooking times can vary depending on your crockpot.

Creating the Creamy Sauce:

1. Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the crockpot and set it aside on a plate.
2. Shred the chicken using two forks. It should be very tender and easy to shred.
3. Now, it’s time to make that luscious creamy sauce. Pour the heavy cream into the crockpot with the remaining broth and sun-dried tomatoes.
4. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese.
5. Increase the heat to high (if it was on low) and let the sauce simmer for about 5-10 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add a little more salt, pepper, or Parmesan cheese.

Bringing It All Together:

1. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir it into the creamy sauce. Make sure the chicken is well coated.
2. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for another 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Serving Your Crockpot Marry Me Chicken:

1. Serve the Crockpot Marry Me Chicken hot over cooked pasta (such as fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne) or mashed potatoes.
2. Garnish with fresh chopped basil.
3. Enjoy! This dish is sure to impress.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it up: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
• Add vegetables: Sauté some sliced mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers along with the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor and nutrients.
• Use different cheese: Try using a blend of Parmesan and Romano cheese, or add a little mozzarella cheese for extra creaminess.
• Make it lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a slightly lighter sauce.
• Add spinach: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach during the last few minutes of cooking for added vitamins and minerals.
• Make it ahead: You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken and sauce in the crockpot or on the stovetop.
• Freezing: This dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with a side of garlic bread or crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
• Pair with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables.
• A glass of white wine, such as Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, complements this dish perfectly.

Why is it called “Marry Me Chicken”?

The name “Marry Me Chicken” comes from the idea that this dish is so delicious, it will convince anyone to marry you! While I can’t guarantee a proposal, I can promise that this chicken is incredibly flavorful and satisfying. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for special occasions or a cozy weeknight dinner.

Storage Instructions:

Store leftover Crockpot Marry Me Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! This Crockpot Marry Me Chicken recipe is truly a game-changer, and I genuinely believe it deserves a permanent spot in your regular dinner rotation. Why? Because it’s ridiculously easy, unbelievably flavorful, and guaranteed to impress, whether you’re cooking for a romantic dinner for two or a comforting family meal. The creamy, sun-dried tomato sauce is simply divine, coating the tender chicken in a richness that’s both decadent and satisfying. Forget slaving away in the kitchen for hours; this recipe lets your slow cooker do all the hard work, leaving you free to relax and enjoy the anticipation of a delicious meal.

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! While I’ve shared my go-to method, feel free to get creative and adapt it to your own tastes. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. If you’re watching your dairy intake, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk for a lighter, yet still creamy, alternative. Want to add some extra veggies? Spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers would all be fantastic additions, stirred in during the last hour of cooking.

Serving suggestions are endless! I personally love serving this Crockpot Marry Me Chicken over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes or creamy polenta to soak up all that glorious sauce. But it’s equally delicious with pasta – think fettuccine, linguine, or even penne. For a lighter option, try serving it with quinoa or brown rice alongside a vibrant green salad. And don’t forget the crusty bread for dipping! Trust me, you’ll want to savor every last drop of that sauce.

Ready to experience the magic of Crockpot Marry Me Chicken for yourself?

I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try. It’s a surefire way to win hearts (and stomachs!), and I’m confident that you’ll be just as obsessed with it as I am. The simplicity of the slow cooker method combined with the incredible depth of flavor makes this a truly unforgettable dish.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own!

Remember those variations I mentioned? This recipe is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Add your favorite herbs, spices, or vegetables to create a personalized version that perfectly suits your palate.

Once you’ve tried it, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications? What did you serve it with? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below – I can’t wait to see your creations! Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue to create and share recipes that you’ll love. So, go ahead, grab your ingredients, dust off your slow cooker, and prepare to fall in love with this incredible Crockpot Marry Me Chicken. Happy cooking! I am sure this recipe will become a family favorite.

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