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Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

Crockpot Marry Me Chicken - Grandma's Tasty Recipes

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!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours 10 minutes
Total Time 6 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

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.
  • 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 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1½ teaspoons dried Italian herb blend

Method
 

  1. Creating this masterpiece requires just a few steps. Here’s how you can make it:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
  1. 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
  1. 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.
  2. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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!