This Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is a creamy and flavorful dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. With juicy chicken and a rich, cheesy sauce, it’s bound to impress!
Trust me, if someone cooked this for you, you’d be ready to say “I do!” 🍽️ I love how easy it is to toss everything in the crockpot and let it do the work. Perfect for busy days!
Serve it over pasta or with some crusty bread to soak up that tasty sauce. You’ll be the star of dinner, and everyone will want the recipe—watch out for future proposals! 😉
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal here, but you can also use thighs for a juicier option. If you’re looking for a lighter dish, turkey breast works as a great substitute too!
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These bring a rich, tangy flavor. If you can’t find them in oil, dry ones are fine; just soak them in warm water for about 15 minutes before chopping. Fresh tomatoes could be used as well, but they won’t add the same concentrated flavor.
Creamy Italian Dressing: While store-bought dressing is convenient, homemade dressing with basic ingredients (like vinegar, oil, and herbs) can boost flavors. A yogurt-based dressing can work if you’re seeking a lighter version.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter sauce, try half-and-half or a non-dairy option like coconut cream. Just keep in mind it may alter the flavor slightly. You can also use cream cheese for a thicker consistency.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated parmesan is a must for rich flavor. If you’re dairy-free, nutritional yeast can add a cheesy essence. Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano are great alternatives if you want to switch it up.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken is Super Tender and Flavorful?
The key to tender chicken in this recipe is slow cooking. By letting the chicken cook in the sauce, it absorbs the flavors, becoming juicy and tender. Follow these steps for the best results:
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness; chicken should reach 165°F (75°C).
- If you can, let the chicken sit in the sauce for a few minutes before serving. This extra soak makes a big difference!
- Don’t skip garnishing with fresh parsley; it adds a pop of freshness that balances the rich sauce.
- Consider adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to the crockpot for extra nutrition and flavor.
How to Make Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (preferably in oil), chopped
- 1 cup creamy Italian dressing
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Crockpot Marry Me Chicken recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep and then you can let your crockpot do the work! It cooks on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, making it perfect for a busy day.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Sauce:
Start by grabbing a bowl. In it, mix together the creamy Italian dressing, chicken broth, heavy cream, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir it well to combine everything nicely.
2. Preparing the Chicken:
Now, place the chicken breasts gently into your crockpot. Pour the delicious dressing mixture over the chicken, making sure it’s nicely covered.
3. Adding the Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
Sprinkle the chopped sun-dried tomatoes on top of the chicken. This will add a lovely flavor to your dish as it cooks.
4. Cooking the Chicken:
Cover your crockpot with the lid. Set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. You want the chicken to be tender and fully cooked through by the end of the cooking time.
5. Creating the Creamy Sauce:
Once the chicken is done, carefully take it out of the crockpot and set it aside on a plate. Now, stir in the grated parmesan cheese into the sauce left in the crockpot. Mixing it in will melt the cheese and create a creamy, delicious sauce.
6. Final Touches:
Return the chicken to the crockpot and coat it well with that yummy sauce. Let it soak up some of that creamy goodness.
7. Serving It Up:
Now it’s time to serve your Marry Me Chicken! Dish it out while it’s hot and sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. It goes wonderfully with pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a richer flavor. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly; thighs may need a bit longer to cook through. Bone-in chicken will also work, but it will take more time and yield a different texture.
How to Thicken the Sauce if It’s Too Thin?
If your sauce turns out too thin, you can thicken it by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water until smooth, then stirring it into the sauce and cooking on high for an additional 20-30 minutes until thickened. Alternatively, let it cook uncovered for a bit to allow some liquid to evaporate.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you want a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and butter (about 3/4 cup of milk plus 1/4 cup of melted butter for 1 cup of heavy cream). Keep in mind that the sauce may not be quite as rich and creamy.
How to Store Leftovers Effectively?
Store leftover Marry Me Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain creaminess.
