Crock-Pot Marry Me Chicken: A Recipe for Love (and Deliciousness!)

Introduction & Inspiration

As someone who believes in the power of food to bring people together, I’m always excited to share recipes that are both delicious and meaningful. This Crock-Pot Marry Me Chicken is a special one. It’s a dish that’s perfect for a romantic dinner, a special occasion, or any time you want to show someone you care. I was first introduced to this dish by a friend who swore it was a game-changer in her relationship (she wasn’t wrong!). The combination of flavors and the ease of preparation make it a winner every time.

Homemade Focus

While you can certainly use pre-cooked chicken or jarred sauce, I highly recommend making this dish from scratch. It’s easier than you might think, and the flavor payoff is immense! Homemade ingredients are fresher, tastier, and allow you to customize the dish to your liking. Plus, there’s a certain satisfaction that comes with creating a restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen.

Flavor Goal

The goal here is to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor and richness. We’re talking savory, creamy, garlicky, and slightly tangy all in one bite. The chicken is perfectly seasoned and seared to golden perfection, while the sauce is a symphony of flavors, thanks to the garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s explore the key players in this flavor-packed dish:

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a lean protein source that’s perfect for this recipe. Searing them before slow cooking adds flavor and helps them stay juicy.
• Olive Oil: Olive oil is used for searing the chicken and adds a touch of richness to the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Heavy cream creates a luscious, velvety sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Chicken broth adds depth and richness to the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor to the sauce.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is a must for building flavor.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Sun-dried tomatoes add a chewy texture and a concentrated tomato flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, but adds a touch of heat.
• Italian Seasoning: Italian seasoning adds a blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme for a classic Italian flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note.

Equipment

You’ll need just a few basic tools to whip up this delicious chicken dish:

• Skillet
• Slow cooker
• Mixing spoon or spatula

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

For the Sauce:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

For Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Extra grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken:

1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season with salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme on both sides.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.

Step 2: Make the Sauce:

1. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, or until fragrant.
2. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze.
3. Add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper flakes (if using), and Italian seasoning. Stir until combined.
4. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 3: Assemble in the Slow Cooker:

1. Place the seared chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
2. Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
3. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve:

1. Transfer the chicken to a serving platter and pour the sauce over the top.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.

Troubleshooting

• Chicken too dry: If the chicken seems dry, you can add a little bit of chicken broth or water to the slow cooker.
• Sauce too thin: If the sauce is too thin, you can remove the lid during the last hour of cooking to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. You can also add a slurry of 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of cold water to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Dish too bland: Adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to taste.

Tips and Variations

• For a richer flavor, you can use half olive oil and half butter for searing the chicken.
• Feel free to add other vegetables to the dish, such as mushrooms, spinach, or artichoke hearts.
• To make it a complete meal, serve with a side of pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
• For a spicier kick, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This Crock-Pot Marry Me Chicken is an elegant and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a romantic dinner, a special occasion, or any time you want to impress your loved ones. Pair it with a side of your favorite vegetables, a glass of white wine, and some crusty bread for a truly memorable meal.

Nutritional Information

(Per serving, approximate)

• Calories: ~400
• Fat: ~25g
• Cholesterol: ~150mg
• Sodium: ~600mg
• Carbohydrates: ~10g
• Protein: ~40g

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Recipe Summary and Q&A

Recipe Name: Crock-Pot Marry Me Chicken

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high

Yields: 6 servings

Q: Can I use bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts?

A: Yes, you can use bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. They will take longer to cook.

Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?

A: Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite cheese or a blend of cheeses. Asiago or provolone would be great substitutes.

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can sear the chicken and make the sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble in the slow cooker when ready to cook.