If you’re gathering around the dinner table and planning to serve crockpot marry me chicken, I have some delightful ideas on what to pair it with. Starting with a classic, creamy mashed potatoes will complement the richness of the chicken wonderfully.
If you want something lighter, a fresh garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette can provide a refreshing balance. For a crunchy texture, consider serving garlic bread as a side—a great way to soak up any leftover sauce. If you’re in the mood for more carbs, pasta tossed in a light olive oil dressing fits perfectly. And for those who love veggies, roasted asparagus or green beans would add a bright touch to your plate.
I remember the first time I made crockpot marry me chicken. My friends were coming over for dinner, and I wanted to impress them without spending the whole day in the kitchen. As I dug into my collection of recipes, I stumbled across this gem. It promised to be both delightful and simple.
As the chicken cooked slowly, it filled my home with a rich aroma that had me dreaming of Italian dinner tables adorned with good wine and laughter. Spoiler alert: When I finally served it, the sighs of satisfaction around the table told me everything I needed to know. This dish deserved the name “marry me chicken” because it is that good!
Crockpot marry me chicken combines tender chicken breasts with a luxurious cream sauce infused with garlic, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes.
The preparation is effortless, making it perfect for busy folks who still want to serve stellar meals. Let me take you through this delicious journey of flavors and share with you all the specifics for making your own unforgettable version.
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What is Crockpot Marry Me Chicken?
Crockpot marry me chicken is a dish that originated from the desire to create a recipe so good that it inspires love! It typically features boneless, skinless chicken breasts slowly cooked in a creamy sauce loaded with flavor.
The sauce includes ingredients like garlic, Parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes, all harmonizing beautifully. The magic of this dish lies in the slow cooking, which allows the flavors to meld together while keeping the chicken perfectly juicy.
But let’s not stop there. The star of the show is undoubtedly the sauce. With a base of heavy whipping cream, a splash of white wine, and the intensity of garlic and herbs, it’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent without requiring chef-level skills.
This is what makes it a go-to for family dinners, entertaining guests, or simply treating yourself!
Why You’ll Love this Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
Let’s break down why crockpot marry me chicken deserves a spot in your recipe rotation. For starters, it’s a true time-saver. You prepare it in a matter of minutes before letting your crockpot do the heavy lifting. While it simmers, you can relax, catch up on a book, or even binge-watch your favorite series—sounds tempting, right?
Then there’s versatility. This dish pairs well with various sides, which means you can adapt it based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. Plus, you can easily scale up the recipe for larger gatherings without feeling overwhelmed.
And don’t get me started on the flavor. The combination of creamy, cheesy sauce with the zesty sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil presents a medley of tastes. It’s quite an experience. You get the warmth from the garlic, the richness from the cream, and the brightness from the herbs. It’s a dish that leaves you feeling cozy and satisfied.
Last, but not least, it’s great for meal prep. You can whip up a batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week. Just a quick reheat in the microwave, and you have a gourmet-like meal ready to go!
The Ingredients You Will Need To Make Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
Gathering the right ingredients sets the foundation for this dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: This adds richness and flavor.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: A subtle way to add depth.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The centerpiece of your meal.
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: For sautéing the chicken.
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons dry white wine: Elevates the flavor profile.
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: You can’t have Italian without cheese!
- ½ teaspoon crushed red chili flakes: For a little kick.
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream: The creamy base for your sauce.
- 10 fresh basil leaves, finely chopped: Brings aromatic freshness.
- ½ teaspoon fine salt
- 4 garlic cloves, finely minced: For that irresistible garlic flavor.
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest: A zesty twist.
- ⅓ cup julienned sun-dried tomatoes (oil-drained)
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried Italian herb blend
Directions
Creating this masterpiece requires just a few steps. Here’s how you can make it:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts. Sprinkle them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Heat the olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side until it’s golden brown. This step adds flavor and color to your chicken.
Step 2: Assemble in the Crockpot
Once the chicken is done searing, transfer it to your slow cooker. In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Next, deglaze the skillet with the dry white wine, scraping any bits off the bottom. This enhances the flavor of the sauce.
Add the chicken broth and combine it with the wine and garlic mixture. Pour this over the chicken in the crockpot.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In a separate bowl, mix the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, crushed red chili flakes, lemon zest, sun-dried tomatoes, dried herbs, and salt. Whisk until smooth. Pour this over the chicken in the crockpot, ensuring it’s well-covered.
Step 4: Cook
Put your crockpot on low heat and cook for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender and cooked through.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
After cooking, mix the cornstarch with a bit of water to create a slurry. Stir this into the sauce to thicken it up. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, you can stir in a little more Parmesan cheese at this point.
Step 6: Serve
Serve the chicken topped with the creamy sauce. Garnish with fresh basil and additional Parmesan, if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
Here are some useful tips for making the most of this recipe:
- Sear the Chicken: Don’t skip the searing step. It adds an extra layer of flavor.
- Wine Choice: Use a wine you’d drink. The better the wine, the better the flavor.
- Cream Alternatives: For a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream, but adjust the cooking time to prevent curdling.
- Freezing: This dish freezes well. Consider portioning it out for quick meals later.
- Turn It Up: If you like more heat, feel free to add more crushed red pepper. Spice levels are totally customizable!
Storage Tips
After cooking, allow the dish to cool completely before storing it. Place any leftovers in an airtight container. Refrigerated, it will last for about 4-5 days. You can also freeze this dish for up to 3 months. Just ensure it’s well-covered to prevent freezer burn. When reheating, sprinkle a little extra chicken broth if you find that the sauce has thickened too much.
Nutrition Information
While enjoying this delicious dish, keep in mind the nutrition facts. Here’s a rough estimate per serving based on the ingredients:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Protein: 45g
- Sugar: 2g
This dish offers a great protein punch, while the fats come from healthy sources.
Serving Suggestions
If you’re stumped on what to serve with the chicken, here are some great ideas:
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: They soak up the sauce beautifully.
- Warm Garlic Bread: Perfect for dipping into the sauce.
- Pasta Aglio e Olio: A simple olive oil pasta provides a lovely base.
- Fresh Garden Salad: A green salad with a vinaigrette lightens the meal.
- Grilled Vegetables: Offering a colorful side of grilled zucchini, peppers, or asparagus rounds out the meal.
What Other Substitutes Can I Use in Crockpot Marry Me Chicken?
Life happens, and sometimes you may not have all the ingredients. Here are some substitutes you can use:
- Chicken Thighs: If you prefer dark meat, use chicken thighs instead of breasts. They are juicier and just as tasty.
- Vegetable Broth: If you want it to be vegetarian, swap chicken broth for vegetable broth and use tofu or chickpeas.
- Greek Yogurt: Instead of heavy cream, you can use Greek yogurt mixed with a bit of milk for a healthier option.
- Regular Tomatoes: If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, fresh tomatoes or even canned diced tomatoes work well.
- Herb Variations: Use whatever fresh herbs you have on hand; thyme or oregano can be great substitutes for basil.
Conclusion
Crockpot marry me chicken is a delightful dish that marries convenience with rich flavors. Packed with delicious ingredients and easy to prepare, it’s perfect for casual dinners or as the main event at a family gathering. Whether you serve it with creamy mashed potatoes or a light salad, its appeal is undeniable.
So why not give it a try? Prepare yourself for savory smells wafting through your kitchen and the compliments sure to follow. Your taste buds are in for a treat, and you might just find yourself with some unexpected romantic attention! Enjoy every flavorful bite, and happy cooking!
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Crockpot Marry Me Chicken – Grandma’s Tasty Recipes
Description
I remember the first time I made crockpot marry me chicken. My friends were coming over for dinner, and I wanted to impress them without spending the whole day in the kitchen. As I dug into my collection of recipes, I stumbled across this gem. It promised to be both delightful and simple.
As the chicken cooked slowly, it filled my home with a rich aroma that had me dreaming of Italian dinner tables adorned with good wine and laughter. Spoiler alert: When I finally served it, the sighs of satisfaction around the table told me everything I needed to know. This dish deserved the name “marry me chicken” because it is that good!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
For the Sauce:
Instructions
-
Creating this masterpiece requires just a few steps. Here’s how you can make it:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
-
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts. Sprinkle them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Heat the olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side until it's golden brown. This step adds flavor and color to your chicken.
Step 2: Assemble in the Crockpot
-
Once the chicken is done searing, transfer it to your slow cooker. In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic. Sauté it for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Next, deglaze the skillet with the dry white wine, scraping any bits off the bottom. This enhances the flavor of the sauce.
-
Add the chicken broth and combine it with the wine and garlic mixture. Pour this over the chicken in the crockpot.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
-
In a separate bowl, mix the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, crushed red chili flakes, lemon zest, sun-dried tomatoes, dried herbs, and salt. Whisk until smooth. Pour this over the chicken in the crockpot, ensuring it's well-covered.
Step 4: Cook
-
Put your crockpot on low heat and cook for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender and cooked through.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
-
After cooking, mix the cornstarch with a bit of water to create a slurry. Stir this into the sauce to thicken it up. If you're feeling extra indulgent, you can stir in a little more Parmesan cheese at this point.
Step 6: Serve
-
Serve the chicken topped with the creamy sauce. Garnish with fresh basil and additional Parmesan, if desired. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 450kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 28g44%
- Total Carbohydrate 6g2%
- Sugars 2g
- Protein 45g90%
* 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
Here are some useful tips for making the most of this recipe:
- Sear the Chicken: Don’t skip the searing step. It adds an extra layer of flavor.
- Wine Choice: Use a wine you’d drink. The better the wine, the better the flavor.
- Cream Alternatives: For a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream, but adjust the cooking time to prevent curdling.
- Freezing: This dish freezes well. Consider portioning it out for quick meals later.
Turn It Up: If you like more heat, feel free to add more crushed red pepper. Spice levels are totally customizable!
