This Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is a classic that anyone can make! Juicy chicken cooked in a creamy sauce with tomatoes and herbs makes every bite feel special.
You might want to keep this one a secret, though; it’s so good you might just get a proposal! 💍 When I make it, I love serving it over rice—delicious and easy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish because they stay tender during slow cooking. If you prefer dark meat, you can use boneless thighs instead—they add even more flavor!
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These tomatoes give a wonderful tangy punch. If you can’t find them, you could use fresh tomatoes or canned diced tomatoes, but be sure to reduce the cooking liquid to maintain creaminess.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream. Just keep in mind that the sauce won’t be as rich, but it will still taste good!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a lovely umami flavor. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can provide a cheesy flavor, or you could use a non-dairy cheese substitute.
Olive Oil: While olive oil is my go-to fat for browning the chicken, you can also use avocado oil or any high-heat cooking oil if you prefer.
How Do I Get Perfectly Browned Chicken?
Getting that lovely brown color on your chicken really boosts the flavor of the dish. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with a hot skillet—medium-high heat is ideal.
- Drizzle in a little olive oil, just enough to coat the bottom of the pan.
- Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet, leaving space between them to avoid steaming.
- Cook each side for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Don’t rush; let them cook untouched for that color!
Once browned, transfer the chicken to the crockpot and keep any delicious remnants for the sauce! This technique adds depth to your dish.
How to Make Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil (for browning the chicken)
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of heat)
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Crockpot Marry Me Chicken takes about 10 minutes to prep, plus 4-6 hours of cooking time on low or 2-3 hours on high. It’s mostly hands-off after the initial prep, so you can focus on other things while it cooks!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper, making sure each piece is well-coated. This will enhance the flavor of the chicken as it cooks.
2. Brown the Chicken:
In a skillet over medium-high heat, drizzle some olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown. After browning, remove them from the heat and carefully transfer them to your crockpot.
3. Mix the Sauce:
In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, chicken broth, minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if you want a little spice). Stir everything together until it’s well mixed.
4. Combine in the Crockpot:
Pour the creamy sauce mixture over the browned chicken in the crockpot. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce, so every bite is flavorful.
5. Cook:
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook. You can choose to cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The chicken is ready when it’s cooked through and tender.
6. Add Cheese:
About 15 minutes before you’re ready to serve, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken. Cover it again to let the cheese melt into that creamy sauce.
7. Serve:
Once cooking is complete, garnish your dish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve the luscious chicken over pasta, rice, or alongside vegetables for a delightful meal. Enjoy the creamy, savory goodness!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can! However, it’s important to fully thaw the chicken before cooking. The best way is to leave it in the fridge overnight or you can thaw it quickly by placing it in a sealed plastic bag and submerging it in cold water. Once thawed, season and brown it as instructed.
Can I Substitute Heavy Cream?
Absolutely! If you want a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, but keep in mind that the sauce may not be as thick or rich. You can also use a dairy-free cream alternative, like coconut cream, for a different flavor profile.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove over low heat, adding a little broth or cream to help revive the sauce!
Can I Make This Dish in Advance?
Sure! You can prepare the dish up to the point of cooking. Just combine the browned chicken and sauce in the crockpot, then refrigerate. When you’re ready to cook, set it on low and extend the cooking time slightly if it’s been cold. Alternatively, you can cook it fully, then reheat it when ready to serve.
