This Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is a tasty dish featuring juicy chicken and a creamy sauce packed with sun-dried tomatoes. It’s comfort food that feels special!
Honestly, if I had a dollar for every time someone asked for the recipe after tasting this, I’d be rich! It’s just that good. Plus, I love how easy it is to throw everything in the slow cooker.
Serving this chicken over pasta or with crusty bread is my favorite way to enjoy it. It makes dinner feel fancy with hardly any effort—perfect for busy days!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish. If you’re looking for a leaner option, consider using turkey breast instead. For a more flavorful twist, chicken thighs work well as they stay juicy during cooking.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a lovely savoriness. You can substitute with fresh tomatoes if you prefer, but you’ll want to add more seasoning to capture that depth of flavor.
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream gives the sauce richness. For a lighter version, use half-and-half or even coconut milk. I find that coconut adds a unique taste that some people really enjoy!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is best for flavor and texture. You can replace it with Pecorino Romano or a vegetarian alternative like nutritional yeast if needed.
Olive Oil: This is great for searing the chicken. If you’re out of olive oil, you can use canola or avocado oil instead; both have good smoke points.
How Can I Get the Chicken Perfectly Sear?
Searing the chicken helps lock in flavors and adds a nice golden color. Follow these steps for the best results:
- Heat your skillet over medium-high heat until hot, then add olive oil. The oil should shimmer but not smoke.
- Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper. This helps enhance the flavor.
- Carefully place the chicken in the skillet and avoid overcrowding to ensure they sear properly.
- Sear each side for about 3-4 minutes until they are golden brown. Let them rest a minute before transferring to the crockpot.
Taking the time to sear will pay off in flavor! Enjoy the rich taste you’ll create with this technique.
How to Make Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil, drained and chopped)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious dish will take about 15 minutes to prepare and then requires 4 to 6 hours to cook in the crockpot on low, or 2 to 3 hours on high. Just a bit of prep, and then let the crockpot do all the work!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Searing the Chicken:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While the oil heats up, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken to the skillet. Sear each piece for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they’re beautifully golden brown. This step really enhances the flavor!
2. Mixing the Sauce:
In your crockpot, combine the sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Give it a good stir to mix everything evenly.
3. Adding the Chicken to the Crockpot:
Carefully place the seared chicken breasts into the crockpot, making sure they get coated in that creamy sauce. They should be mostly submerged for the best flavor.
4. Sprinkling the Cheese:
Next, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the chicken. This will melt beautifully as it cooks!
5. Cooking the Chicken:
Cover the crockpot with its lid. If you’re cooking on low, let it go for 4 to 6 hours. If you’re short on time, you can set it to high for 2 to 3 hours. The chicken should be tender and fully cooked when done.
6. Serving the Dish:
Once the chicken is done, carefully take it out of the crockpot and place it on a nice serving dish. Stir the creamy sauce in the crockpot to combine any cheese and tomatoes that might have settled at the bottom. Spoon this luscious sauce over the chicken before serving.
7. Garnishing:
Finish off your dish by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. Now, it’s time to enjoy your delicious Crockpot Marry Me Chicken!
This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or a side of veggies. Enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, but it’s best to thaw it first! You can thaw frozen chicken in the fridge overnight or quickly in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before searing to avoid excess moisture.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and sour cream. For dairy-free alternatives, try coconut milk or a cashew cream. Just keep in mind that different substitutes may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the dish.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months—just be sure to thaw and reheat carefully!
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini right into the crockpot with the other ingredients. Make sure to chop them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as additional veggies may slightly alter it!
