The Best Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Recipe – Easy Slow Cooker Dinner

When the craving strikes for something comforting, flavorful, and remarkably easy, this Crockpot Marry Me Chicken always comes to the rescue. It’s a dish that delivers on its name, promising a creamy, savory, and satisfying experience that’s sure to win over anyone at the table. It’s become a staple in my weeknight rotation for good reason.

Why This Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Works

This recipe is a winner because it simplifies a rich, restaurant-style dish into a hands-off slow cooker meal.

Ingredients

• 1.5 – 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (for garnish)
• Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for a hint of heat

Gathering these ingredients is the first step towards a delicious meal. Each component plays a vital role in building the signature creamy, tomato-infused sauce that makes this chicken so special.

How to Make It

1. Begin by trimming any excess fat from your chicken breasts or thighs. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
2. If you have time and an extra few minutes, you can optionally sear the chicken. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Place the seasoned (and optionally seared) chicken into your slow cooker. Try to arrange it in a single layer if possible to ensure even cooking.
4. In the same small bowl you used for seasoning, or in a separate bowl, combine the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, and chicken broth.
5. Pour this sun-dried tomato and garlic mixture evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker. Make sure to get some of the chopped tomatoes distributed amongst the chicken pieces.
6. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours, or on HIGH for 2-3 hours.
7. Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a plate or cutting board. You can shred the chicken using two forks, or if you prefer larger pieces, you can slice it.
8. Returning to the slow cooker, stir the remaining liquid with the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese.
9. Return the shredded or sliced chicken to the slow cooker and stir gently to coat it thoroughly in the creamy sauce.
10. Let the chicken sit in the warm sauce for about 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Garnish with fresh chopped basil just before serving for a pop of color and freshness.

This step-by-step process transforms simple ingredients into a delicious, creamy chicken dish that’s ready to be enjoyed. The slow cooker does most of the work, making this recipe incredibly accessible for home cooks of all levels.

Nutrition at a Glance

• Calories: Typically around 400-500 per serving, depending on chicken cut and cream quantity.
• Protein: High, primarily from the chicken.
• Fat: Moderate to high, due to the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
• Carbohydrates: Lower, mainly from the dairy and a small amount from the sun-dried tomatoes.
• Sodium: Can vary based on broth and added salt.
• Fiber: Minimal, with a small contribution from sun-dried tomatoes.

How to Serve It

• Serve over a bed of pasta, such as fettuccine or linguine, to catch all the creamy sauce.
• Pair with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice for a comforting meal.
• Enjoy with crusty bread for dipping into the sauce.
• Alongside a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness.
• As a filling for sandwiches or wraps.

This versatile dish pairs well with a variety of accompaniments, allowing you to customize your meal based on your preferences and what you have on hand.

Common Mistakes

• Overcooking the chicken: This can lead to dry, tough chicken, even in a slow cooker. Monitor the cooking time closely and don’t leave it in for excessively long periods, especially on high heat.
• Not draining the sun-dried tomatoes enough: If you use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, draining them well prevents the sauce from becoming overly oily.
• Adding dairy too early: Adding the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese too early in the cooking process can sometimes cause them to curdle or separate.
• Skipping the seasoning: While the other ingredients are flavorful, under-seasoning the chicken at the beginning will result in a bland final dish.
• Sauce too thin: Not allowing for thickening time or not knowing how to thicken can lead to a watery sauce. Consider the cornstarch slurry option if needed.

Avoiding these common pitfalls will help ensure that your Crockpot Marry Me Chicken turns out consistently delicious and tender, just as intended.

Don’t miss this delicious recipe: Easy Whole30 Marry Me Chicken Recipe 

Storage and Reheating

• Store any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• When reheating, it’s best to do so gently to preserve the creaminess of the sauce. You can reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave on a lower power setting.
• If the sauce has separated slightly, a good stir as it heats up usually helps bring it back together. You might need to add a splash of milk or broth if it seems too thick after refrigeration.

Proper storage and reheating are key to enjoying this delicious dish even days after it’s first made. These methods help maintain the quality and flavor of the creamy chicken.

Leftover Ideas

• Marry Me Chicken Pasta Bake: Combine leftover chicken and sauce with cooked pasta, top with extra cheese, and bake until bubbly.
• Chicken and Sun-Dried Tomato Quesadillas: Shred the chicken, mix with the sauce (draining off excess liquid if needed), and use as a filling for cheese quesadillas.
• Marry Me Chicken Salad Sandwiches: Chop the chicken, mix with a little bit of the sauce (enough to bind), a touch of mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt, and serve on bread or in lettuce wraps.
• Stuffed Bell Peppers: Mix leftover chicken and sauce with cooked rice or quinoa and stuff into hollowed-out bell peppers, then bake until tender.
• Add to a Frittata or Omelet: Chop the chicken and add it to your breakfast or brunch eggs for a protein-packed and flavorful addition.

Giving leftovers a new life with these creative ideas ensures you get the most out of this flavorful dish, preventing food waste and offering variety throughout the week. It’s a testament to how versatile this creamy chicken can be.

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