Crockpot Marry Me Chicken: The Easiest Recipe Ever!

Crockpot Marry Me Chicken: the name alone promises a dish so irresistible, so utterly delightful, that it could inspire a proposal! But does it live up to the hype? Absolutely! This creamy, dreamy chicken recipe has taken the internet by storm, and for good reason. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience.

While the exact origins of “Marry Me Chicken” are shrouded in a bit of mystery, the legend suggests it first appeared sometime in the 2010s, quickly spreading through social media and online food communities. The name, of course, is pure marketing genius, playing on the idea that the dish is so delicious, it will win over anyone’s heart. And while we can’t guarantee a proposal, we can guarantee a satisfied stomach and requests for seconds!

What makes Crockpot Marry Me Chicken so beloved? It’s a symphony of flavors and textures. Tender chicken breasts simmered in a luscious, sun-dried tomato and cream-based sauce, infused with garlic, herbs, and a touch of Parmesan cheese. The slow cooker does all the work, resulting in incredibly moist and flavorful chicken that practically melts in your mouth. It’s the perfect combination of comfort food and sophisticated flavors, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to customize to your liking. So, are you ready to experience the magic? Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients:

• 1.5 – 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped, plus more for garnish
• Cooked pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, for serving

Preparing the Chicken:

Okay, let’s get started! First, we need to prep our chicken. This step is crucial for getting that perfect, juicy texture we’re after.

1. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them get a nice sear later on. In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Generously sprinkle this mixture all over both sides of the chicken breasts, making sure they’re evenly coated. Don’t be shy with the seasoning – it’s what gives the chicken its initial flavor punch!
2. Sear the Chicken (Optional but Recommended): While this step isn’t strictly necessary for a crockpot recipe, searing the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker adds a beautiful color and locks in the juices. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Sear for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. You’re not trying to cook the chicken all the way through at this point, just get a nice crust on the outside. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Making the Creamy Sauce:

Now for the star of the show – that luscious, creamy sauce that makes this dish so irresistible! This is where the “Marry Me” magic happens.

1. Melt the Butter and Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet you used to sear the chicken (or in a separate skillet if you skipped the searing step), melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbly, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
2. Make a Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the melted butter and garlic. Whisk constantly for about 1-2 minutes, until the flour is fully incorporated and the mixture forms a smooth paste (this is called a roux). Cooking the flour helps to eliminate any raw flour taste and thickens the sauce.
3. Add the Chicken Broth: Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent any lumps from forming. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
4. Stir in the Heavy Cream: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. The sauce will become even richer and creamier. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
5. Incorporate the Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Parmesan Cheese: Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce. Stir until the Parmesan cheese is melted and the sun-dried tomatoes are evenly distributed throughout the sauce. The sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of tangy sweetness, while the Parmesan cheese adds a salty, savory note.
6. Season to Taste: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add a pinch more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes, depending on your preference.

Slow Cooking the Chicken:

Time to let the crockpot do its thing! This is where the flavors really meld together and the chicken becomes incredibly tender.

1. Place the Chicken in the Crockpot: Pour a thin layer of the creamy sauce into the bottom of the crockpot. Place the seared (or unseared) chicken breasts on top of the sauce.
2. Pour the Remaining Sauce Over the Chicken: Pour the remaining creamy sauce over the chicken breasts, making sure they are fully coated.
3. Cook on Low or High: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when it is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Shredding and Serving:

Almost there! Just a few more steps and you’ll be enjoying this amazing dish.

1. Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked through, use two forks to shred it directly in the crockpot. The chicken should be very tender and easy to shred.
2. Stir in Fresh Basil: Stir in the chopped fresh basil. The basil adds a bright, fresh flavor that complements the richness of the sauce.
3. Serve and Garnish: Serve the shredded chicken and creamy sauce over your choice of cooked pasta (fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne work well), rice, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, if desired.

Tips and Variations:

Here are a few extra tips and ideas to customize this recipe to your liking:

• Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the crockpot along with the chicken. Sliced mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers would all be delicious additions. Add them during the last hour of cooking so they don’t get too mushy.
• Use Different Cheese: If you’re not a fan of Parmesan cheese, you can substitute it with other hard cheeses like Asiago or Pecorino Romano.
• Make it Spicy: If you like a little more heat, add a pinch more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
• Use Chicken Thighs: You can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Chicken thighs tend to be more flavorful and stay more moist during slow cooking.
• Make it in the Instant Pot: If you’re short on time, you can make this recipe in the Instant Pot. Sear the chicken using the sauté function, then add the remaining ingredients and cook on high pressure for 10-12 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes.
• Make it Ahead: You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to cook the chicken, simply pour the sauce over the chicken in the crockpot and cook as directed.

Serving Suggestions:

This Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few ideas:

• Pasta: As mentioned earlier, fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne are all great choices. Toss the cooked pasta with the chicken and sauce for a complete meal.
• Rice: Serve the chicken and sauce over a bed of fluffy white rice or brown rice.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing for this dish.
• Garlic Bread: Serve with a side of crusty garlic bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
• Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken and sauce.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts would all be delicious side dishes.

Storage Instructions:

Leftover Crockpot Marry Me Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over medium heat, or in the microwave. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin the sauce if it has thickened too much during storage.

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and is sure to become a new favorite in your household. Happy cooking!

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! Crockpot Marry Me Chicken – a dish so incredibly delicious and easy to make, it’s practically guaranteed to become a weeknight staple. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a comforting, flavorful, and fuss-free meal. The creamy, sun-dried tomato sauce, infused with garlic and herbs, perfectly complements the tender chicken, creating a symphony of flavors that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds.

But why is this recipe so special? It’s more than just the incredible taste. It’s the simplicity. The crockpot does all the work, allowing you to focus on other things while a delicious dinner simmers away. It’s the versatility. You can easily adapt the recipe to your liking, adding more vegetables, adjusting the spice level, or even swapping out the chicken for pork tenderloin. And it’s the sheer satisfaction of creating a meal that everyone loves, with minimal effort.

This Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Looking for serving suggestions? I love serving this over a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes or creamy polenta to soak up all that delicious sauce. It’s also fantastic with pasta – penne, fettuccine, or even gnocchi would be perfect. For a lighter option, try serving it with quinoa or brown rice and a side of steamed broccoli or asparagus. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.

And speaking of variations, don’t be afraid to experiment! If you’re a fan of spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. For a richer flavor, try using heavy cream instead of half-and-half. You could also add some chopped spinach or kale to the crockpot during the last hour of cooking for a boost of nutrients. Some people even like to add a splash of white wine to the sauce for extra depth of flavor. The possibilities are endless!

Serving Suggestions:

• Mashed Potatoes
• Creamy Polenta
• Penne Pasta
• Fettuccine
• Gnocchi
• Quinoa
• Brown Rice
• Steamed Broccoli
• Asparagus

Variations:

• Add red pepper flakes for spice
• Use heavy cream for a richer flavor
• Add chopped spinach or kale
• Add a splash of white wine

I’m so confident that you’ll love this recipe, and I can’t wait to hear about your experience. So, go ahead, give it a try! Gather your ingredients, toss them in the crockpot, and let the magic happen. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Once you’ve made it, please come back and share your thoughts in the comments below. Did you make any variations? What did you serve it with? What did your family think? I’m always eager to learn from your experiences and see how you’ve made this recipe your own. And don’t forget to share your photos on social media using #CrockpotMarryMeChicken – I’d love to see your creations!

I truly believe that food is meant to be shared, and I hope this recipe brings you as much joy as it has brought me. Happy cooking! And remember, the secret ingredient is always love. Enjoy your delicious Crockpot Marry Me Chicken!

---