Crockpot Marry Me Chicken: A Creamy, Flavorful Dish to Win Hearts

If you’ve been looking for a show-stopping chicken dish that’s rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor, look no further—Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is here to steal the spotlight! This dish is so delicious that it’s rumored to inspire marriage proposals (hence the name). Tender chicken breasts are slow-cooked in a creamy, garlicky sun-dried tomato sauce, making it the perfect dinner for special occasions or cozy weeknights.

I first made this dish on a whim, wanting something comforting yet elegant. Little did I know it would become an instant favorite with my family and friends! The slow-cooking process makes the chicken fall-apart tender while the sauce gets thick, creamy, and downright irresistible. Let’s get cooking and see why this dish lives up to its romantic reputation!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Main Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• Fresh basil, for garnish

Optional Additions:

• 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms (for extra heartiness)
• 1/4 cup white wine (for a more complex flavor)
• 1/2 cup baby spinach (for a burst of color)
• 1 teaspoon onion powder (for added depth)

Why These Ingredients Work:

• Heavy cream and Parmesan cheese create a rich and creamy sauce.
• Sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of tangy sweetness.
• Garlic and Italian seasoning add a robust, savory flavor.
• Red pepper flakes give a subtle spicy kick, balancing the richness.

Preparing the Ingredients

Trim the chicken breasts and pat them dry with paper towels.
Chop the sun-dried tomatoes and mince the garlic.
Grate the Parmesan cheese and set it aside.
Measure out the cream, broth, and spices.

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Sear the Chicken (Optional)

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown (not fully cooked).
Transfer the seared chicken to the crockpot.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed.
Sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the skillet.
Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
Bring to a gentle simmer, then pour the sauce over the chicken in the crockpot.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Chicken

Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce (If Needed)

If the sauce is too thin, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to form a slurry.
Stir the slurry into the sauce and cook on HIGH for an additional 15 minutes to thicken.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
Serve hot over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this dish with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery pasta to soak up the luscious sauce.
For a lighter option, serve over cauliflower rice or sautéed zucchini noodles.
Add a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to round out the meal.

Tips and Variations

Add Veggies:

Toss in spinach or mushrooms during the last hour of cooking for a one-pot meal.

Use Chicken Thighs:

For even juicier meat, substitute chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs.

Make It Spicy:

Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne for an extra kick.

Low-Carb Option:

Serve the chicken over cauliflower mash or zoodles (zucchini noodles) to keep it keto-friendly.

Storing and Reheating

Storing:

Let the chicken cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing:

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating:

Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to heat evenly.

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FAQs

1. Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be slightly less creamy and thick. You may want to add a little cornstarch slurry to help thicken it.

2. Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes, bone-in chicken works great, but it may take longer to cook. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

3. Is there a dairy-free option?
Replace heavy cream with canned coconut milk and use dairy-free Parmesan or nutritional yeast for a creamy, dairy-free version.

4. Can I cook this on the stovetop instead?
Absolutely! Sear the chicken, then simmer it in the sauce on medium-low heat for about 25-30 minutes until cooked through.

5. How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Use full-fat cream and avoid boiling the sauce. Cooking on low heat helps maintain a smooth consistency.

6. Can I add more cheese?
Of course! A sprinkle of mozzarella or extra Parmesan on top during the last few minutes will make it even cheesier.

7. What can I serve with Marry Me Chicken?
This dish is perfect with pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice. Roasted vegetables or a simple green salad also make great sides.

8. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it up to a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the crockpot.

9. Can I use jarred sun-dried tomatoes?
Yes, oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes work best as they add extra flavor and richness to the sauce. Just drain the excess oil before chopping.

10. Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes! As long as you use low-carb sides like cauliflower mash or zoodles, this dish fits well into a keto diet.

Enjoy your rich and flavorful Crockpot Marry Me Chicken! Let me know how it turned out and if it earned you any compliments—or proposals!