Easy Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

This Easy Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is a delightful and creamy dish that combines succulent chicken with a rich sauce of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan. Perfect for romantic dinners or busy family nights, this slow-cooked meal offers convenience and impressive flavor that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Preparation: Just season the chicken and let the slow cooker do all the work.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and cream creates a deliciously rich sauce.
• Versatile Meal: This dish pairs well with a variety of sides, making it suitable for any occasion.
• Tender Chicken: Slow cooking ensures the chicken remains juicy and tender.
• Perfect for Leftovers: Enjoy the flavors even more the next day; it makes great leftovers!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, ensure you have all necessary tools at hand. These will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow Cooker
• Skillet
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow Cooker: This is key to achieving tender chicken while allowing flavors to meld perfectly over time.
• Skillet: Searing the chicken adds depth to the flavor before slow cooking.
• Whisk: Use this tool to combine the sauce ingredients thoroughly, ensuring an even distribution of flavors.

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Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 4–6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

For the Sauce

• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil, drained and chopped)

For Seasoning

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For Cooking

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For Garnish

• Fresh basil or parsley

How to Make Easy Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

Step 1: Season the Chicken

• Season both sides of the chicken breasts or thighs with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken (Optional)

• Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat.
• Sear each piece of chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly browned. This step adds extra flavor.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce in the Slow Cooker

• In your slow cooker, whisk together chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes until well combined.
• Add in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and stir gently to mix everything together.

Step 4: Combine Chicken with Sauce

• Place the seared chicken into the slow cooker. Spoon some of the sauce over each piece to ensure they are well covered.

Step 5: Cook Until Tender

• Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours until the chicken is fully cooked through and tender.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

• Before serving, garnish with fresh basil or parsley for added color and flavor. Enjoy this delightful dish!

How to Serve Easy Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

This delicious and creamy Easy Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken can be served in various delightful ways to enhance your meal experience. Here are some serving suggestions that pair perfectly with this flavorful dish.

Serve with Pasta

• Fettuccine or Penne: Toss cooked pasta directly in the sauce for a comforting, hearty meal.
• Zoodles: For a lighter option, serve over spiralized zucchini for a fresh twist.

Pair with Rice

• Steamed White Rice: Absorb the rich sauce with fluffy white rice for a satisfying combination.
• Quinoa: For a nutritious alternative, quinoa adds protein and complements the dish well.

Add Fresh Vegetables

• Roasted Asparagus: Drizzle with olive oil and roast until tender for a simple yet elegant side.
• Garlic Green Beans: Sauté green beans in garlic and olive oil for a vibrant addition to your plate.

Top with Fresh Herbs

• Basil or Parsley Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped herbs on top just before serving for added freshness and color.

How to Perfect Easy Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

To achieve the best results with your Easy Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken, follow these helpful tips. They will ensure that your dish is both flavorful and tender.

• Use quality chicken: Choose fresh, high-quality chicken breasts or thighs for the best flavor and texture.
• Sear before slow cooking: Browning the chicken in a skillet enhances its flavor and creates depth in the final dish.
• Adjust seasoning to taste: Feel free to tweak the salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes based on your preference for heat.
• Let it rest before serving: Allowing the chicken to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps retain juices, making it even more tender.
• Experiment with herbs: Try adding different fresh herbs like thyme or oregano to customize the flavor profile.
• Store leftovers properly: Refrigerate any leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days; it tastes great reheated!

Best Side Dishes for Easy Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

Complementing your Easy Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken with the right side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with roasted garlic create a perfect pairing that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
2. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with crunchy croutons and Caesar dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the rich chicken.
3. Roasted Broccoli: Lightly seasoned roasted broccoli adds a healthy crunch without overpowering the main dish.
4. Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze provide a bright and flavorful side.
5. Herbed Couscous: Fluffy couscous seasoned with herbs is quick to prepare and wonderfully absorbs the sauce’s flavors.
6. Baked Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes baked until soft offer a naturally sweet contrast that complements the savory chicken.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking in a slow cooker can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes to avoid when making Easy Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken.

• Bold seasoning mistakes: Not seasoning the chicken properly can lead to bland flavors. Always season your chicken with salt, pepper, and spices before cooking for enhanced taste.

• Bold overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can make it dry. Stick to the recommended cooking times of 4–5 hours on low or 2–3 hours on high for tender results.

• Bold skipping the browning step: While optional, searing the chicken adds depth of flavor. Don’t skip this step if you want a richer taste in your dish.

• Bold ignoring ingredient quality: Using low-quality ingredients can impact flavor. Opt for fresh herbs and good-quality sun-dried tomatoes for the best result.

• Bold not using enough liquid: Slow cookers need moisture to operate effectively. Ensure you have enough broth or cream in your recipe to keep everything juicy.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

Freezing Easy Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• It can be frozen for up to 2–3 months for best quality.

Reheating Easy Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat covered for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring occasionally until hot.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over medium heat and stir until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Easy Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken that might help clarify your cooking process.

Can I use different meats in Easy Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken?

Yes! You can substitute chicken with turkey, beef, or lamb according to your preference while keeping the rest of the ingredients the same.

How do I make Easy Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken healthier?

To make it healthier, consider using low-fat cream or reducing the amount of cheese used while adding more vegetables like spinach or bell peppers.

What sides go well with Easy Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken?

This dish pairs wonderfully with rice, pasta, or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal experience.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep all ingredients and store them separately. Combine everything in the slow cooker when you’re ready to cook.

What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?

If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes on hand, consider using fresh cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers as an alternative.

Final Thoughts

Easy Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is not just a delicious meal; it’s also versatile and adaptable to various tastes. You can customize it by adding your favorite herbs or vegetables. This dish is perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy family dinner—give it a try!