This Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is a creamy delight! It’s made with tender chicken, flavorful sun-dried tomatoes, and rich cream, all cooked slowly for perfect taste.
If you serve this dish, be ready for some serious compliments. You might even get a marriage proposal! Just kidding, but who can resist such yummy chicken? 😂
I love how easy it is: just throw the ingredients in the pot and let it do the work! Pair it with some pasta or rice for a truly cozy meal.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts are ideal as they cook evenly in the crock pot. You can also use thighs for a richer flavor, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These give a lovely tang and depth to the dish. If you can’t find them, you can substitute with diced fresh tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a different twist.
Coconut Milk: I love using full-fat coconut milk for its creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter version, light coconut milk works well. Unsweetened almond milk can also be a dairy-free alternative, though it won’t be as thick.
Chicken Broth: Homemade chicken broth is great, but store-bought is perfectly fine! If you’re vegetarian, use vegetable broth instead.
Parmesan Cheese: This cheese adds a nice umami taste. For dairy-free dining, consider using nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese substitute instead.
How Do You Get the Best Flavor from the Onions and Garlic?
Onions and garlic are essential for building a good flavor base. It’s key to use them as the first layer in your crock pot. Start by finely dicing the onion and mincing the garlic to ensure they integrate well into the dish.
- Make sure to use fresh garlic and onions for the best flavor.
- By placing these on the bottom, they’ll cook slowly, infusing their flavors into the chicken as it cooks on top.
- Don’t rush this step; they will develop a sweet flavor that complements the chicken beautifully.
How to Make Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Dish:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk (full-fat)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped, plus more for garnish
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This crock pot recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then cooks for a total of 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high. It’s super easy to set up, and then you can relax while it cooks!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Base Layer:
Start by spraying the inside of your crock pot with a little cooking spray or olive oil. Then, add the diced onions and minced garlic to the bottom. This will create a flavorful base for your chicken!
2. Season the Chicken:
Take the chicken breasts and season them generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Place the seasoned chicken on top of the onions and garlic in the crock pot. This will ensure that the chicken stays juicy and flavorful.
3. Add the Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
Next, sprinkle the chopped sun-dried tomatoes around the chicken in the crock pot. They will add a nice tangy flavor to the dish.
4. Pour in the Liquids:
Now it’s time to add the creamy elements! Pour the coconut milk and chicken broth over the chicken, making sure the chicken is mostly covered. If you like a bit of spice, you can sprinkle the red pepper flakes on top now.
5. Cooking Time:
Cover the crock pot and let it cook! You can cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked all the way through.
6. Adding Fresh Flavor:
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the chopped fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese (if you’re using it) to add a burst of freshness and creaminess to the sauce.
7. Final Touches:
Once everything is cooked, give it a taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary. The flavors should be rich and delicious!
8. Serving Your Dish:
Serve the creamy chicken over pasta, rice, or alongside some crusty bread to soak up all that amazing sauce. Don’t forget to garnish with some extra basil for a lovely touch!
Enjoy your delightful and creamy Marry Me Chicken from the crock pot! It’s sure to impress!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work wonderfully in this recipe. They tend to be juicier and more flavorful than breasts. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly; thighs may take a bit longer to become tender, so check them for doneness after 6 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high.
How Can I Make This Dish Dairy-Free?
To make this recipe dairy-free, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with a dairy-free alternative like nutritional yeast for a similar savory flavor. Adjust the seasoning to enhance the taste as needed!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the casserole for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating!
Can I Add Vegetables to This Recipe?
Yes, adding vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini can be a great way to boost nutrition! Just layer them in the crock pot with the onions and garlic. Keep in mind that adding more ingredients may slightly alter the cooking time, so check for doneness as you cook.
