This Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is a creamy and flavorful dish that is sure to win hearts! It combines tender chicken, cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes for a taste that feels like a warm hug.
You might want to keep some extra napkins handy—it’s that good! I love how easy it is to throw everything in the crockpot and let it work its magic while I go about my day!
Serve it over rice or pasta for a filling meal that everyone will love. Trust me, you might just find some unexpected marriage proposals after this one! 😉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are easy to work with and cook evenly in the crockpot. You can substitute with thighs for a richer flavor, just adjust cooking time slightly as they can be juicier.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a unique flavor! If you can’t find sun-dried tomatoes, use diced fresh tomatoes or roasted red peppers. Just note that you might miss some of the intense flavor.
Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half works well. For a non-dairy alternative, try coconut cream or a dairy-free heavy cream.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a nutty flavor. You could use Pecorino Romano for a stronger taste or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option. Feel free to leave it out if you want a lighter sauce.
Olive Oil: This is used for searing the chicken. Any cooking oil like canola or avocado oil can work here, but I love olive oil for its flavor and health benefits!
How Do I Ensure My Chicken is Perfectly Seared?
Searing the chicken is crucial for flavor. It locks in juices and adds a nice color. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat the skillet over medium-high until the oil is hot but not smoking.
- Season the chicken breasts well with salt and pepper before placing them in the skillet.
- Sear each side for 3-4 minutes until they are golden brown. Avoid overcrowding the pan if cooking multiple pieces.
- Use tongs to turn the chicken gently for an even sear.
Once done, transfer to the crockpot. This step adds so much flavor that you’ll notice it in the final dish!
How to Make Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Sauce:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (or a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For Garnish:
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus cooking time of 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high in the crockpot. Once it’s in the pot, you can relax while it cooks to perfection!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sear the Chicken:
Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. While the oil is heating, season your chicken breasts with a little salt and pepper. When the oil is hot enough, carefully add the chicken and sear it for about 3-4 minutes on each side until it has a lovely golden-brown color. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and place it in your crockpot.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, combine the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, chicken broth, minced garlic, dried Italian herbs, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined. This is where all the flavor comes from!
3. Combine:
Pour the creamy sauce mixture over the seared chicken in the crockpot. Make sure the chicken is well-coated with the sauce for maximum flavor.
4. Cook:
Cover your crockpot and set it 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 incredibly tender.
5. Finish with Cheese:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce in the crockpot. Let it melt and blend in beautifully with the sauce to create a creamy finish.
6. Serve:
Once the cooking time is up, serve your delicious chicken with the creamy sauce spooned generously over it. Don’t forget to sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top for a lovely garnish. Enjoy your Crockpot Marry Me Chicken—it’s sure to impress anyone at the table!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s crucial to thaw it first. Thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight, or for a quicker method, place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for about an hour. Be sure to pat it dry with paper towels before searing to prevent excess moisture.
How Can I Make This Dish Lighter?
For a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with a mixture of half-and-half and Greek yogurt or use a low-fat cream alternative. Additionally, reduce the amount of cheese or use a lighter cheese like feta for a different flavor profile while still keeping it delicious!
What If I Don’t Have Sun-Dried Tomatoes?
No problem! If sun-dried tomatoes aren’t available, you can use diced fresh tomatoes or roasted red peppers as a substitute. Just keep in mind that fresh tomatoes will create a slightly different sauce texture. You might want to reduce some of the liquid ingredients to achieve the right consistency.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, or use the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between for even heating.
