Easy Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is a dish that’s sure to steal your heart and impress anyone you serve it to. This creamy, flavorful chicken dish is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Utilizing a crockpot means that you can set it and forget it, allowing you to focus on other tasks while the magic happens. With tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich, savory sauce featuring sun-dried tomatoes and spices, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also results in a meal that feels indulgent. You’ll find that your family will be asking for this dish again and again!
Why We Love This Easy Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Recipe
There’s a special joy in cooking a dish that combines simplicity with deliciousness. Easy Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is one such recipe, as it requires minimal effort yet delivers maximum flavor. The blend of garlic, Italian seasoning, and sun-dried tomatoes creates a harmonious taste profile that elevates ordinary chicken to extraordinary. The offer of convenience that comes from using a crockpot is another reason why this dish is a favorite; you can throw the ingredients in and spend your time doing what you love rather than monitoring the stove. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or even cozy evenings spent at home, this dish truly represents comfort food at its finest.
Ingredients about Easy Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
To create this irresistible dish, gather the following ingredients:
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon finely minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes (well drained)
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)
- Grated parmesan cheese (for serving)
How to Make Easy Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Directions
Getting started with your Easy Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is a breeze. First, ensure that your crockpot is clean and ready for use. This sets the stage for a stress-free cooking experience.
Next, grab a skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s hot, introduce the finely minced garlic and sauté it for about a minute or until you can smell its rich aroma. This step brings out the flavor in the garlic that will later permeate the chicken.
Now, it’s time to create the base of your sauce. Mix in the all-purpose flour, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Stir everything together until the mixture is well integrated. Allow it to cook for about another minute, ensuring the flour is slightly toasted and fragrant.
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth. This process helps to eliminate any lumps in your mixture. Stir continuously and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer until it thickens. Once thickened, pour in the heavy cream and add the sun-dried tomatoes, stirring until everything is combined beautifully.
With the sauce prepared, place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the crockpot. Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken sufficing to cover each piece well. Don’t forget to dot the top of the chicken breasts with pieces of salted butter; this adds richness to the dish.
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for about 6 hours or high for 3 hours. You’ll want to check the internal temperature of the chicken, ensuring it reaches a safe 165°F. Once cooked, you can choose to shred the chicken or serve it whole, adjusting the seasoning as desired to match your taste.
Garnish your meal with fresh basil leaves and a generous sprinkling of grated parmesan cheese right before serving. This last step adds a burst of freshness and flavor that ties the dish together.
How to Serve Easy Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
Serving Easy Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is as simple as enjoying the flavors of this rich dish. You can serve it over a bed of cooked rice or pasta, allowing those silky sauce remnants to soak in and enhance each bite. Alternatively, pair it with crusty bread for a delightful soak-up experience, perfect for those savory juices.
For a complete meal, consider accompanying your chicken with steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad. The vibrant colors and textures of these sides create a balanced and visually appealing plate. Don’t forget the finishing touch: a sprinkle of fresh basil and grated parmesan cheese for garnish elevates your dish, making it not only delicious but also visually enticing.
Expert Tips: Easy Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
To get the most out of your Easy Crockpot Marry Me Chicken experience, here are some helpful tips. First, remember to season your chicken generously. The chicken can be mild in flavor, so having enough seasoning ensures every bite is delicious.
Another tip includes using high-quality sun-dried tomatoes; they play a crucial role in the dish, providing a concentrated flavor that complements the creaminess of the sauce. If you want to customize the flavors further, feel free to add in vegetables like spinach or mushrooms during the last hour of cooking for added nutrients and textures.
For meal prep enthusiasts, consider doubling the recipe to have leftovers that reheat well. Just store the chicken and sauce separately to maintain the chicken’s texture when reheating. This dish also freezes nicely; just be sure to cool it completely before storing it in airtight containers.
How to Store Easy Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
Storing Easy Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is straightforward. Once you’re finished enjoying your meal, allow any leftovers to cool down to room temperature. Then, transfer them into airtight containers and refrigerate. It’s best to consume the leftovers within 3 to 4 days for optimal freshness.
If you’re looking to keep it longer, consider freezing the dish. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and store it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy a warm meal, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Adding a splash of cream while reheating can help restore the sauce’s creaminess.
Variation of Easy Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
While the original recipe is undoubtedly delicious, there are plenty of variations you can try to suit your taste preferences. For a lighter option, consider swapping heavy cream for coconut milk. This not only reduces the calorie count but also lends a unique flavor twist to the sauce.
You can also experiment with different herbs and spices. Instead of Italian seasoning, try using herbs de Provence for a fresh aroma. If you’re a fan of heat, adding red pepper flakes can elevate the dish to new spicy levels.
For a more robust flavor, include some chopped onions when sautéing the garlic, adding depth and sweetness. If you want a more substantial meal, toss in some vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini into the crockpot for a one-pot dish that serves many purposes.
FAQ
What makes Easy Crockpot Marry Me Chicken a popular choice?
Easy Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is popular because it’s easy to prepare, requires minimal hands-on time, and delivers a rich and flavorful dish that everyone enjoys. The use of a crockpot makes it convenient for busy lifestyles.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but they will need a longer cooking time in the crockpot. Make sure to check the internal temperature to ensure they reach the proper cooking temperature.
What can I serve with Easy Crockpot Marry Me Chicken?
You can serve this dish with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the wonderful sauce. Complement it with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
Can I adjust the seasoning in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can adjust the seasonings and ingredients to match your taste preferences. Feel free to add more garlic, herbs, or even a touch of lemon juice for brightness.
How long does Easy Crockpot Marry Me Chicken last in the fridge?
Stored properly in an airtight container, this dish will last for 3 to 4 days in the fridge. For longer storage, consider freezing it for up to 3 months.
Easy Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1.5 cups chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon finely minced garlic
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 0.33 cups sun-dried tomatoes (well drained)
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
For Garnish
- to taste Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- to taste Grated parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
Preparation
- Ensure that your crockpot is clean and ready for use.
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the finely minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant.
Sauce Preparation
- Mix in the all-purpose flour, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika, stirring until well integrated.
- Cook for about another minute to toast the flour slightly.
- Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, stirring continuously to eliminate lumps and bring to a gentle simmer until thickened.
- Stir in the heavy cream and sun-dried tomatoes until combined.
Cooking
- Place the chicken breasts into the crockpot and pour the creamy sauce over them.
- Dot the top of the chicken breasts with pieces of salted butter.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for about 6 hours or high for 3 hours, checking for an internal temperature of 165°F.
Serving
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and grated parmesan cheese just before serving.
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