marry me chicken recipe slow cooker
The Best marry me chicken recipe slow cooker
I love this slow cooker Marry Me Chicken recipe because it’s one of those dishes that just works every single time. It’s creamy, flavorful, and so easy to throw together in the morning before the day gets crazy. My kids ask for it all the time, and honestly, I don’t blame them—it’s rich without being heavy, and the sauce is just that good. Plus, it reheats like a dream, so leftovers are never a problem.
What I appreciate most about this recipe is how versatile it is. It’s fancy enough for a dinner party but simple enough for a weeknight meal. The chicken stays tender, the sauce is packed with flavor, and you can serve it over pasta, rice, or even mashed potatoes. And since it’s made in the slow cooker, it’s mostly hands-off, which means I can focus on other things while it cooks. The ingredients are also pretty wholesome—chicken, tomatoes, cream, and a few spices—so it feels like a balanced meal without a ton of processed stuff. It’s one of those recipes that just makes life easier, and that’s always a win in my book.
Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken
A creamy, flavorful chicken dish with sun-dried tomatoes and parmesan, slow-cooked to perfection. This rich and comforting recipe is sure to impress your loved ones with its decadent sauce and tender chicken.
🥘Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped, oil-packed)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh basil or parsley (chopped)
- Extra parmesan cheese
👨🍳Directions
-
1 Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning on both sides.
-
2 Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer the chicken to the slow cooker.
-
3 In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in tomato paste and sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for another minute.
-
4 Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the skillet. Stir in heavy cream, parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes (if using), basil, and oregano. Simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
-
5 Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
-
6 Gently shred the chicken slightly with two forks or leave whole, then stir to coat in the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
-
7 Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and extra parmesan cheese before serving. Serve over pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
🔧Equipment
- Slow cooker (6-quart or larger)
- Skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tongs or spatula
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
Watch Video Of How Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken Works
This slow cooker marry me chicken is one of those recipes I always reach for because it’s simple, flavorful, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a family gathering, the creamy, tangy sauce and tender chicken make it a dish everyone asks for. Plus, the hands-off slow cooker method means I can focus on hosting without stressing over last-minute prep.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken
1. What is “Marry Me Chicken” and why is it called that?
“Marry Me Chicken” is a creamy, flavorful chicken dish known for its rich tomato-based sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and a touch of spice. The name comes from its reputation as being so delicious that it could make someone propose marriage after tasting it! The slow cooker version keeps the chicken tender while letting the flavors meld together perfectly.
2. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in the slow cooker?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but thighs are recommended because they stay juicier and more tender during the long cooking process. If you prefer breasts, check them earlier (around 3-4 hours on low) to avoid overcooking, as they can dry out faster than thighs.
3. How long does it take to cook Marry Me Chicken in a slow cooker?
The cooking time depends on your slow cooker settings: – Low heat: 6-7 hours (best for maximum tenderness). – High heat: 3-4 hours (if you’re short on time). For best results, cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
4. Can I make this recipe dairy-free or gluten-free?
Yes! To make it dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream, and use dairy-free cheese if needed. For a gluten-free version, ensure your chicken broth and sun-dried tomatoes are gluten-free (some brands may contain additives). The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
5. What sides pair well with Marry Me Chicken?
This dish is rich and creamy, so light, fresh sides work best: – Pasta: Fettuccine, penne, or mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce. – Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or a simple green salad. – Bread: Crusty garlic bread or dinner rolls for dipping. – Rice: Jasmine or basmati rice to balance the flavors.
