Classic Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

When the chill of autumn sneaks in or the day feels long and daunting, there’s nothing quite like the cozy embrace of a slow-cooked meal to lift your spirits. Today, I’m excited to share with you one of my absolute favorites: Classic Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken. Picture this: tender, juicy chicken simmered in a creamy sauce with a hint of zest from Italian herbs and the sweet tang of sun-dried tomatoes. It’s a dish that whispers promises of comfort and love. You might even say it’s a meal that begs for a partner—so delicious that it might just make someone propose!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe has become a mainstay in my home for a multitude of reasons. First off, it’s ridiculously easy—like, “who needs fancy cooking skills?” easy! The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting while you kick back with a cup of tea or tackle that to-do list. The combination of luscious heavy cream, savory chicken broth, and a dash of Italian dressing mix creates a sauce that’s velvety and positively addictive. And can we talk about the sun-dried tomatoes? They add a sweet tang that dances on your taste buds, making each bite a revelation.

Imagine gathering around the dinner table, the aroma wafting through the air, drawing in your loved ones like a moth to a flame. And the best part? You can easily adapt the ingredients or serve it alongside your favorite sides for a meal that feels fresh every time. Low on time? No problem. This delectable dish seems fancy without making you break a sweat, leaving you more moments to cherish with your guests (or yourself).

Gather These Ingredients

Let’s talk ingredients! Before we jump into action, make sure you have these lovelies ready:

• 4 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: These are the star players—they’ll soak up all that rich flavor while staying juicy.
• 1 Cup Heavy Cream: Here’s where the magic happens! Heavy cream makes our sauce creamy and dreamy. Don’t be shy—if you want a lighter version, half-and-half can work, but it won’t be quite as decadent.
• 1 Cup Chicken Broth: This adds depth and keeps everything nice and moist. Use low-sodium broth if you’re watching your salt intake.
• 1 Packet Italian Dressing Mix: This is your shortcut to Italian flavors! It’s robust yet simple, packing a punch without overwhelming your palate.
• 1 Cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Chopped: These little gems bring sweetness and a chewy texture to the dish. Feel free to swap for fresh tomatoes during peak season if you prefer.
• 1 Cup Mozzarella Cheese, Shredded: At the very end, we melt this on top to create that perfect cheesy layer that pulls your dish together.
• 1/2 Cup Fresh Basil, Chopped: Nothing brightens a dish like fresh herbs! They add a vibrant, aromatic touch right before serving.
• Salt and Pepper to Taste: Simple seasonings to elevate your dish. Remember, seasoning is key!

How This Recipe Comes Together

Ready to dive in? Here’s how to make this sensational meal:

1. Place the Chicken: Start by laying your chicken breasts flat in the slow cooker. Let them take their space; this is their big moment!
2. Mix the Creamy Base: In a bowl, combine the heavy cream, chicken broth, and Italian dressing mix. Whisk it good until it’s all blended—smooth, creamy, and ready to drizzle.
3. Pour Over the Chicken: Now, pour that luscious mixture over the chicken. It’s like giving your chicken a cozy blanket!
4. Sun-Dried Tomato Time: Sprinkle in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and season with salt and pepper. Give it a gentle stir—no need to overmix.
5. Cover and Cook: It’s time for the slow cooker to work its magic! Cover and set it to low for 6-7 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is tender and shreds easily with a fork.
6. Cheesy Finale: During the last 15 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the mozzarella cheese on top. Cover just until melted—about 10-15 minutes of cheesy goodness!
7. Finish with Fresh Basil: When serving, a sprinkle of fresh basil takes this dish from good to simply divine!

Best Way to Enjoy It

Now that you’ve got this heavenly dish ready, let’s chat about how to serve it like a pro!

This Marry Me Chicken is delightful by itself, but if you want to elevate the experience, consider pairing it with a side of creamy polenta or garlic mashed potatoes. Why not add a little crunch with a bright green salad drizzled with a balsamic vinaigrette? The freshness will balance the creaminess perfectly.

You could also spoon the chicken and sauce over cooked pasta or rice—trust me, the extra sauce is liquid gold and perfect for soaking into hearty grains. And if you’re feeling indulgent, a crusty garlic bread on the side never hurt anyone!

Storage and Reheating Tips

Let’s not waste any of that deliciousness! Here are some simple tips for storing your Marry Me Chicken:

• Refrigerator Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats beautifully in a microwave or on the stovetop.
• Freezing: In case you want to make a double batch (I always do!), this dish freezes well! Just make sure it’s cooled completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. Enjoy within 2-3 months for the best flavor.
• Reheating: If reheating from frozen, allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge before warming on low heat to keep the chicken from drying out.

Helpful Cooking Tips

Here’s where I drop some of my insider knowledge:

• Slow Cookers Vary: Knowing your slow cooker is essential. If yours runs hot, check the chicken towards the end of cooking to avoid overcooking.
• Fresh vs. Dried Herbs: If you’re in a pinch, you can use dried basil, but aim for fresh for that vibrant flavor boost!
• Finishing Touch: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice on the finished dish will brighten the flavors like nothing else; try it—you’ll be surprised!

Creative Twists

Feeling adventurous? Here are some fun variations you might consider:

• Pesto Addition: Toss in a couple of tablespoons of basil pesto into your cream mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
• Spinach Love: Add in a couple of cups of fresh spinach during the last cooking hour for a pop of color and nutrition!
• Spice it Up: Want more heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cream mixture for a delightful kick that’ll wake up your taste buds.

Ingredients List

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 packet Italian dressing mix
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions to Follow

1. Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
2. In a bowl, combine heavy cream, chicken broth, and Italian dressing mix; pour over chicken.
3. Add sun-dried tomatoes and season with salt and pepper.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or until chicken is cooked through.
5. During the last 15 minutes of cooking, sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top and cover until melted.
6. Serve with fresh basil on top.

Your Questions Answered

• What is the prep time? It takes about 10 minutes to prep everything before you set it in the slow cooker.

• Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, but cooking times may need to be adjusted. Make sure it’s fully thawed for even cooking.

• What can I substitute for heavy cream? You can use half-and-half or coconut cream for a dairy-free option.

• How can I make this low-carb? Serve over cauliflower rice or omit the cheese for a lighter version.

• Will this recipe work in an Instant Pot? Absolutely! Adjust cooking time to about 10-12 minutes under high pressure for perfectly tender chicken.

Cooking should be a joyful experience filled with love and creativity! I encourage you to take this recipe and make it your own. Whether you keep it classic or play with the flavors, you’ll always end up with a dish that warms the heart. So go ahead, gather those ingredients, and let the magic of the Classic Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken unfold in your kitchen. Can’t wait to hear how yours turns out!

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Classic Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

Cooking Method: Simmering Courses: Comfort Food, Dinner, Main Course Recipe Keys: C Comfort Food E Easy High Protein Non Vegetarian Slow Cooker Recipes

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time Cook Time Rest Time 37 mins Total Time 16 hrs 37 mins

Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 15 Calories: 470

Best Season: Winter

Description

Tender chicken simmered in a creamy sauce with Italian herbs and sun-dried tomatoes, perfect for a comforting meal.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Main Ingredients

• 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup heavy cream (Can substitute with half-and-half for lighter version)
• 1 cup chicken broth (Use low-sodium if desired)
• 1 packet Italian dressing mix
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (Fresh tomatoes can be used when in season)
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ¹⁄₂ cup fresh basil, chopped (For garnishing)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Cooking Steps

1. Place Chicken

   Lay chicken breasts flat in the slow cooker.
   Mark as complete

2. Mix Creamy Base

   In a bowl, combine heavy cream, chicken broth, and Italian dressing mix. Whisk until smooth.
   Mark as complete

3. Pour Over Chicken

   Pour the creamy mixture over the chicken.
   Mark as complete

4. Add Tomatoes

   Sprinkle in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Stir gently.
   Mark as complete

5. Cover and Cook

   Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or until tender.
   Mark as complete

6. Cheesy Finale

   In the last 15 minutes, sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top and cover until melted.
   Mark as complete

7. Garnish and Serve

   Serve with a sprinkle of fresh basil on top.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 470kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 39g60%

Saturated Fat 23g115%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 170mg57%

Sodium 600mg25%

Potassium 880mg26%

Total Carbohydrate 6g2%

Dietary Fiber 1g4%

Sugars 2g

Protein 36g72%

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Vitamin A 600 IU

Vitamin C 4 mg

Calcium 250 mg

Iron 1.5 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 1.5 IU

Vitamin K 15 mcg

Thiamin 0.06 mg

Riboflavin 0.25 mg

Niacin 13 mg

Vitamin B6 0.5 mg

Folate 10 mcg

Vitamin B12 1 mcg

Biotin 0 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 0.9 mg

Phosphorus 380 mg

Iodine 0 mcg

Magnesium 30 mg

Zinc 2 mg

Selenium 30 mcg

Copper 0.1 mg

Manganese 0.06 mg

Chromium 0 mcg

Molybdenum 0 mcg

Chloride 0 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

This dish pairs wonderfully with garlic bread or a fresh salad.

Keywords: Crock Pot, Chicken, Comfort Food, Slow Cooker, Italian