Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is a creamy, rich, and flavorful chicken dish that will quickly become a family favorite. With its velvety sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and perfectly seasoned chicken breasts, this recipe combines the right mix of savory, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity — the crockpot does most of the work, leaving you with a tender, juicy chicken that is ready to be served over your favorite sides like pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables.

Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests, this recipe delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort. The combination of ranch seasoning, garlic, onion, and sun-dried tomatoes creates a sauce so irresistible, you’ll want to pour it over everything on your plate. Plus, it’s an easy one-pot meal that will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is everything you want in a meal: simple, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. The chicken comes out perfectly tender and coated in a rich, creamy sauce that’s bursting with flavor. The sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy depth, while the Parmesan cheese brings a salty, nutty richness. It’s an ideal meal for those who crave comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen. With the convenience of the crockpot, this dish practically cooks itself, making it a go-to recipe for busy days or easy entertaining.

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Variations

  • Add Vegetables: For added nutrition, try mixing in some spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the crockpot.
  • Spicy Kick: If you prefer a spicier version, increase the red pepper flakes or add some chopped jalapeños to the sauce.
  • Different Cheeses: Try using mozzarella or cheddar cheese instead of Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
  • Substitute Chicken: If you’re not a fan of chicken breasts, you can substitute with chicken thighs for a juicier and richer taste.
  • Make it Dairy-Free: Swap the heavy cream for coconut milk and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative to make this dish dairy-free.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sear each side for 2-3 minutes until browned. This step locks in flavor and adds a nice texture to the chicken.

Step 2: Transfer to Crockpot

After searing, transfer the chicken breasts to the crockpot.

Step 3: Mix the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the ranch seasoning mix, heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, and red pepper flakes until well combined.

Step 4: Add Sauce and Toppings

Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the crockpot. Sprinkle the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the chicken.

Step 5: Cook

Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. The longer you cook, the more flavorful and tender the chicken will become.

Step 6: Serve

Once the chicken is cooked, serve it hot with your choice of pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables. Spoon some of the creamy sauce over the chicken and sides for extra flavor.

Tips for Making the Recipe

  • Searing the Chicken: While searing the chicken before adding it to the crockpot is optional, it enhances the flavor and adds a slight crispiness to the chicken’s exterior.
  • Adjusting the Creaminess: If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the heavy cream or let it cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes to allow it to thicken.
  • Don’t Overcook: Be sure to check the chicken at the 4-hour mark to ensure it doesn’t overcook and dry out.
  • Using Chicken Thighs: If using chicken thighs instead of breasts, the cooking time may be slightly longer, but the meat will remain juicy and flavorful.

How to Serve

Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is versatile and can be served over a variety of sides. It pairs wonderfully with:

  • Pasta: Serve it over spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne for a comforting meal.
  • Rice: White, brown, or even cauliflower rice are great options to soak up the creamy sauce.
  • Steamed Vegetables: Pair it with steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans for a healthy side.
  • Mashed Potatoes: If you’re craving extra comfort, mashed potatoes are perfect for absorbing the delicious sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to store the sauce with the chicken to keep it moist.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish for up to 3 months. To freeze, allow the chicken and sauce to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, you can either microwave the chicken or warm it up on the stovetop over low heat. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of heavy cream or chicken broth to loosen it up.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but the cooking time may need to be increased by 1-2 hours.

2. Can I make this dish without the ranch seasoning?

Yes, if you don’t have ranch seasoning, you can make your own using a combination of garlic powder, onion powder, dried herbs, and salt.

3. Can I use coconut cream instead of heavy cream?

Yes, coconut cream can be used as a dairy-free alternative, though it will add a slight coconut flavor to the dish.

4. How can I make the sauce thicker?

You can thicken the sauce by cooking it uncovered for the last 30 minutes, or you can add a slurry of cornstarch and water to achieve your desired consistency.

5. Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes, you can swap Parmesan for mozzarella, cheddar, or any other cheese you prefer.

6. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble everything the night before, refrigerate it, and then cook it the next day in the crockpot.

7. How do I know when the chicken is done?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can also check that the meat is tender and easily shreds with a fork.

8. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs are a great substitute for breasts and will make the dish even more flavorful and tender.

9. Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat to the dish, but you can adjust the amount or omit them if you prefer a milder flavor.

10. What should I serve with this dish?

Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken pairs well with pasta, rice, steamed vegetables, or mashed potatoes.

Conclusion

Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is a must-try dish that is simple to make, packed with flavor, and sure to become a go-to dinner option. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and rich seasonings come together in perfect harmony, making it a meal that everyone will love. Whether you’re serving it for a busy weeknight dinner or preparing it for guests, this dish is guaranteed to impress. Enjoy the creamy goodness and savor the convenience of the crockpot with this easy-to-make recipe.

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Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken


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  • Author: Amelia
  • Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is a rich and creamy dish with tender chicken breasts, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese in a flavorful, garlicky sauce. It’s perfect for an easy yet indulgent dinner, and the creamy sauce is perfect when served with pasta, rice, or vegetables. A dish that will make anyone say “yes”!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  • Sear the Chicken:
    Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned.

  • Transfer to Crock Pot:
    Transfer the seared chicken breasts to the crock pot.

  • Make the Sauce:
    In a small bowl, whisk together the ranch seasoning mix, heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, basil, and red pepper flakes.

  • Add Sauce and Toppings:
    Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the crock pot. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and grated Parmesan cheese over the top.

  • Cook:
    Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

  • Serve:
    Serve the creamy chicken with pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Creamy Sauce Tip: For an even creamier sauce, add a bit more Parmesan cheese or a splash of extra heavy cream to your liking.
  • Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
  • Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, sautéed spinach, or roasted vegetables.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

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