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Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is one of those dishes that has earned its charming name for a reason. Said to be so delicious that it could inspire a marriage proposal, this creamy, flavorful chicken dish is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for a variety of occasions. The recipe combines tender, juicy chicken with a rich and creamy sauce featuring garlic, sundried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. The best part? It’s all made effortlessly in a slow cooker, making it a wonderful option for busy days or special dinners.

Whether you’re cooking for your partner, entertaining guests, or just want to treat yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home, Crockpot Marry Me Chicken will hit the mark every time. This dish is a great balance of savory, tangy, and creamy, with a depth of flavor that develops over the hours it spends simmering away in the crockpot. Pair it with pasta, mashed potatoes, or a side of crusty bread to mop up the sauce, and you’ll have a meal that’s worthy of any celebration.

In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about making Crockpot Marry Me Chicken, including the best ingredients to use, step-by-step instructions, variations, serving suggestions, and more. Let’s get started!

What is Marry Me Chicken?

The origin of Marry Me Chicken isn’t clear, but it has become a popular dish known for its ability to impress. The name itself suggests that the dish is so good, it might just make someone fall in love and propose! While traditionally made in a skillet, this recipe has been adapted for the crockpot, making it even more convenient for busy cooks.

The dish is made with chicken breasts or thighs simmered in a creamy sauce made from heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, and sundried tomatoes. It’s seasoned with a mix of Italian herbs, garlic, and a hint of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. As the chicken cooks in the crockpot, it absorbs all these flavors, becoming tender and infused with the sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Set it and Forget it: The crockpot does all the work for you. Just toss in the ingredients and let it cook to perfection.
Restaurant-Quality at Home: This dish feels luxurious and decadent, yet it’s made with simple ingredients that come together beautifully.
Perfect for Special Occasions: Impress your loved ones with this delicious dish, ideal for date nights, anniversaries, or any special celebration.
Customizable: Swap out chicken breasts for thighs, adjust the level of creaminess, or add vegetables to suit your taste.
Minimal Cleanup: All the cooking happens in one pot, reducing the number of dishes to wash.

Selecting the Ingredients

The success of Crockpot Marry Me Chicken depends on using high-quality ingredients that complement each other well. Here’s what you’ll need:

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best for this recipe. Thighs tend to stay juicier during slow cooking, while breasts are leaner.
Sundried Tomatoes: These add a tangy, slightly sweet flavor that balances the richness of the creamy sauce. Use the oil-packed variety for the best flavor and texture.
Heavy Cream: This forms the base of the creamy sauce. For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half, but the sauce won’t be as thick.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor that deepens the richness of the dish. Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best results.
Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and depth of flavor to the sauce. Use low-sodium broth to control the saltiness.
Garlic and Onions: These aromatic vegetables form the flavor base and complement the sauce perfectly.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary adds herbal notes that tie the dish together.
Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a subtle kick. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken breasts or thighs with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning. If you want, you can sear the chicken in a skillet with a bit of olive oil before adding it to the crockpot. This step isn’t necessary but will add an extra layer of flavor.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In a medium bowl, mix together the heavy cream, chicken broth, minced garlic, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Whisk until well combined. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes and the chopped sundried tomatoes. Stir everything together.

Step 3: Layer the Ingredients

Place the seasoned chicken in the bottom of the crockpot. Pour the creamy sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring all the pieces are well coated. You can also add a few whole garlic cloves and some chopped onions for added flavor.

Step 4: Slow Cook

Cover and cook on Low for 4-5 hours, or on High for 2-3 hours. The chicken should be tender and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The sauce should be thickened and creamy.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the chicken is fully cooked, give the sauce a good stir. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve the chicken over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, and spoon the creamy sauce over the top. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

Tips for Success

Use Oil-Packed Sundried Tomatoes: Oil-packed sundried tomatoes are more tender and flavorful than the dried variety. If using dried sundried tomatoes, rehydrate them in hot water for 10-15 minutes before adding to the crockpot.
Add Vegetables for Extra Flavor: Consider adding vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to the crockpot for added color, flavor, and nutrition.
Adjust the Thickness of the Sauce: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth. If it’s too thin, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a little cold water and stir it into the sauce, letting it cook for another 15 minutes to thicken.
Don’t Overcook the Chicken: While the crockpot is forgiving, cooking chicken for too long can make it dry. Check the internal temperature to ensure it doesn’t overcook.

Variations

Low-Carb Marry Me Chicken: Serve the chicken over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb, keto-friendly version of the dish.
Marry Me Chicken with Pasta: Cook your favorite pasta (like penne or fettuccine) and toss it in the creamy sauce. The pasta will soak up the delicious flavors.
Spicy Marry Me Chicken: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add some diced jalapeños for a spicier kick.
Marry Me Chicken Casserole: Shred the chicken after it’s cooked and mix it with cooked pasta. Transfer to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and broil until golden and bubbly.

Serving Suggestions

Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some serving ideas:

Over Pasta: Serve the chicken and sauce over a bed of pasta like fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne. The sauce clings beautifully to the pasta, making each bite irresistible.
With Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make a perfect bed for the flavorful chicken and sauce.
With a Side of Greens: Serve with a fresh green salad, steamed asparagus, or roasted broccoli for a lighter meal.
On Crusty Bread: Spoon the chicken and sauce over crusty bread or garlic toast for a comforting open-faced sandwich.

Health Benefits

While Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is undeniably indulgent, it also has some nutritional benefits:

High in Protein: Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall health.
Rich in Calcium and Healthy Fats: The heavy cream and Parmesan cheese contribute calcium and healthy fats, which support bone health.
Antioxidant-Rich Tomatoes: Sundried tomatoes are rich in antioxidants, particularly lycopene, which has been linked to various health benefits.

To make a lighter version, consider using light cream, reducing the amount of cheese, or serving it with a side of steamed vegetables instead of carb-heavy pasta.

Conclusion

Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is a dish that’s sure to impress, whether you’re cooking for a special someone, entertaining guests, or just want to treat yourself to a delicious meal. The slow-cooking method allows the chicken to become tender and succulent, while the creamy sauce develops a depth of flavor that’s hard to beat. With its ease of preparation and rich, satisfying taste, it’s no wonder this dish has earned such a romantic reputation.

So, dust off your crockpot, gather your ingredients, and get ready to fall in love with this irresistible chicken dish. With just a little effort, you’ll have a meal that’s not only delicious but might even earn you a few new fans around the dinner table. Happy cooking!