Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is a creamy and tasty dish that cooks all day in your slow cooker. With tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and rich parmesan cream sauce, it’s perfect for a cozy dinner.
Picture this: you serve it up, and everyone is asking for the recipe! 😂 I love pairing it with pasta or rice to soak up all that yummy sauce—it’s a real crowd-pleaser!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal as they stay tender in the slow cooker. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can use turkey cutlets. Thighs can also work, adding a bit more flavor and moisture.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These tomatoes add a nice tangy flavor. If you can’t find them, try using roasted red peppers or fresh tomatoes sautéed for a similar taste and texture. Just adjust the seasoning accordingly!
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, you might substitute half-and-half or even coconut cream for a dairy-free option. Keep in mind that this can slightly change the richness of the sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan is a must for the cheesy flavor, but you can swap it with Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free recipe. I often mix in a bit of mozzarella for extra creaminess!
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can use garlic powder, but I recommend using fresh whenever you can for that aromatic quality.
How Do I Cook The Chicken So It’s Always Tender?
Cooking chicken in a crockpot is a game-changer for keeping it moist and tender. Here’s what to do:
- Start by placing your chicken breasts in the crockpot without overcrowding to ensure even cooking.
- Make sure to cover the chicken thoroughly with the sauce. This helps to keep it moist.
- Cook on low for 6-7 hours. If you’re in a hurry, the high setting for 3-4 hours still yields great results. Just avoid overcooking to prevent dryness!
- When the chicken is done, shredding it while it’s still warm can enhance the flavor absorption from the sauce.
Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, drained and chopped)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 15 minutes to prepare and then you can let your crockpot do the work! Cook it on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Once it’s done, you’ll have a wonderfully tender chicken meal ready to serve.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. It’s the base of this hearty dish, so spread them out evenly.
2. Make the Creamy Sauce:
In a mixing bowl, gather all the fun flavors! Combine the sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, chicken broth, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, dried basil, dried oregano, Italian seasoning, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined. This will create a rich and creamy sauce.
3. Coat the Chicken:
Take your sauce and pour it over the chicken in the crockpot. Make sure to coat the chicken breasts thoroughly to let them soak in all that delicious flavor!
4. Slow Cook the Chicken:
Cover your crockpot with the lid and cook it on low for 6-7 hours, or if you’re in a hurry, you can set it to high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
5. Finish Up:
Once it’s all cooked, you can either shred the chicken, so it mixes nicely with the creamy sauce or you can leave it whole, whichever you prefer! Stir the sauce a bit to recombine anything that may have separated during cooking.
6. Serve It Up:
Now it’s time to enjoy! Serve the chicken with the creamy sauce over a bed of pasta, rice, or alongside your favorite veggies for a complete meal.
7. Garnish and Enjoy:
Before serving, sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top to add a pop of flavor and a lovely presentation. Enjoy your lovely Crockpot Marry Me Chicken!
Can I Use Thawed Chicken Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Thawed chicken works perfectly in this recipe. Just ensure the chicken has been fully thawed in the fridge overnight or in cold water before cooking. Pat it dry with paper towels to help that creamy sauce adhere better!
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you need a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mix of milk with a tablespoon of butter for richness. For a dairy-free alternative, try using coconut milk or cashew cream, but it may slightly alter the flavor.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. If the sauce thickens too much, you can add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen it up!
Can I Add Vegetables to the Crockpot?
Yes, feel free to add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini! Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and mix them into the sauce before pouring over the chicken. These can make the dish even more nutritious and colorful!
