Crockpot Marry Me Chicken: Easy and Comforting Delight

Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is a quick and comforting dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. The tender chicken breasts simmer in a luscious creamy sauce, infused with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasonings, creating a flavor explosion that’s simply irresistible. Perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions, this meal brings warmth to any table, making it a must-try recipe.

Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Recipe Overview

What Makes This Recipe Special

This easy recipe combines the classic flavors of Italian cuisine with the convenience of a slow cooker. The rich, creamy sauce envelops perfectly cooked chicken, making every bite a savory delight. It’s a dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends without keeping you in the kitchen all day.

Key Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ⅓ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, drained
• ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 6-8 fresh basil leaves, chopped

How to Prepare Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Begin by combining salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper in a small bowl. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with this mixture, ensuring each piece is coated well. Then, heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Next, sear the chicken breasts until golden brown on both sides. Remember, they don’t need to be fully cooked at this stage; just get that beautiful color. Remove them from the heat and set aside.

In a bowl, mix chicken broth and cornstarch until smooth, and pour this mixture into your 6-quart slow cooker. Stir in the heavy cream, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and additional spices. Place the seared chicken in the slow cooker, drizzling the remaining oil and butter over them. Top with sun-dried tomatoes and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Once cooked, remove the chicken and whisk in the parmesan cheese into the sauce. Return the chicken to the slow cooker, cover it with the sauce, and sprinkle with fresh basil before serving.

Tips for Perfect Searing

Searing adds a rich flavor to your chicken. Ensure your skillet is hot enough before adding the chicken; this helps create a nice crust. Avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the temperature and cause steaming instead of searing.

Slow Cooking Techniques

For best results, cook this dish on low heat to prevent the sauce from scorching. If you’re using a slow cooker that tends to boil, add the heavy cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking to maintain its creamy texture.

Variations and Substitutions

Alternative Proteins to Use

You can swap out chicken breasts for other boneless cuts or even pork chops, adjusting the cooking times as needed. Just remember, the key is to achieve that perfect tenderness and flavor.

Adjusting Seasonings for Flavor

If you’re looking for a flavor twist, feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste. Adding more red pepper flakes or fresh herbs can elevate the dish to new heights.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Best Practices for Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the chicken for up to 3 months. Just ensure you cool it completely before freezing.

How to Reheat Properly

When reheating, do so gently to preserve the sauce’s creamy consistency. You can reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

More Delicious Recipes to Try Next

• Marry Me Chicken Soup
• Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Soup
• Slow Cooker Chicken Stew Recipe
• Creamy White Chicken Chili
• Easy Chicken Soup

Conclusion

This Crockpot Marry Me Chicken recipe is an easy way to create a comforting meal that everyone will love. For even more inspiration, check out Pinterest for additional recipe ideas and culinary tips. Enjoy this delightful dish that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen!