Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is a dream come true for anyone who loves creamy, flavorful chicken dishes. With a luscious garlic Parmesan sauce, sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet tang, and perfectly tender slow-cooked chicken, this dish is an instant family favorite. The name comes from its reputation some say it’s so delicious it could lead to a marriage proposal!
This dish is not just about incredible taste; it’s about ease and convenience. With minimal prep and a slow cooker doing all the work, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without any stress. Serve it over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a complete, satisfying dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1 cup chicken broth
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1 cup heavy cream
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 tbsp garlic, minced
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1 tsp dried oregano
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½ tsp dried thyme
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¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
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½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
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2 tbsp butter
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions:
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Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
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In a bowl, whisk together chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes.
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Place the seasoned chicken breasts at the bottom of a crockpot. Pour the sauce mixture over them, ensuring full coverage.
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Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes on top.
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Cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours, until chicken is fully cooked and tender.
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In the last 30 minutes, stir in butter to enhance the sauce’s richness.
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Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 4 hours | Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 354 kcal | Servings: 4
Crockpot Marry Me Chicken – A Flavorful, Creamy, and Effortless Dinner
There are some dishes so delicious that they become legendary, and Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is one of them. This dish has gained a reputation not only for its rich, creamy texture but also for its irresistible flavor combination of garlic, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes. Some even say that this dish is so good, it could lead to a marriage proposal! Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a comforting meal to impress family and friends, this slow-cooker recipe delivers a perfect balance of taste, texture, and convenience.
Why Is It Called “Marry Me Chicken”?
The name “Marry Me Chicken” originated from a skillet version of this dish, where the combination of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and flavorful seasonings was said to be so delicious that it could make someone want to propose! The crockpot version makes this dish even easier to prepare, allowing the flavors to meld together over hours of slow cooking, resulting in juicy, fall-apart chicken drenched in a rich, cheesy, garlicky sauce.
Whether you’re making it for a romantic dinner, a family meal, or meal prep for the week, this recipe is bound to win over everyone at the table.
What Makes Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Special?
There are plenty of creamy chicken recipes out there, but this one stands out because of its simplicity, versatility, and depth of flavor. Let’s break down what makes it so irresistible:
1. Unbelievably Easy to Make
One of the biggest advantages of Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is how effortless it is to prepare. All you need to do is place the ingredients in a slow cooker and let it work its magic. Unlike stovetop versions that require more attention, the crockpot method allows you to set it and forget it. This is ideal for busy home cooks, parents, and anyone who loves a good meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
2. Rich, Creamy, and Savory Sauce
The sauce in this dish is the real star. A blend of heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and garlic creates a velvety, luxurious sauce that coats every bite of chicken. The addition of sun-dried tomatoes adds a slight tangy sweetness, perfectly balancing the richness of the creamy base. Herbs like oregano and thyme enhance the overall depth of flavor, making this dish both comforting and gourmet.
3. Perfectly Tender Chicken
Since this dish is slow-cooked over several hours, the chicken becomes incredibly tender, soaking up all the flavors from the sauce. Whether you use chicken breasts or thighs, the result is juicy, flavorful meat that practically melts in your mouth. Unlike pan-fried or baked chicken, slow-cooked chicken stays moist and doesn’t dry out, making it perfect for a saucy dish like this.
4. A Crowd-Pleasing Meal
Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is perfect for any occasion. It’s fancy enough for a date night, yet simple and hearty enough for a family dinner. Even picky eaters will love the creamy, cheesy goodness. Plus, it pairs well with so many side dishes, making it easy to customize to your liking.
Best Ways to Serve Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
One of the best things about this dish is how versatile it is when it comes to serving options. Here are some great ways to enjoy it:
1. Over Pasta
The creamy sauce in Marry Me Chicken is perfect for coating fettuccine, linguine, or penne pasta. The pasta absorbs the flavors beautifully, making each bite incredibly satisfying. If you want a lighter option, zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash work great too!
2. With Mashed Potatoes
For the ultimate comfort meal, serve this creamy chicken over a bed of buttery mashed potatoes. The sauce seeps into the potatoes, creating a rich, satisfying combination that is sure to please.
3. With Rice or Cauliflower Rice
If you’re looking for a hearty yet simple pairing, steamed white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice are excellent choices. The rice soaks up the sauce, ensuring you get the full burst of flavors in every bite.
4. With Crusty Bread
A slice of warm, crusty bread (like a baguette or garlic bread) is perfect for soaking up every last drop of the creamy sauce. This is great for those who love a rustic, hearty meal with a side of extra texture.
5. Over Roasted Vegetables
For a healthier, low carb alternative, try serving Crockpot Marry Me Chicken over a bed of roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts. The creamy sauce pairs well with vegetables, adding flavor while keeping the dish light and nutritious.
Tips for Making the Best Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
To ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time, here are some helpful cooking tips:
1. Use the Right Cut of Chicken
While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are commonly used in this recipe, chicken thighs are a great option as well. They tend to stay even juicier during slow cooking, making them an excellent choice if you prefer extra-tender meat.
2. Don’t Skip the Parmesan
Parmesan cheese adds a deep, savory flavor to the sauce. For the best results, use freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-packaged shredded cheese, as it melts better and enhances the overall taste.
3. Adjust the Spice Level
If you love a little heat, red pepper flakes add a subtle spicy kick to the sauce. You can adjust the amount based on your preference.
4. Let It Simmer for Maximum Flavor
While this dish can be cooked in 2 hours on high, letting it slow-cook for 4 hours on low allows the flavors to fully develop. The longer cooking time ensures the chicken absorbs all the delicious seasonings.
5. Store and Reheat Properly
Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce’s creamy consistency.
Conclusion
Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is the perfect blend of ease, comfort, and flavor, making it a must try recipe for anyone who loves creamy, indulgent chicken dishes. With its rich garlic Parmesan sauce, tender slow cooked chicken, and the delicious tang of sun-dried tomatoes, it’s no wonder this dish has earned such a romantic and legendary name.
Whether you’re making it for a special date night, a cozy family dinner, or just a meal to enjoy on a busy day, this dish is guaranteed to impress. Pair it with pasta, rice, or a side of veggies, and you have a restaurant-quality meal made effortlessly in your crockpot.
If you haven’t tried Crockpot Marry Me Chicken yet, now is the time! Give it a go, and who knows? It might just become your new favorite comfort meal.