Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is a delightful dish that will impress anyone at your dinner table. This easy slow cooker recipe features tender chicken breasts enveloped in a rich and creamy sundried tomato sauce. Perfect for weeknight meals or special occasions, this dish is both comforting and flavorful, making it a memorable option for family dinners or date nights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: With minimal prep work, this dish allows you to set it and forget it, making it perfect for busy days.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of sundried tomatoes and creamy sauce creates a burst of flavor that makes each bite irresistible.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve this meal over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes to suit your taste and preference.
• Impressive Presentation: This dish looks stunning on the plate, making it ideal for entertaining guests or special occasions.
• Meal Prep Friendly: This recipe is great for meal prep; simply cook in advance and reheat for a quick dinner solution.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth, gather the necessary tools before starting.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Skillet (optional)
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Mixing bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: Allows for hands-off cooking, ensuring tender chicken as flavors meld beautifully over time.
• Skillet: Useful for browning chicken to enhance flavor before transferring to the slow cooker.
• Measuring cups: Ensures accurate ingredient portions, crucial for achieving the best flavor balance in your dish.

Ingredients

Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken – tender chicken breasts in a rich and creamy sundried tomato sauce. A meal so good it’s proposal worthy! This easy slow cooker chicken recipe is absolutely delicious served with pasta, rice or mashed potatoes.

For the Chicken

• 4 chicken breasts, skin on or skinless
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper

For the Sauce

• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tsp olive oil (can omit if preferred)
• ½ cup (120ml) white grape juice + ½ cup water OR 1 cup (240) chicken broth
• 4 tbsp diced sun-dried tomatoes (drained)
• 1 tsp sweet paprika
• 1 tsp garlic granules
• 1 tsp chicken bouillon (if you have used apple vinegar)

For the Creamy Mixture

• 1 cup (225g) sour cream or heavy cream
• 1 tbsp cornstarch diluted in 2 tbsp cold water (optional)
• 2-3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp flat leaf parsley (or fresh basil, chopped)

How to Make Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Sprinkle them generously with Italian seasoning to enhance their flavor profile.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Heat the butter and olive oil in a skillet or directly in your slow cooker if it has a browning function. Place the chicken skin side down and pan-fry until golden brown.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

Turn the chicken breasts over. If using a skillet, transfer them to the slow cooker. Pour in white grape juice or chicken broth. Sprinkle with paprika and garlic granules. Add the sun-dried tomatoes to infuse more flavor into the sauce.

Step 4: Slow Cook

Cover your slow cooker and cook on LOW setting for 90 minutes to 2 hours. Ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)

If desired, prepare a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with cold water. Stir this mixture into your sauce about ten minutes before cooking time ends. Heating through will activate and thicken the sauce.

Step 6: Add Creamy Elements

Once cooked, pile the chicken to one side of your slow cooker. Stir in sour cream or heavy cream until fully incorporated. Then mix in grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley to complete this delectable dish.

Step 7: Serve

Serve your Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes as desired. Enjoy a fulfilling meal that is sure to impress!

How to Serve Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is versatile and can be paired with various sides to make a complete meal. Here are some delicious serving suggestions that will elevate this dish to new heights.

With Pasta

• Whole Wheat Spaghetti: Toss the chicken and sauce with whole wheat spaghetti for a hearty meal.
• Fettuccine: The creamy sauce clings beautifully to fettuccine, adding richness to every bite.

Over Rice

• Jasmine Rice: This fragrant rice absorbs the sauce well, making each bite flavorful.
• Brown Rice: A healthier option, brown rice adds a nutty flavor that complements the dish nicely.

With Mashed Potatoes

• Classic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up the rich sauce.
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: For an extra kick, mix in roasted garlic for flavor.

In a Wrap

• Tortilla Wraps: Use flour or whole wheat tortillas to make a wrap filled with chicken and sauce, adding fresh veggies for crunch.

How to Perfect Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

To achieve the best results with your Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken, follow these simple tips that enhance flavor and texture.

• Season generously: Don’t skimp on salt and pepper. They enhance the natural flavors of the chicken.
• Sear before cooking: Searing the chicken creates a deeper flavor profile. If your slow cooker has a browning function, use it!
• Use quality ingredients: Fresh sun-dried tomatoes and high-quality broth make a noticeable difference in taste.
• Don’t rush cooking: Allowing the chicken to cook low and slow ensures tenderness and flavor infusion.
• Adjust thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, add cornstarch slurry towards the end of cooking.
• Garnish wisely: Fresh herbs like parsley or basil not only add color but also brighten up the dish’s flavor profile.

Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

Pairing side dishes with your Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrition without overpowering the chicken’s flavors.
2. Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal veggies roasted until tender provides a delicious contrast in textures.
3. Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb alternative that soaks up the sauce well while being light on calories.
4. Quinoa Salad: A refreshing salad made with quinoa, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes will add brightness to the meal.
5. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for scooping up any extra sauce left on your plate.
6. Garden Salad: A simple garden salad with mixed greens can balance out the richness of the creamy chicken dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using a slow cooker can be simple, but there are a few common pitfalls that can affect your Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken. Here are some mistakes to watch for:

• Bold seasoning errors: Skipping the seasoning or using too little can lead to bland flavors. Always season your chicken well before cooking.

• Bold cooking time confusion: Overcooking or undercooking your chicken can ruin the dish. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (75°C).

• Bold ingredient substitutions: Using the wrong liquids, like water instead of broth, can compromise flavor. Stick to chicken broth or flavorful juices for the best results.

• Bold neglecting cream incorporation: Adding sour cream or heavy cream too early may cause it to curdle. Stir it in at the end for a smooth sauce.

• Bold overcrowding the pot: Packing too much chicken into the slow cooker can prevent even cooking. Ensure there’s enough space for heat circulation.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Use within 3-4 days for best quality.

Freezing Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Best used within 2-3 months for optimal flavor and texture.

Reheating Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat on low in a skillet, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about preparing and enjoying Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken:

What is Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken?

Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is a delicious slow-cooked chicken dish featuring tender chicken breasts in a creamy sundried tomato sauce that’s perfect for any occasion.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the sour cream or heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative to keep it creamy without dairy.

What sides pair well with Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken?

This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. You can also serve it alongside steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

How do I customize my Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken?

Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition. You can also adjust seasoning levels according to your preference.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This recipe is great for meal prep as it stores well and reheats easily, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Final Thoughts

Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is not just delicious; it’s versatile and easy to customize based on what you have on hand. Whether you enjoy it over pasta, rice, or with mashed potatoes, it’s sure to impress. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different herbs and veggies to make this dish your own!