When the weekdays feel long and overwhelming, I find myself in search of comforting meals that require minimal effort yet deliver maximum flavor. That’s when I discovered my go-to recipe: Crockpot Marry Me Chicken. As I loaded my slow cooker with tender chicken breasts and a heavenly creamy, garlic-infused sauce, the anticipation of an effortless dinner began to build.
Imagine walking into your kitchen hours later to the intoxicating aroma of sun-dried tomatoes and melted cream cheese wafting through the air, promising a dish that feels both indulgent and wholesome. This recipe not only transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet experience but also offers the versatility to switch up the chicken cuts or experiment with flavors. With just a little prep, you can let your crockpot work its magic, releasing you from the stress of weeknight cooking. Join me on this culinary adventure, and let’s make dinner the highlight of your day!
Why is Crockpot Marry Me Chicken a must-try?
Flavorful and aromatic, this crockpot dish combines garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and a creamy sauce for an unforgettable meal. Effortless preparation saves you time, allowing you to focus on what matters most. Versatile for variations, you can use different cuts of chicken or add veggies. Perfect for busy nights, everyone will rave about it, turning your dinner into a family favorite! Try it tonight and discover why this easy weeknight dinner is a game changer!
Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Ingredients
• Unlock the secrets to a creamy, flavorful dish!
For the Chicken
- Chicken Breasts – Boneless and skinless is best for a tender result.
For the Sauce
- Chicken Broth – Provides moisture and depth; homemade or low-sodium is a great choice.
- Cream Cheese – Adds a luscious creaminess; can be swapped with a non-dairy option for a lighter touch.
- Heavy Cream – Intensifies richness; consider half-and-half or coconut cream as a substitute.
- Parmesan Cheese – Infuses savory depth; use grated or shredded, or try nutritional yeast for a vegan twist.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes – Bring a burst of flavor; oil-packed works wonderfully for texture.
- Garlic – Fresh minced garlic is ideal for aroma; garlic powder can serve in a pinch.
- Italian Seasoning – A blend of herbs that enhances flavor; substitute with oregano and basil if needed.
- Salt – Essential for flavor enhancement; adjust based on your broth’s saltiness.
- Black Pepper – Freshly cracked pepper delivers the best taste.
For Thickening
- Cornstarch – Used to thicken the sauce; can be replaced with arrowroot starch for a gluten-free option.
Embrace the goodness of this Crockpot Marry Me Chicken, and gather these delightful ingredients for a comforting weeknight dinner that is sure to become a favorite!
How to Make Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
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Prepare the Chicken
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. Just one layer is fine; ensure they’re evenly spread for better cooking. -
Mix the Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together chicken broth, cream cheese, heavy cream, grated Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy. -
Combine
Pour the luscious sauce mixture over the chicken breasts. Make sure the chicken is well coated to ensure maximum flavor absorption while it cooks. -
Cook
Cover your slow cooker and select the cooking time: LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. Cook until the chicken is fork-tender and infuses the sauce with its flavor. -
Shred the Chicken
Once cooked, remove the chicken and use two forks to shred it. Return the shredded chicken back into the creamy sauce mixture in the slow cooker. -
Thicken the Sauce
Stir in a cornstarch slurry (mix cornstarch with a little water) and cook on HIGH for an additional 10-15 minutes. This will thicken the sauce beautifully. -
Serve
Finally, ladle the creamy Crockpot Marry Me Chicken over your favorite pasta, rice, or fluffy mashed potatoes. Enjoy!
Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley or extra Parmesan for an added flavor boost.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Storage Tips for Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This chicken dish actually benefits from resting as flavors meld, making your meal even tastier the next day.
- Freezer: Freeze the cooled Crockpot Marry Me Chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for best results.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth to restore creaminess if the sauce has thickened too much.
- Room Temperature: Allow any leftovers to cool before refrigerating. Avoid letting them sit out for more than 2 hours to ensure food safety.
Make Ahead Options
These Crockpot Marry Me Chicken ingredients are perfect for meal prep lovers! You can prepare the sauce and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days in advance, ensuring the flavors meld beautifully. Simply whisk together the chicken broth, cream cheese, heavy cream, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and seasonings, then refrigerate in an airtight container. When you’re ready to cook, place your chicken breasts into the slow cooker, pour the prepped sauce over, and proceed with the cooking instructions as usual. For best results, let the cooked chicken cool before shredding and refrigerating any leftovers, which will still taste just as delicious the next day! This is a fantastic way to enjoy an effortless, comforting meal with minimal stress during busy weeknights.
Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Variations
Embrace the joy of customization with these fun twists that bring a new flavor dimension to your comforting dish.
- Chicken Thighs: Swap out chicken breasts for thighs for a juicier, more succulent meal.
- Creamy Mushroom: Add sautéed mushrooms to the sauce for an earthy, savory enhancement that deepens the flavor.
- Spinach & Artichoke: Toss in fresh spinach and artichoke hearts for a delightful twist reminiscent of your favorite dip.
- Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheeses, like mozzarella for a melty finish or feta for a tangy zing.
- Heat It Up: Sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for a spicy kick that’ll awaken your palate.
- Vegetable Boost: Add bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition and a splash of color in your creamy sauce.
- Herb Infusion: Freshly chopped herbs like basil or thyme elevate the dish with aromatic brightness and freshness.
- Zesty Lemon: Squeeze in some lemon juice at the end for a refreshing finish that balances the creaminess beautifully.
What to Serve with Crockpot Marry Me Chicken?
The rich and creamy flavors of this comforting dish deserve delightful companions to create a well-rounded meal.
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Garlic Mashed Potatoes: The velvety texture pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce, soaking up every drop of flavor for a delightful experience. Comfort food at its finest, these mashed potatoes will have everyone coming back for seconds!
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Linguine or Fettuccine: Serve it over pasta to create a truly indulgent meal. The noodles will entangle with the luscious sauce, providing a satisfying bite that complements the chicken beautifully.
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Steamed Broccoli: A fresh green element adds crunch and a pop of color to your plate. Its slight bitterness beautifully balances the richness of the chicken and sauce, creating a harmonious dish.
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Crusty Garlic Bread: Perfect for sopping up that heavenly sauce. The crisp exterior and soft inside offer a satisfying texture contrast, making each bite a treat.
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Garden Salad: Brighten up your meal with a colorful salad. Crisp lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette offer a refreshing counterpoint to the creamy chicken, enhancing the overall dining experience.
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Chardonnay: This light white wine pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce of the chicken, enhancing its flavors. Its crispness and acidity will complement the richness and keep your palate refreshed.
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Lemon Tart: End your meal on a sweet note. The tartness of the dessert brings a delightful contrast, cutting through the richness of the main dish and providing a refreshing finish.
Expert Tips for Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
• Choose Chicken Wisely: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easy shredding, but consider thighs for extra moisture and tenderness.
• Sear for Flavor: For a deeper flavor, give your chicken a quick sear in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker.
• Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce thickens too much while reheating leftovers, stir in extra broth or water to maintain a creamy texture.
• Don’t Rush the Thickening: Allow the cornstarch slurry the full 10-15 minutes to achieve that perfect clingy sauce with the desired consistency.
• Customize Ingredients: Feel free to swap ingredients; try adding spinach or bell peppers for additional nutrition, or experiment with different cheeses.
Enjoy your time cooking this delightful Crockpot Marry Me Chicken, making weeknight dinners a stress-free experience!
Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Recipe FAQs
What type of chicken is best for Crockpot Marry Me Chicken?
Choosing boneless, skinless chicken breasts is ideal for this recipe, as they become tender and easily shreddable. However, if you prefer a juicier option, chicken thighs are a fantastic alternative. They remain moist throughout the cooking process and are forgiving to longer cooking times.
How should I store leftovers from this recipe?
Store any remaining Crockpot Marry Me Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish actually tastes even better on the following day, as the flavors continue to meld. Serve it over fresh pasta or rice to revive it, making sure to add a little broth if the sauce looks thicker than desired.
Can I freeze Crockpot Marry Me Chicken?
Absolutely! To freeze the dish, let it cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, transfer it to the fridge the night before to thaw, and then reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
What should I do if the sauce is too thin or too thick?
If you find the sauce is too thin, you can thicken it up by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water and stirring it into the sauce while it’s cooking on HIGH for about 10-15 minutes. Conversely, if the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water, stirring until you reach your desired consistency.
Are there any dietary considerations when making this dish?
When preparing Crockpot Marry Me Chicken, be mindful of any allergies. The recipe contains dairy (cream cheese, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese), so for dairy-free options, substitute with plant-based cream cheese and coconut cream. Additionally, if serving to pets, it’s best to avoid sharing any dishes that contain garlic or onions, as these can be harmful to them.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Experiment by incorporating vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or even mushrooms. You can add them in during the last hour of cooking to ensure they maintain some texture. This not only boosts nutrition but also adds color and variety to your meal.
Crockpot Marry Me Chicken: Your New Favorite Comfort Dish
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker in one layer.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together chicken broth, cream cheese, heavy cream, grated Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken breasts to ensure they are well coated.
- Cover the slow cooker and select LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours; cook until the chicken is fork-tender.
- Remove the chicken and shred it using two forks, then return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
- Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook on HIGH for an additional 10-15 minutes to thicken the sauce.
- Ladle the creamy Crockpot Marry Me Chicken over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. Enjoy!