Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

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Delicious Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken in a creamy sauce served on a plate

Crockpot Recipes

Easy and Delicious Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

Introduction

There are certain recipes that just feel like home. You know, the ones you could whip up in your sleep, wrapped in memories of family dinners and laughter. I remember the first time I laid eyes on the recipe for Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken; honestly, it felt like stumbling upon a soulmate in cookbook form. I had just survived a kitchen disaster involving thirty attempts at baking the perfect banana bread—if you’ve ever had a stringy, undercooked loaf that seemed more like a sad pancake than a sweet indulgence, you’ll understand my reluctance to take on anything that involved more than a few ingredients.

And then I discovered this gem. Picture it: me at 5 PM, exhausted from work and yet determined to make something scrumptious for dinner. The golden hour light was spilling through my kitchen window, and my heart was singing for something comforting yet easy. As I gathered my ingredients, I couldn’t help but smile at the thought of not just feeding my family but potentially winning their hearts all over again.

This recipe is a beautiful melody of creamy goodness, subtle tang from sundried tomatoes, and the kind of flavors that embrace you like an old friend. I can’t promise that it will make someone propose, but I can confidently say it will make a serious impact on your weeknight dinners. It’s the ultimate in easy weeknight dinners, and trust me, with a name like that, you know it’s going to be good!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy Peasy: Seriously, if you can find a bowl and a spoon, you can make this. Just toss everything in the Crock Pot and let it do its magic while you binge-watch your favorite show.
  • Comforting as a Hug: The smell of garlic and simmering cream fills your home with warmth, making it feel like a cozy winter night, even if it’s sweltering outside.
  • Perfect for Leftovers: If you have any left (which is rare in my house), the flavors intensify overnight, making for some delicious sandwiches or rice bowls.
  • Picky Eater Approved: This dish is like the culinary equivalent of a warm hug. Kids and adults alike typically can’t resist the creamy sauce and tender chicken—it’s a crowd-pleaser.
  • Great for Meal Prep: You can easily double the batch. Think about those busy nights ahead—having this handy in the fridge or freezer is a lifesaver.
  • Versatile Pairings: It plays well with others! Serve it over pasta, rice, or even mashed potatoes, and you’ll feel like a five-star chef for minimal effort.

What Makes This Recipe Special?

There’s something about the combination of sundried tomatoes, cream, and Parmesan that tickles your taste buds while being comforting at the same time. It captures the essence of cozy dining that makes you want to share it with friends and family. Plus, this isn’t just a recipe; it’s a story—one about a weary cook who discovered that even a busy weeknight can turn into a soothing culinary experience.

I’ll never forget the first time I made this, sitting in my snug little kitchen, the kettle whistling in the background, as I watched the sauce come together. You know that iconic moment when garlic hits the pan? The aroma is intoxicating. With every chop of those sundried tomatoes, I was filled with nostalgia from family dinners of my childhood, and I could already envision my family devouring it.

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These are the stars of the show. Go for the good stuff—plump and juicy breast meat that will absorb all those delicious flavors.
  • 1 cup sundried tomatoes, chopped: They add a rich tartness and a delightful bite that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce. Trust me; skip the dried ones for this; you need the oil-packed gems.
  • 1 cup heavy cream: For that luscious texture that ties the whole dish together. Yes, I said heavy; we’re in comfort food territory here, folks!
  • 1 cup chicken broth: Adds depth and a savory undertone to the dish. Homemade is always nice, but store-bought is a great backup.
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Because what’s a creamy sauce without cheesy goodness? You can’t skip this—you just can’t!
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is love; it amplifies flavors and makes everything divine. And, oops, yes, I sometimes throw in an extra clove if I’m feeling brave.
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A little blend of herbs to elevate the dish. It’s like sprinkling a bit of magic; don’t skip it!
  • Salt and pepper to taste: Always taste as you go. That’s the golden rule!
  • Fresh basil for garnish: Not only does it look pretty, but the fresh finish is like a culinary bow on your delicious gift.

How to Make It Step-by-Step

  1. Start with the Chicken: You definitely want to place those lovely chicken breasts right in the bottom of your slow cooker, side by side (not stacked if you can help it; they should all turn out juicy). You’ll want them in a single layer, soaking up all that saucy goodness as they cook.

  2. Mix the Sauce: In a bowl—grab your favorite mixing bowl—combine those sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, chicken broth, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. I always give it a little whisk just to blend it all together until smooth—think of it as a creamy rave party in your bowl.

  3. Pour and Cover: Gently pour that luscious mixture over the chicken, ensuring everyone gets coated. Don’t forget to send some encouraging thoughts to the chicken as you cover the slow cooker—this is their time to shine! A little pep talk never hurt anyone, right?

  4. Cook It Low and Slow (or Quick and High): You truly have two options here: either let the magic unfold on low for about 6-8 hours or amp up the excitement and cook on high for around 4 hours. Either way, you’ll want to resist lifting that lid to peek; the aroma that wafts through your kitchen will be so tempting!

  5. The Grand Finale: Once everything is tender and cooked through, it’s time to plate! Serve that amazing chicken over a bed of pasta, rice, or even fluffy mashed potatoes. Garnish generously with fresh basil—it’s the cherry on top!

I can still remember the first big bite. The creamy sauce wrapped around the chicken was a revelation! It was cozy, comforting, honestly everything I imagined it would be—like a warm hug on a plate! Oh, and the crunchiness from the sundried tomatoes? Pure joy!

Tips for Best Results

  • Quality Ingredients Matter: Since this dish is so simple, it’s essential to use good-quality components—especially the chicken and cheese. Spend a bit more at the store if you need to; it shows in the end product.
  • Don’t Skip the Resting Time: After cooking, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. It helps the flavors settle, and trust me, patience pays off—the sauce gets even creamier!
  • Taste Before Serving: Make it a habit to taste the sauce before serving; sometimes, it might need a tad more seasoning depending on personal preference.
  • Adapt for Your Family: If you have specific dietary needs or preferences in your home, feel free to swap in gluten-free pasta or a low-carb option.

Ingredients Substitutions & Variations

If you need to play around a bit, here are some ideas:

  • Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and a non-dairy cheese option to make it vegan-friendly.
  • Add Veggies: Toss in some spinach at the end of cooking, or throw in some bell peppers or mushrooms. They’ll cook down beautifully and add some color and flavor!
  • Spicy Twist: Add crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat, or toss in some jalapeños for spicy sundried’d goodness.

Directions

Grab your slow cooker and place the chicken breasts inside, ensuring they aren’t overlapped. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sundried tomatoes, heavy cream, chicken broth, parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and those all-important salt and pepper sprinkles. Pour this over the chicken, cover, and let the slow cooker work its magic! You can choose to cook it on low for 6-8 hours or, if you’re crunched for time, on high for about 4 hours.

Once it’s cooked, you’ll want to serve it over something—the best pairings are pasta or rice, with a fresh basil garnish making it Instagram-worthy.

Pairing Ideas (Drinks, Sides, etc.)

If you’re pairing this dish, think comfort food vibes with a nice salad on the side. A Caesar is always a hit, especially if you’ve got some leftover Parmesan to sprinkle on top. If you want a little something sweet to close out your meal, why not try a light lemon sorbet? That fresh finish really balances the creaminess of the chicken.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Honestly, leftovers are the dream here. Just make sure to let everything cool before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll last about 3-4 days in the fridge. To reheat, I usually pop it in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Otherwise, a saucepan on low heat works too—just make sure to keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.

Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips

If you want to prep ahead for those busy nights, you can assemble everything—chicken and sauce—in the crock pot insert and store it in the fridge for up to a day before cooking. Just pull it out in the morning and set it to cook when you can, or even freeze a batch if you dare! Pour the prepared sauce and chicken mixture into a freezer bag and store it for up to three months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and cook as directed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don’t overcrowd the slow cooker with too much chicken; it needs space to bathe in all that creamy sauce!
  • Resist the urge to lift the lid while cooking—trust me, that steam needs to stay inside for the best results.
  • Salt sparingly until the end; canned broth can be saltier than you think.
  • Avoid using dried herbs instead of fresh—it makes a difference! Fresh basil sprinkled in at the end brings everything home!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Just add an extra hour to the cooking time to ensure they’re cooked all the way through.

Can I double the recipe?
Sure! Just ensure that your slow cooker can handle it. You may want to adjust cooking time slightly as well.

What can I serve it with?
I love serving it over pasta, rice, or even mashed potatoes! It’s super flexible—use what you enjoy!

Cooking Tools You’ll Need

  • Slow Cooker: Any size will do, but I love a 6-quart for maximum capacity and flexibility.
  • Mixing Bowl and Whisk: For the sauce, a bowl and whisk make life easy.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Keeping your measurements accurate is crucial!

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken isn’t just a dish; it’s a nostalgic journey through comfort food, romance, and the beauty of sharing meals with loved ones. Reflecting on my initial struggles in the kitchen, this recipe has become a beacon of hope in my weeknight dinner lineup. So, if you’ve had a chaotic day or a string of culinary disasters, I invite you to give this a try.

And when it warms your heart as it has mine, don’t forget to share your version! If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to save it on Pinterest or share it with a friend!

Delicious fd35ec2ea2

Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

A creamy, delicious slow-cooked chicken dish featuring sundried tomatoes and Parmesan cheese that’s perfect for weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 550 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts Choose good quality, plump and juicy.
  • 1 cup sundried tomatoes, chopped Use oil-packed for the best flavor.
  • 1 cup heavy cream Provides a creamy texture.
  • 1 cup chicken broth Homemade is preferred, but store-bought works.
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Essential for creamy sauce.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Adds depth of flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Herb blend to enhance flavors.
  • to taste none Salt and pepper Season to personal preference.
  • to garnish none Fresh basil Adds a fresh touch to the dish.

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker in a single layer.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine sundried tomatoes, heavy cream, chicken broth, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth.

Cooking

  • Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring it's well coated.
  • Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for about 4 hours.

Serving

  • Once cooked, serve the chicken over pasta or rice, garnished with fresh basil.

Notes

Use high-quality ingredients for best results. Allow resting time before serving for enhanced flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 45gFat: 36gSaturated Fat: 20gSodium: 800mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5g
Keyword Comfort Food, Crock Pot Chicken, Easy Recipes, Family Dinner, Slow Cooker
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Tags:

Chicken Recipes / Comfort Food / Crock Pot Recipes / easy dinner ideas / Marry Me chicken

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