Easy Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

There's something truly special about a dish that can sweep you off your feet—or, in the case of Marry Me Chicken, is rumored to make someone want to tie the knot! I remember the first time I made this dish when a close friend visited; we wanted something fabulous yet easy. The blend of creamy goodness and the sweet tang of sun-dried tomatoes made the kitchen smell heavenly, and the two of us couldn’t stop raving about it. That night was filled with laughter, indulgence, and a little bit of magic.

Why you'll love this recipe

Marry Me Chicken is the kind of comfort food that wraps around you like a warm hug—it’s creamy, savory, and bursting with flavor. Imagine tender chicken, slow-cooked to juicy perfection, enveloped in a dreamy sauce made from sun-dried tomatoes and heavy cream. It’s not just the taste that makes this dish special; it’s the way it brings people together. I mean, who wouldn’t want to gather friends or family around the table for a meal that’s both effortless and elevated?

This recipe is particularly darling for weeknight dinners but fancy enough for hosting. Throw it all in your crockpot in the morning, and by dinner, you’ll have a remarkable dish without spending hours slaving over the stove. That creamy sauce? Oh, it’s not just there for show; it’s begging to be soaked up by a hunk of crusty bread or layered atop fluffy mashed potatoes. Really, who could resist?

Gather these ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Chicken breasts are the perfect blank canvas for all the wonderful flavors in this dish. Feel free to use thighs for a richer taste and a slightly juicier bite.
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, drained): These little crescent moons of flavor add a sweet and tangy punch. If you can find them packed in oil, even better! The oil can add a nice richness to your sauce.
• 1 cup heavy cream: The heart and soul of the dish, heavy cream turns a simple recipe into a luxurious experience. If you want a lighter version, you can swap it for half-and-half, but it won’t be quite as dreamy.
• 1 cup chicken broth: This adds depth and moisture. You can use low-sodium broth to control the saltiness of the dish—or go with homemade if you’ve got it on hand.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Garlic adds warmth and richness. You could swap in fresh garlic for an even more vibrant flavor; just be wary not to overpower the dish.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: This fragrant blend brings that Mediterranean flair. If you want to mix it up, throw in some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary instead!
• Salt and pepper to taste: These humble staples are your best friends in the kitchen. Don’t be shy with the seasoning—it’s essential for bringing those flavors to life!
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional): A sprinkle of herbs not only makes this dish look appetizing but also adds a pop of freshness.

Preparing Marry Me Chicken

1. Place the chicken breasts in your crockpot. This is where the magic begins—lay them down gently, as if tucking them into bed for a cozy, long nap.
2. Mix together the sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This step is where the flavors start to dance! Make sure everything is well combined; you want every piece of chicken to get that glorious sauce.
3. Pour the mixture over the chicken in the crockpot. Don’t skimp! You want that luscious sauce enveloping those breasts like a warm blanket.
4. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Just let the crockpot do all the work—great food doesn’t have to be complicated!
5. Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired. This is where you take a moment to admire your creation; it’s truly a sight to behold.

Best way to enjoy it

Picture this: a generous scoop of Marry Me Chicken served atop a mountain of creamy mashed potatoes or nestled beside a buttery risotto. It’s also fantastic with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a fresh crunch that balances the rich sauce—think bright asparagus or sautéed spinach! And don’t forget some crusty bread on the side; trust me, you’ll want it to soak up every last drop of that delightful sauce.

Keeping leftovers fresh

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is unlikely unless you’re feeding a small army), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, adding a splash of chicken broth can help revive that creamy sauce if it thickens up a bit. You can also freeze portions of it! Just seal it in a freezer-safe bag; it should keep nicely for up to three months.

Pro chef tips

• Don’t skip the seasoning! This is often where home cooks go wrong. Tasting as you go is essential. Adjust the seasonings to fit your palate—this is your dish, after all!
• Consider adding some heat! If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes while cooking for a zesty kick that pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce.
• If you have time, sear the chicken briefly before adding it to the crockpot. This extra step adds an incredible depth of flavor that is well worth it!

Creative Twists

• Add cheese! Cream cheese or a sprinkle of Parmesan can lend an amazing richness to the sauce if you’re wanting to go extra decadent.
• Make it a Mediterranean feast! Toss in some black olives or artichokes for a twist that celebrates the sunny flavors of the Mediterranean.
• Change up the herbs. Dill or cilantro can provide a fresh contrast that’s unexpected yet delightful.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, drained)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions to follow

1. In a crockpot, place the chicken breasts.
2. In a bowl, mix together the sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the mixture over the chicken in the crockpot.
4. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
5. Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Common questions

• Can I use frozen chicken? Yes! Just adjust the cooking time, as frozen chicken may take a little longer to cook through.
• What can I serve as a side dish? Consider roasted vegetables, garlic bread, or a fresh green salad for a well-rounded meal.
• Is there a way to lighten this up? Absolutely! Use chicken thighs, swap heavy cream for half-and-half, and add some leafy greens into the sauce!
• Can I prepare it in advance? Yes! You can assemble everything the night before and pop it in the fridge, then start the crockpot in the morning.
• How spicy does it get? It’s quite mild as is, but feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick!

Whether you’re making this for yourself or sharing it with loved ones, Marry Me Chicken is bound to become a staple in your kitchen. It’s indulgent without requiring much effort, making it perfect for any occasion. So go ahead, give it a whirl, fiddle with flavors, and make it your own. Your taste buds will thank you, and who knows—you might even get some marriage proposals around the dinner table!