Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is a tender, juicy chicken dish slow-cooked to perfection in a rich, creamy sundried tomato sauce. It’s simple to make in the slow cooker and is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The combination of flavors is so delicious, it might just lead to a marriage proposal!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

4 chicken breasts (skin on or skinless)
2 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tsp olive oil (optional)
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (or sun-dried tomato pesto)
½ cup white wine or chicken broth
½ cup sour cream or heavy cream
1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Directions

Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Heat the butter and olive oil (if using) in a pan or directly in the slow cooker if it has a browning function. Sear the chicken skin-side down until golden.
Turn the chicken over and pour in the white wine or chicken broth. Add the sun-dried tomatoes.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 90 minutes to 2 hours or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Once cooked, remove the chicken to one side. Stir in the sour cream or heavy cream and Parmesan cheese to make the sauce creamy.
Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Calories: 400
Protein: 40g
Carbs: 10g
Fat: 25g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g

The Origin of Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

Though the dish is relatively new and doesn’t have a long history like many classic recipes, its rapid rise in popularity speaks to its appeal. The name “Marry Me Chicken” seems to stem from the dish’s remarkable flavor profile. It’s said that the combination of the rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken is so delicious that it might prompt someone to ask, “Will you marry me?” after tasting it. While the name is playful and exaggerated, it’s an apt reflection of how incredibly tasty and satisfying this dish is.

The use of the slow cooker (Crock Pot) makes it incredibly convenient for anyone looking for an easy yet impressive meal. Slow cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully and tenderize the chicken to perfection, creating a comforting, flavorful dish that makes the most of simple ingredients.

Why Use a Slow Cooker for This Recipe?

One of the main reasons this dish has become a favorite among home cooks is its simplicity, thanks in large part to the slow cooker. The Crock Pot is an essential kitchen tool for anyone looking to prepare flavorful, hands-off meals. By setting everything in the slow cooker and allowing it to cook for a few hours, the meat becomes tender and juicy, and the sauce is able to develop rich, deep flavors. This cooking method helps the chicken retain moisture, keeping it from drying out.

Using a slow cooker also means you can prepare the dish in advance and have it ready when you need it. Whether you’re busy at work, running errands, or simply enjoying some time to yourself, the slow cooker allows you to set the dish and forget it. This convenience makes it ideal for weeknight meals when you don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen.

The Creamy Sundried Tomato Sauce

The standout feature of this recipe is the creamy sundried tomato sauce, which elevates the dish from a simple chicken meal to something truly luxurious. The sundried tomatoes bring a rich, slightly tangy flavor to the sauce, which complements the creamy base made from sour cream or heavy cream. The combination of these ingredients results in a sauce that is not too heavy, yet still indulgent.

The sundried tomatoes provide a depth of flavor that balances the creaminess of the sauce. Whether you’re using chopped sundried tomatoes or a jar of sundried tomato pesto, the flavor infusion is what makes this dish so irresistible. The addition of Parmesan cheese contributes an extra layer of richness and helps thicken the sauce, making it even more satisfying.

The sauce is creamy, tangy, and savory, making it perfect for pairing with different sides such as pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. It’s also a versatile base that you can adjust to your preferences. Some cooks like to add garlic or herbs to the sauce to enhance its flavor even further. The beauty of this recipe is in how you can easily personalize it to match your tastes.

What to Serve with Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes, making it a flexible option for any meal. Here are a few ideas for what to serve alongside this creamy chicken dish:

Pasta: A classic choice, pasta absorbs the creamy sauce beautifully. Try spaghetti, fettuccine, or even ravioli for a more gourmet touch.
Rice: Whether you choose white rice, brown rice, or a flavored rice like pilaf, rice soaks up the delicious sauce, making every bite enjoyable.
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a great pairing, providing a smooth, fluffy contrast to the rich chicken and sauce.
Steamed Vegetables: For a lighter, healthier option, serve your chicken with steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus. These veggies add freshness and crunch to the meal.
Crusty Bread: A loaf of crusty bread or garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce, ensuring none of that flavor goes to waste.

How to Make the Dish Your Own

While the recipe as it stands is delicious, there are plenty of ways to customize it according to your preferences. Here are some suggestions for making this dish your own:

Add More Veggies: If you’re looking to increase the veggie content of the meal, consider adding mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to the slow cooker. These vegetables will blend seamlessly into the sauce and provide additional nutrients.
Spice it Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapenos to the sauce for an extra kick.
Use Different Cheese: If Parmesan isn’t your favorite, you can swap it out for another hard cheese like Pecorino Romano or Asiago.
Make it Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free pasta or rice on the side. Make sure to check any store-bought ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.

Healthier Variations

For those looking to make a lighter version of this recipe, there are a few easy substitutions you can make:

Use Low-Fat Dairy: Instead of heavy cream, you can opt for a lighter version such as Greek yogurt, low-fat sour cream, or a lighter cream alternative.
Use Chicken Thighs: While chicken breasts are the most common choice, chicken thighs are a great alternative if you’re looking for extra flavor. They are also slightly more tender, which makes them ideal for slow cooking.
Reduce the Butter: If you’re watching your fat intake, you can reduce the amount of butter used or omit it altogether. The recipe will still turn out delicious.

Conclusion

Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is the perfect dish for anyone looking to create a flavorful and comforting meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. With its rich, creamy sundried tomato sauce, tender chicken, and versatility in pairing, it’s a recipe that can be enjoyed by everyone at the table. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a casual family dinner, this dish will surely be a hit. With the ease of a slow cooker and the depth of flavor in the sauce, this recipe is destined to become one of your go-to meals.

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