CROCK POT MARRY ME CHICKEN EASY

Imagine tender, juicy chicken simmering all day in a luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce, filling your home with an aroma that’s utterly irresistible. This Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken recipe is so incredibly easy and flavorful, it’s guaranteed to become a new family favorite, and I promise you’ll be amazed at the results with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Chicken

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning

Creamy Sauce

• 1 (10 oz) jar sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained (reserve 2 tbsp oil)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (optional, for thickening)

Let’s Talk About This Marry Me Magic

Okay, bestie, let’s be real. This Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken recipe is trending for a reason! It’s not just the name (which, let’s be honest, is super catchy). It’s the flavor! The combination of the savory chicken, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, rich cream, and aromatic basil is pure comfort food perfection. But before we dive into the step-by-step, let’s address some common questions and potential pitfalls.

Choosing the Right Chicken

• Chicken Breasts vs. Thighs: I personally prefer chicken breasts for this recipe because they stay nice and tender in the slow cooker. However, if you’re a fan of chicken thighs, feel free to use them! Just be aware that they might release a little more fat during cooking.
• Fresh vs. Frozen: Fresh chicken is always best for optimal flavor and texture. But hey, life happens! If you’re using frozen chicken, make sure to thaw it completely before adding it to the slow cooker. Otherwise, it will release too much water and dilute the sauce.

Sun-Dried Tomato Savvy

• Oil-Packed vs. Dry-Packed: I highly recommend using sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for this recipe. The oil is infused with flavor and helps to create a richer, more flavorful sauce. Make sure to drain them well! And don’t throw that oil away! We’re going to use some of it to sauté the garlic. If you only have dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes, you can rehydrate them by soaking them in hot water for about 30 minutes.
• Chopped vs. Whole: Either chopped or whole sun-dried tomatoes will work. If using whole, give them a quick chop before adding them to the slow cooker.

Creamy Dreamy Sauce

• Heavy Cream vs. Half-and-Half: Heavy cream is key for that signature “Marry Me” richness. Half-and-half can be used in a pinch, but the sauce won’t be quite as decadent.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is always best! It melts more smoothly and adds a more intense flavor.
• Fresh Basil: Don’t skip the fresh basil! It adds a bright, herbaceous note that perfectly complements the other flavors. If you don’t have fresh basil, you can use dried basil, but use only about 1 teaspoon.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This will help them brown better.
2. In a bowl, combine the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
3. Rub the seasoning mixture all over the chicken breasts.

Sear the Chicken (Optional but Recommended)

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly browned. This step is optional, but it adds a ton of flavor.

Build the Flavor Base

1. In the same skillet (no need to wash it!), add the reserved sun-dried tomato oil.
2. Sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
3. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This is where all the flavor lives!

Slow Cook to Perfection

1. Place the seared chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
2. Pour the chicken broth and garlic mixture over the chicken.
3. Add the drained sun-dried tomatoes.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.

Finish the Sauce

1. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and set aside.
2. If you want a thicker sauce, whisk the all-purpose flour with a tablespoon or two of the sauce until smooth. Pour this mixture back into the slow cooker.
3. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
4. Let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes, until thickened.
5. Shred the chicken with two forks and return it to the slow cooker.
6. Stir in the fresh basil.

Serving Suggestions & Variations

This Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is incredibly versatile! Here are a few of my favorite ways to serve it:

• Over Pasta: This is the classic way to enjoy it! Serve it over your favorite pasta, like fettuccine, linguine, or penne. For a shortcut, check out my Marry Me Chicken Pasta recipe.
• With Rice: Fluffy white rice or brown rice are both great options.
• With Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect comfort food pairing.
• As a Sandwich Filling: Shred the chicken and pile it onto toasted bread or rolls with a little bit of the sauce.
• As a Pizza Topping: Use the shredded chicken and sauce as a topping for homemade or store-bought pizza.

Spice It Up

If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Add Some Veggies

Sauté some spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers and add them to the slow cooker along with the chicken.

Make it Low Carb

Serve the chicken over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. For another low-carb option, try my Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole.

Troubleshooting & Tips

• Chicken is Dry: If your chicken turns out dry, it’s likely been overcooked. Keep a close eye on it, especially if cooking on high. If necessary, reduce the cooking time. You can also add a little extra chicken broth to the slow cooker to keep the chicken moist.
• Sauce is Too Thin: If your sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by whisking together a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stirring it into the sauce. Let it simmer for a few minutes until thickened.
• Sauce is Too Thick: If your sauce is too thick, simply add a little extra chicken broth or heavy cream until it reaches your desired consistency.
• The Slow Cooker is Your Friend: Don’t be afraid to experiment with your slow cooker! It’s a fantastic tool for creating delicious, hands-off meals. And if you love the idea of easy chicken dinners, you should also check out Ranch Chicken Crock Pot for another set-and-forget favorite!

Other Delicious Chicken Recipes You’ll Love

Craving more chicken goodness? Here are a few more of my favorite chicken recipes:

• Oven-baked Crispy Parmesan Chicken: For a crispy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible chicken dinner.
• Crockpot Chicken Tortellini: Another easy and delicious slow cooker recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
• Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta: A quick and easy pasta dish that’s bursting with flavor.

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Crock Pot 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.

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Culinary Creation!

There you have it – my foolproof recipe for Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken! I hope you enjoy this incredibly easy and delicious dish as much as I do. Remember, cooking should be fun and relaxing, so don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own. Happy cooking, my friend!