Marry Me Chicken Crock Pot I still remember the first time I tasted; it was love at first bite. The tender chicken, the rich sauce, and the blend of Italian herbs all came together to create a truly unforgettable meal.
The crock pot version of this beloved recipe simplifies the cooking process, making it perfect for busy weeknights when a delicious meal is needed without the fuss.
This slow cooker adaptation retains all the flavors that make this dish so irresistible, including sun-dried tomatoes and a creamy sauce.
Key Takeaways
- Easy-to-follow crock pot recipe for Marry Me Chicken
- Tender chicken and rich sauce made with simple ingredients
- Perfect for busy weeknights with minimal cooking time
- Delicious and romantic dish ideal for special occasions
- Step-by-step instructions for a stress-free cooking experience
The Story Behind Marry Me Chicken
After sharing my Marry Me Chicken recipe, I was inundated with requests to adapt it for a crock pot. The original recipe was a hit, but people wanted the convenience of a slow cooker. This got me thinking about the story behind the dish and why it’s become so popular.
Why It’s Called “Marry Me Chicken”
The name “Marry Me Chicken” is quite charming. It’s said that this dish is so delicious that serving it might just prompt a marriage proposal! The recipe became a sensation on social media and food blogs, with many sharing their experiences of how it “won over” their loved ones. The name has stuck, and now it’s a staple in many home kitchens across America. The dish is a testament to the power of food in bringing people together.
Benefits of Making It in a Crock Pot
Using a crock pot for this chicken recipe offers several benefits. It allows for hands-off cooking, deeper flavor development, and incredibly tender meat. The slow cooking process infuses the chicken with the flavors of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and herbs over several hours. This method is perfect for busy families or working professionals who want to serve an impressive meal with minimal active cooking time. Additionally, making it in a crock pot means less cleanup since everything cooks in one pot.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Marry Me Chicken Crock Pot Recipe
Preparing the Marry Me Chicken Crock Pot recipe begins with selecting the right ingredients. To make this delicious dish, you’ll need to gather a few essential components that will come together to create a rich and flavorful meal.
For the Chicken
The foundation of this recipe is high-quality chicken breasts. You’ll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, which should be seasoned with a blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to enhance the natural flavor of the chicken. A good sear on the chicken using olive oil is also crucial for adding depth to the dish.
The quality of the chicken is paramount, as it directly impacts the overall taste and texture of the final product. I recommend choosing fresh, never-frozen chicken breasts for the best results.
For the Creamy Sauce
The creamy sauce is what makes Marry Me Chicken truly special, and it’s made possible by ingredients like heavy cream, chicken broth, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and freshly grated parmesan cheese. The sun-dried tomatoes are particularly noteworthy, as they add a unique tangy sweetness that balances out the richness of the cream sauce.
To prepare the sauce, it’s essential to drain and chop the sun-dried tomatoes and mince the fresh garlic. The quality of these ingredients will significantly impact the flavor profile of the dish.
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | Main protein component |
| Sun-dried tomatoes | Adds tangy sweetness |
| Heavy cream | Creates rich and creamy sauce |
| Freshly grated parmesan cheese | Adds salty, umami flavor |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Preparing Marry Me Chicken in a Crock Pot involves a few simple steps that result in a deliciously tender and flavorful dish.
Preparing the Chicken
To start, season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil, and melt butter. Sear the chicken until it’s golden brown on both sides. This step is crucial as it locks in the flavor and gives the chicken a beautiful color. It’s essential not to cook the chicken all the way through at this stage.
Making the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together chicken broth and cornstarch until smooth. Add this mixture to the bottom of an 8-quart slow cooker. Then, whisk in heavy cream, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and paprika.
Slow Cooking Process
Place the seared chicken breasts into the slow cooker, pour the olive oil and butter from the pan on top, and sprinkle chopped sun-dried tomatoes over the chicken. Cook on low for 6-7 hours. This cooking time allows the flavors to meld together and the chicken to become tender.
| Cooking Method | Time | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Cook Low | 6-7 hours | Tender Chicken |
| Searing | 5 minutes | Golden Brown Chicken |
Tips for Perfect Marry Me Chicken in the Crock Pot
To ensure your Marry Me Chicken turns out perfectly in the Crock Pot, consider these valuable tips. Making this dish is not just about throwing ingredients together; it’s about understanding the nuances that make it exceptional.
Choosing the Right Chicken
For this recipe, it’s crucial to select boneless, skinless chicken breasts of uniform size to ensure even cooking. This cut works best because it cooks consistently and absorbs the flavors of the sauce effectively.
Searing for Maximum Flavor
Searing the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker is a step that shouldn’t be skipped. It develops flavor through the Maillard reaction and helps the chicken retain moisture, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.
Preventing Sauce Separation
If you have a slow cooker that runs hot, it’s advisable to add the heavy cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent the sauce from separating. This ensures that the sauce remains creamy and rich, coating the breasts evenly.
| Tip | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Use uniform chicken breasts | Ensures even cooking |
| Sear the chicken | Develops flavor and retains moisture |
| Add heavy cream at the right time | Prevents sauce separation |
By following these tips, you can achieve a delicious Marry Me Chicken with a rich and creamy sauce. The key is to be mindful of the cooking process and make adjustments as necessary to achieve the perfect flavor and consistency.
Common Questions About Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken
The Crock Pot version of Marry Me Chicken is straightforward, but a few common questions often arise. As you prepare to slow cook this delicious dish, you may wonder about cooking times, ingredient substitutions, and other details that can impact the final result.
Can I Cook This on High Instead of Low?
Ideally, it’s best to cook Marry Me Chicken on low for 6-7 hours in your slow cooker. Using the high setting may risk scorching the cream sauce, potentially ruining the dish. If you need a faster cooking option, consider the stovetop version of this recipe.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken?
I don’t recommend using frozen chicken breasts for this recipe. Frozen chicken releases too much moisture during cooking, which can result in a watery sauce and unevenly cooked meat. For the best results, use fresh chicken.
What If I Don’t Like Sun-Dried Tomatoes?
If you’re not a fan of sun-dried tomatoes, you can simply leave them out. While they add a distinctive flavor to Marry Me Chicken, the dish will still be delicious without them. Keep in mind that omitting them may alter the flavor profile slightly.
Other common questions about this recipe include adjusting the spice level and making substitutions. The red pepper flakes add a subtle warmth, but you can reduce or omit them if you’re sensitive to spice. Additionally, you can experiment with different herbs and cheese options to suit your taste.
Serving Suggestions
To complement the rich flavors of Marry Me Chicken, consider these serving suggestions. The key is to balance the dish with appropriate pairings that enhance its creamy sauce.
Pasta Pairings
Marry Me Chicken pairs beautifully with various pasta options. Rotini, with its spiral shape, holds onto the creamy sauce perfectly. Other excellent choices include fettuccine, penne, and linguine. These pasta shapes complement the sauce’s texture and flavor, ensuring a delightful dining experience.
Other Side Dishes
For a well-rounded meal, consider side dishes that soak up the flavorful sauce. Mashed potatoes are an excellent choice, as are creamy polenta or crusty bread. You can also balance the richness with vegetable sides like roasted asparagus or sautéed green beans.
| Side Dish | Description |
|---|---|
| Mashed Potatoes | Comforting and creamy, perfect for soaking up the sauce. |
| Roasted Asparagus | A light, refreshing contrast to the rich chicken. |
| Crusty Bread | Ideal for dipping into the flavorful sauce. |
Garnishing Ideas
To enhance both flavor and presentation, consider garnishing with fresh basil leaves or additional parmesan cheese. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a nice touch of heat. These simple additions can elevate the dish’s visual appeal and taste.
Variations and Substitutions
The versatility of Marry Me Chicken allows for numerous adjustments to suit different tastes and dietary needs. This flexibility makes it easy to adapt the recipe to various preferences and requirements.
Dairy-Free Options
For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream, and use nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese substitutes for Parmesan. These alternatives allow you to enjoy the creamy sauce without the dairy.
Spice Level Adjustments
Adjust the red pepper flakes to suit your desired spice level. For a milder dish, reduce or omit the flakes. For extra heat, add more flakes or introduce other spicy elements to the chicken and sauce.
Using Different Cuts of Chicken
While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are recommended, you can use other cuts like boneless thighs. Be aware that cooking times may vary, so adjust accordingly to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
| Variation | Description | Adjustment Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Dairy-Free | Use coconut cream or cashew cream | Substitute heavy cream and Parmesan |
| Spice Adjustment | Modify red pepper flakes | Add or reduce flakes to taste |
| Different Chicken Cuts | Use boneless thighs or other cuts | Adjust cooking time as necessary |
Conclusion Of Marry Me Chicken Crock Pot
This Crock Pot version of Marry Me Chicken proves that convenience and taste aren’t mutually exclusive. Throughout this article, we’ve explored the simplicity and richness of this beloved chicken recipe. By utilizing a Crock Pot, you can achieve tender chicken breasts in a flavorful sauce with minimal effort.
Key to this dish’s success is searing the chicken first and adding heavy cream at the right time. The result is a creamy, aromatic sauce infused with parmesan cheese and fresh basil, perfect for serving over pasta or with mashed potatoes.
This Marry Me Chicken recipe is versatile, suitable for both weeknight meals and special occasions. I encourage you to try it, experiment with variations, and make it your own. With its perfect balance of flavors and ease of preparation, this dish is sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire. Share your experiences and adaptations, and enjoy the delightful taste of this chicken dish.