What You’ll Need: The Ingredients
For the Crockpot Marry Me Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (10.75 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Chicken:
- Prep the Chicken: Trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts. You can also pound them to an even thickness if desired, to help them cook more evenly.
Building the Flavor Base:
- Combine Ingredients: In your crockpot, combine the cream of chicken soup, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, basil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and chicken broth. Stir well to combine all ingredients into a creamy sauce.
Slow Cooking to Perfection:
- Add Chicken: Place the chicken breasts into the crockpot, nestling them into the sauce. Make sure the chicken is mostly submerged in the sauce.
- Dot with Butter: Place the pieces of butter evenly over the chicken. This adds richness and helps keep the chicken moist.
- Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
Shredding and Serving:
- Shred Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred it directly in the crockpot.
- Mix and Serve: Stir the shredded chicken into the sauce to coat it evenly. Serve hot over your favorite pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with extra fresh basil and Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Pro Tips for the Best Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
Listen, even the simplest recipes can have their quirks, so let’s address some potential challenges and make sure your Crockpot Marry Me Chicken turns out perfectly every time!
- Chicken Dryness: The biggest fear with slow cooker chicken is that it’ll dry out. The cream of chicken soup and butter help prevent this. Also, make sure you’re not overcooking it! Check for doneness using a meat thermometer; chicken is safe to eat at 165°F (74°C).
- Too Much Liquid: If the sauce seems too thin after cooking, remove the lid for the last 30-60 minutes on high to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to thicken it up near the end of cooking time.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Don’t skip the sun-dried tomatoes! They add such a concentrated burst of flavor. If you’re not a huge fan, you can use fewer, but I highly recommend including them.
- Fresh Basil is Key: While dried herbs are okay in a pinch, fresh basil really elevates the flavor of this dish. If you don’t have fresh, add the dried basil at the beginning of the cooking process so it can infuse the sauce with its flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: This recipe is incredible over pasta, especially linguine or fettuccine. But it’s also fantastic with rice, mashed potatoes, or even served as a filling for sandwiches. You can even serve it as an appetizer on toasted bread or crackers.
Variations to Make It Your Own
Want to put your own spin on this already amazing recipe? Here are a few ideas to get you started!
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Add Veggies: Throw in some sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrients and flavor. Add them during the last hour of cooking.
- Cream Cheese Boost: Stir in 2-4 ounces of cream cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking for an extra creamy and tangy sauce.
- Wine Addition: Deglaze the pan with 1/4 cup of dry white wine after browning the chicken (if you choose to brown it). Let the wine reduce slightly before adding the other ingredients to the crockpot.
- Coconut Milk Variation: For a richer and creamier flavor, you can substitute some of the cream of chicken soup with coconut milk.
What to Serve with Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
This dish is so versatile, it pairs well with tons of different sides! Here are a few of my favorites:
- Pasta: As mentioned, linguine, fettuccine, or even penne are great choices.
- Rice: White rice, brown rice, or even risotto would be delicious.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes or roasted garlic mashed potatoes are a comforting option.
- Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or green beans are healthy and flavorful choices.
- Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken.
- Bread: Crusty bread or garlic bread is perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
Other Delicious Chicken Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re a fan of easy and delicious chicken recipes, you’ve come to the right place! Be sure to check out some of my other favorites:
- Try this fantastic Chicken Casserole Recipe for another comforting classic.
- For a fun twist on a classic, you have to try this Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake.
- Looking for a quick and easy pasta dish? The Marry Me Chicken Pasta is a must-try!
- If you want a simple and flavorful chicken recipe, this Ranch Chicken Crock Pot is a great option.
- Also, don’t miss out on the Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken itself, especially if you’re looking for different variations!
- And for another pasta twist, check out this Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Lucky you if you have leftovers! They taste just as good (if not better) the next day.
- Storing: Store leftover Crockpot Marry Me Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat. If reheating on the stovetop, add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent the sauce from drying out.
- Freezing: While you *can* freeze this recipe, the creamy sauce may slightly change texture upon thawing. If you choose to freeze it, store it in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Final Thoughts: Your New Go-To Chicken Dinner
This Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is more than just a recipe; it’s a ticket to a stress-free, flavorful weeknight dinner that everyone will adore. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this dish is guaranteed to become a regular in your rotation. So, grab your crockpot, gather your ingredients, and get ready to fall in love with this easy and irresistible recipe!What can I do if my Crockpot Marry Me Chicken comes out too dry?
The cream of chicken soup and butter help prevent the chicken from drying out. Make sure you’re not overcooking it. Check for doneness using a meat thermometer; chicken is safe to eat at 165°F (74°C).
The sauce seems too thin. How can I thicken the sauce in my Crockpot Marry Me Chicken?
If the sauce seems too thin after cooking, remove the lid for the last 30-60 minutes on high to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to thicken it up near the end of cooking time.
Can I add vegetables to the Crockpot Marry Me Chicken?
Yes, you can add sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrients and flavor. Add them during the last hour of cooking.
How long can I store leftover Crockpot Marry Me Chicken in the refrigerator?
Store leftover Crockpot Marry Me Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Easy
This Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is an effortless and delicious recipe featuring tender chicken in a creamy, flavorful sauce. It’s infused with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Italian herbs, all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker for a family favorite meal.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts. You can also pound them to an even thickness if desired.
- In your crockpot, combine the cream of chicken soup, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, basil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and chicken broth. Stir well to combine all ingredients into a creamy sauce.
- Place the chicken breasts into the crockpot, nestling them into the sauce. Make sure the chicken is mostly submerged in the sauce.
- Place the pieces of butter evenly over the chicken.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
- Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred it directly in the crockpot.
- Stir the shredded chicken into the sauce to coat it evenly. Serve hot over your favorite pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with extra fresh basil and Parmesan cheese, if desired.
Notes
To avoid dry chicken, ensure it’s not overcooked; chicken is safe to eat at 165°F (74°C). If the sauce is too thin, remove the lid for the last 30-60 minutes on high to allow some of the liquid to evaporate, or add a cornstarch slurry. Don’t skip the sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil. For variations, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrients, or stir in cream cheese for an extra creamy sauce.
