Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is a yummy dish featuring tender chicken cooked in a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and herbs. It’s so good, it might just win your heart!
The best part? You just throw everything in the crockpot and let it do the work! I love serving it over pasta for a cozy dinner. Who can resist such a delicious meal? 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are my favorite for this recipe due to their rich flavor and tenderness. If you want a lighter option, feel free to use boneless, skinless thighs or even chicken breasts.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a lovely tangy sweetness to the dish. If you can’t find them in oil, dry-packed ones will work, but consider soaking them in warm water for 10 minutes first to soften them up.
Heavy Cream: This ingredient makes the sauce luscious and creamy. If you want a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or a non-dairy cream alternative. Keep in mind, the sauce might be less rich.
Parmesan Cheese: I love the nutty flavor Parmesan adds. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast instead—it gives a cheesy flavor but won’t have the same creaminess.
How Can You Ensure the Chicken is Tender and Full of Flavor?
Getting tender, flavorful chicken from your crockpot is all about the cooking method. Here are some tips:
- Sear First: Browning the chicken in a skillet adds a depth of flavor. However, you can skip this step to save time; it will still be delicious.
- Cook Low and Slow: For best results, keep the chicken on low for 4-6 hours. This gentle cooking breaks down the meat fibers, making it tender.
- Thicken the Sauce: If you’d like a thicker sauce, remove the chicken after cooking, and let the sauce simmer in a pot on the stove for 5-10 minutes.
Following these steps will lead to a tender, flavorful meal that everyone will rave about!
Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4-6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or boneless, skinless if preferred)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (preferably packed in oil)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
For Garnishing:
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 10 minutes for preparation and then 4-6 hours to cook on low in the crockpot (or 2-3 hours on high). Just set it and forget it while the flavors meld together beautifully!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Seasoning the Chicken:
First, take the chicken thighs and season them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes if you’d like a bit of heat. This adds great flavor to your chicken!
2. Searing the Chicken:
In a skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and carefully place the seasoned chicken thighs skin-side down in the pan. Sear them for about 4-5 minutes until they are golden brown. Give them a flip and cook for 2 more minutes. While this step enhances flavor, you can skip it if you’re short on time!
3. Transferring to the Crockpot:
Once you’re done searing, transfer the chicken thighs to your crockpot. Don’t worry about cleaning the skillet right away; you’ll be using it again!
4. Mixing the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, combine the chicken broth, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix it well until everything is combined.
5. Pouring the Sauce Over the Chicken:
Carefully pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the crockpot. Make sure all the chicken is nicely covered—this is where the magic happens!
6. Cooking Time:
Cover the crockpot and let it do its thing! Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for about 2-3 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
7. Final Touches:
Before serving, give the sauce a gentle stir to mix everything together. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can remove the chicken and let the sauce simmer in the skillet for a few minutes on the stove until it reduces to your liking.
8. Garnishing and Serving:
Top your dish with freshly chopped parsley and additional rosemary if you’d like. Serve the Marry Me Chicken hot, over some pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes to soak up all that creamy, flavorful goodness.
Enjoy this rich and delicious meal that might just lead to a marriage proposal! 🍽️
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes! You can use frozen chicken thighs, but be sure to add an extra hour or so to the cooking time on low. Just ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F while cooking.
Can This Recipe Be Made Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and sear the chicken the night before, then store them separately in the fridge. In the morning, just combine them in the crockpot for a hassle-free dinner later!
What Should I Do With Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors often improve overnight! To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Can I Substitute the Heavy Cream?
Yes! If you want a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream. Just remember it might alter the overall creaminess of the sauce!