![Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken](/assets/images/1737844602592-h1euqa5t.webp)
The magic of this slow cooker Marry Me Chicken lies in its velvety, garlic infused cream sauce that transforms ordinary chicken breasts into an extraordinary dish. Each piece of chicken becomes incredibly tender as it slowly cooks, absorbing all the rich flavors of garlic, sun dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs. The result is a restaurant quality meal that's surprisingly simple to prepare in your crockpot.
After making this countless times, I've found that the slow cooking process actually enhances the flavors more than the stovetop version. The first time I served this to my family, my husband literally scraped every last drop of sauce from his plate – it's that good!
Essential Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose high quality, evenly sized pieces for consistent cooking
- Heavy cream: Creates the luxuriously rich sauce base
- Sun dried tomatoes: Adds intense flavor and lovely color contrast
- Fresh garlic: Essential for that authentic Italian taste
- Parmesan cheese: Use freshly grated for the best melting and flavor
- Fresh basil: Brings brightness and elevation to the final dish.
Step By Step Instructions
- Preparing and Seasoning the Chicken
- Begin by patting the chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels this ensures proper browning. Mix together 1 teaspoon each of salt, garlic powder, and onion powder with 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Season the chicken generously on both sides with this mixture, making sure every inch is covered.
- The Essential Searing Process
- Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add 2 tablespoons each of butter and olive oil. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the pan. Sear for 3 4 minutes on each side until golden brown. This step creates a flavor packed crust that will enrich the entire dish.
- Creating the Signature Sauce
- In your slow cooker, whisk together 1 cup chicken broth with 2 tablespoons cornstarch until completely smooth. Add 1 cup heavy cream, 6 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. This combination creates the foundation of our luxurious sauce.
- The Slow Cooking Magic
- Transfer the seared chicken to the slow cooker, nestling it into the sauce. Pour any remaining pan juices over the chicken these brown bits are pure gold for flavor. Top with 1/2 cup chopped sun dried tomatoes. Cover and cook on low for 6 7 hours, allowing the flavors to meld perfectly.
- The Secret to Perfect Sauce
- The key to achieving that silky smooth sauce lies in the timing of adding the Parmesan cheese. Adding it too early can cause the sauce to break, so wait until the final 30 minutes of cooking. This also ensures the cheese melts perfectly into the sauce, creating that irresistible creamy texture.
![Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe](/assets/images/1737844631045-ukim1xmk.webp)
Temperature Management Tips
While it might be tempting to cook this dish on high to save time, the low and slow method is crucial for developing the deep flavors and keeping the chicken tender. Higher temperatures can cause the cream to separate and the chicken to become tough.
Growing up in an Italian household, I learned that the best dishes are often the simplest ones made with care and quality ingredients. The sun dried tomatoes in this recipe remind me of my grandmother's garden, where she would dry her own tomatoes in the summer sun.
Final Thoughts
This Marry Me Chicken recipe has become my signature dish for special occasions. The way the chicken becomes fork tender while soaking up all those amazing flavors never fails to impress. It's the kind of meal that creates memories and, yes, might just inspire a proposal!
![Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken In A White Plate](/assets/images/1737844682700-vhwm6em0.webp)
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why is it called Marry Me Chicken?
- It's called Marry Me Chicken because it's supposedly so delicious that serving it might lead to a marriage proposal!
- → Can I cook this on high in the slow cooker?
- It's recommended to cook only on low for 6-7 hours to ensure tender chicken and prevent the cream sauce from separating.
- → What can I serve with Marry Me Chicken?
- It pairs perfectly with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- → Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
- Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and stay even more tender during slow cooking.
- → Why do I need to sear the chicken first?
- Searing adds extra flavor and creates a nice golden crust on the chicken before slow cooking.