If there’s one dish guaranteed to wow your family, it’s Creamy Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken. Why the name? Because this meal is so good, it’s been said to inspire proposals on the spot! With its rich, creamy sauce and perfectly cooked chicken, it’s a dinner that feels indulgent yet requires minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just need a foolproof recipe to impress, this dish has you covered.
I still remember the first time I made this for my husband. He took one bite and said, “If I hadn’t already proposed, this would’ve sealed the deal.” Safe to say, it’s now a staple in our home. So grab your slow cooker, and let’s dive into this easy, delicious recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking: Just a few minutes of prep work and your slow cooker does the rest.
- Rich Flavors: A creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes and herbs takes this chicken to the next level.
- Versatile Pairings: Serve it over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or even roasted veggies.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to create this magical dish:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Step 1: Seasoning the Chicken
Start by generously seasoning both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Trust me, this simple step ensures your chicken is flavorful all the way through.
Pro Tip: For extra flavor, sear the chicken in a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes per side before adding it to the slow cooker. This caramelizes the outside and locks in the juices.
Step 2: Preparing the Sauce
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, dried oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if you like a little kick). This sauce is the heart of the dish, so make sure everything is well combined for a creamy consistency.
Step 3: Assembling in the Slow Cooker
Now for the easiest part: assembling everything in the slow cooker. Lay the chicken breasts at the bottom, then pour your prepared sauce over the top. Sprinkle the chopped sun-dried tomatoes evenly to ensure every bite bursts with flavor.
Step 4: Let It Cook
Cover your slow cooker and set it to Low for 4 hours or High for 2 hours. This gives you plenty of time to relax or prep your sides. The chicken will become tender, juicy, and infused with all those incredible flavors.
Creamy Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken: The Ultimate Comfort Meal
Welcome back! By now, your kitchen is probably filled with the irresistible aroma of creamy garlic and herbs mingling with sun-dried tomatoes. Let’s dive into the final steps of bringing this meal to life and explore how to make it truly unforgettable. Plus, I’ve got some expert tips and pairing ideas that’ll make this dish shine.
Step 5: Adding Butter for a Luxurious Finish
In the last 30 minutes of cooking, it’s time to elevate the sauce. Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the slow cooker and gently stir it into the sauce. The butter not only enriches the creaminess but also adds a silky texture that will coat the chicken and whatever side you serve it with beautifully.
Pro Tip: If the sauce looks too thin for your liking, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 teaspoons of water to create a slurry. Add this to the sauce in the last 30 minutes, and it will thicken to a luscious consistency.
Step 6: Serving and Garnishing
When the chicken is fully cooked (an internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C), it’s ready to be served. Carefully transfer the chicken breasts to a serving platter or leave them in the slow cooker to keep warm.
Spoon that heavenly sauce over the chicken and garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Trust me, this simple touch makes the dish look restaurant-worthy.
Step 7: Perfect Pairings for Marry Me Chicken
Now, let’s talk about what to serve with this dish to make it a complete meal. The beauty of Marry Me Chicken is its versatility—it pairs well with so many sides!
- Pasta: Serve it over a bed of fettuccine or spaghetti to soak up every drop of the creamy sauce.
- Mashed Potatoes: Fluffy mashed potatoes are perfect for catching the rich sauce.
- Rice: White or wild rice provides a subtle base that lets the chicken shine.
- Roasted Vegetables: For a lighter option, pair with roasted broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini.
- Crusty Bread: Use it to mop up the sauce—you won’t want to waste a single bite!
Tips and Variations
- Add a Veggie Twist: Stir in fresh spinach or sautéed mushrooms during the last 30 minutes of cooking for added texture and nutrition.
- Make It Spicy: If you like a kick, double the red pepper flakes or drizzle with a bit of chili oil before serving.
- Cheese Lovers Unite: Sprinkle extra Parmesan on top for an added layer of cheesiness.
Why This Dish Works for Any Occasion
What I love most about Creamy Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken is how adaptable it is. Hosting a dinner party? Your guests will rave about it. Need a comforting family meal? This dish feels like a warm hug on a plate. Even on a busy weeknight, it’s quick to prep and lets your slow cooker do the heavy lifting.
Creamy Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken: The Ultimate Comfort Meal
You’ve made it to the final stretch! By now, your Creamy Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken is ready to wow your taste buds. In this final section, we’ll answer some of the most common questions about the recipe and wrap up with an encouraging conclusion to inspire you to make this dish your own.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Absolutely! Chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe. They’re naturally juicier and add even more flavor to the dish. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may cook faster than breasts.
2. Can I make this recipe dairy-free? Yes, you can! Replace the heavy cream with a plant-based alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream, and use a dairy-free Parmesan substitute. The flavors will still be rich and satisfying.
3. What’s the best way to store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the chicken and sauce gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed to loosen the sauce.
4. Can I freeze this dish? Yes, Marry Me Chicken freezes well! Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the slow cooker.
5. Can I make this recipe in advance? Definitely. You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook, pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker and follow the instructions as written.
6. Can I double the recipe for a crowd? Yes, this recipe doubles easily! Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the extra ingredients. You may also need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
7. What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes? If sun-dried tomatoes aren’t your favorite, you can substitute them with roasted red peppers or even fresh cherry tomatoes for a different flavor profile.
Conclusion: Time to Impress with Marry Me Chicken
And there you have it—Creamy Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken, a dish so good it might just change your life. Whether you’re preparing it for a date night, a family dinner, or even meal prep, this recipe is guaranteed to deliver big on flavor with minimal effort.
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Creamy Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Description
Creamy Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken is a luscious, tender dish with a rich sauce made of Parmesan, heavy cream, and sun-dried tomatoes. Perfect for special occasions or weeknight dinners, this dish will have everyone asking for seconds—maybe even proposing!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1️⃣ Season the chicken:
Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
2️⃣ Mix the sauce:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using) until smooth.
3️⃣ Assemble in the slow cooker:
Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken, ensuring the breasts are well-coated.
Sprinkle the chopped sun-dried tomatoes evenly over the top.
4️⃣ Cook the chicken:
Cover and cook on Low for 4 hours or High for 2 hours, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5️⃣ Add the butter:
In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the butter until fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.
6️⃣ Serve and garnish:
Transfer the chicken to a serving plate or leave it in the slow cooker to keep warm. Spoon the creamy sauce over the chicken and garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired.
7️⃣ Pair and enjoy:
Serve with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Make it heartier: Add spinach or mushrooms in the last hour of cooking for more vegetables.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Substitutions: Half-and-half can replace heavy cream for a lighter option, but the sauce will be less creamy.
- Pro tip: Serve with crusty bread to mop up the irresistible sauce!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
