This Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is a creamy and dreamy dish that pairs juicy chicken with sun-dried tomatoes and lots of cheese. It’s sure to impress anyone at your dinner table!
Trust me, once you serve this, you might just hear wedding bells! 😄 I love how easy it is—just toss everything in the slow cooker and relax while it does the magic!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts keep things easy and tender. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs are a great substitute—they’re juicier and add extra flavor!
Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh cherry tomatoes bring brightness to the dish. If they’re out of season, you can use canned diced tomatoes instead; just drain them well.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: I like the ones packed in olive oil for added flavor. If you can’t find those, dry sun-dried tomatoes are fine, but soaking them in warm water for 15-20 minutes helps soften them.
Heavy Cream: This adds creaminess to the sauce. If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative works too, though the texture may be less rich.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds umami. If you’re out, Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast (for a dairy-free option) can be great alternatives.
How Do I Get the Perfect Sear on My Chicken?
Searing the chicken is optional, but it adds a wonderful flavor. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Start with a hot skillet on medium-high and add a splash of olive oil. This helps prevent sticking.
- Season your chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika before it hits the pan for better flavor.
- Sear for about 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Don’t crowd the skillet; it can lower the heat and cause steaming.
- Once done, transfer them to the Crock Pot right away to keep the juices locked in.
How to Make Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil, chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Olive oil (for searing, optional)
- Cooked rice or pasta (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This yummy dish will take about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 4-6 hours of cooking time on low or 2-3 hours on high in the Crock Pot. Perfect for when you want to set it and forget it before an evening of cooking or entertaining!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Searing the Chicken (Optional):
If you want a bit of extra flavor, start by preheating a skillet over medium-high heat and adding a splash of olive oil. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika. Sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. This step is optional, but it adds a nice depth of flavor!
2. Preparing the Tomato Mixture:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then pour in the chicken broth while scraping any tasty browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Next, toss in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and halved cherry tomatoes. Stir everything together so it’s nice and mixed.
3. Combining Ingredients in the Crock Pot:
Now, transfer the seared chicken into the Crock Pot. Pour the delicious tomato mixture over the chicken. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, and add more salt and pepper to taste if you like. Give it a gentle stir to combine everything.
4. Cooking the Chicken:
Cover your Crock Pot and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the chicken is cooked through and super tender. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing!
5. Adding Cream and Cheese:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese into the Crock Pot. Mix it well, and let it cook until everything is heated through and slightly thickened. Yum!
6. Serving the Dish:
Finally, serve the creamy chicken and sauce over cooked rice or pasta. Don’t forget to garnish with some fresh basil or parsley on top. Enjoy this creamy and flavorful dish that might just lead to a proposal!
Can I Use Different Cuts of Chicken?
Absolutely! While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe, you can substitute with boneless thighs or even chicken drumsticks. Just adjust the cooking time, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through. Ensure all pieces reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
What if I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
No worries! You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or even Greek yogurt for a lighter version. If using Greek yogurt, stir it in right before serving to avoid curdling. You can also make a quick mixture of milk and butter—use 3/4 cup milk plus 1/4 cup melted butter to mimic heavy cream.
How to Store Leftovers
Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the chicken and sauce for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Can I Add More Vegetables to This Dish?
Definitely! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Just add them a little earlier if you want them more tender, or stir them in about 30 minutes before serving if you prefer them a bit firmer. This adds flavor and nutrition!
