If you’re looking for a dish that’s delicious enough to inspire a marriage proposal, look no further than the Marry Me Chicken Crock Pot recipe. This savory, creamy, and downright irresistible dish is not just a crowd-pleaser—it’s the perfect meal to impress your loved ones with minimal effort. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just someone who loves a good home-cooked meal, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Ready to learn why this dish has captured the hearts (and taste buds) of so many? Let’s dive in!
What is Marry Me Chicken crock pot?
Marry Me Chicken is a delightful dish made with tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich, creamy sauce featuring sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and parmesan cheese. The recipe’s name is rooted in the idea that this dish is so good, it could make someone fall in love—or even propose marriage—after just one bite. Traditionally prepared in a skillet, this recipe has been adapted for the crock pot to offer a convenient, hands-off cooking experience that still delivers the same delicious results.
Why Use a Crock Pot?
- Convenience: The crock pot allows you to “set it and forget it,” making it ideal for busy days.
- Flavor: Slow cooking helps to meld the flavors together, making the dish even more delicious.
- Tenderness: Cooking chicken in a crock pot ensures that it remains juicy and tender.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make Marry Me Chicken in a crock pot, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Core Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs)
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- ½ cup of chicken broth
- ½ cup of grated parmesan cheese
- 1 cup of sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped)
- 3 cloves of garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Add-Ins
- 1 cup of fresh spinach (optional, for added nutrition)
- ½ cup of sliced mushrooms (optional, for added flavor)
Substitution Ideas
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Swap with roasted red peppers for a milder flavor.
- Heavy cream: Use coconut cream for a different taste.
- Parmesan cheese: Substitute with nutritional yeast for a vegan twist.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken Crock Pot
This Marry Me Chicken Crock Pot recipe is incredibly simple to prepare, making it perfect for busy moms who still want to serve a delicious and satisfying meal.
Prepare the Chicken
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Optional: For extra flavor, sear the chicken in a hot skillet for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. This step is optional but adds a nice depth of flavor.
Assemble the Ingredients
- In the crock pot, add the heavy cream, chicken broth, parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, basil, and oregano.
- Stir to combine the ingredients, creating a rich and creamy sauce.
Add the Chicken
- Place the chicken breasts into the crock pot, ensuring they are submerged in the sauce.
- If using, add the fresh spinach and sliced mushrooms on top of the chicken.
Cook the Chicken
- Cover the crock pot and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours.
- The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is tender enough to shred with a fork.
Serve and Enjoy
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the crock pot and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing or shredding.
- Serve the Marry Me Chicken over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, and garnish with extra parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired.
How to Customize Marry Me Chicken Crock pot
One of the great things about Marry Me Chicken is how versatile it can be. Here are some ideas to customize the dish to suit your family’s preferences or dietary needs.
1. Add Extra Vegetables
- Spinach and Mushrooms: These are popular add-ins, but you can also experiment with zucchini, bell peppers, or kale for a heartier meal.
- Carrots and Peas: For a more traditional comfort food feel, add sliced carrots and peas in the last hour of cooking.
2. Make It Spicy
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the sauce for a subtle kick.
- Jalapeños or Chili Peppers: For those who like it really spicy, add a few slices of fresh jalapeños or chili peppers to the mix.
3. Experiment with Different Proteins
- Pork Chops: This creamy sauce pairs wonderfully with pork chops, which you can cook using the same method.
- Turkey Breast: A leaner option that still offers great flavor and tenderness.
- Tofu or Tempeh: For a vegetarian version, use firm tofu or tempeh instead of chicken, ensuring to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
4. Adjust the Flavor
- Lighter Sauce: For a different flavor, replace half of the heavy cream with chicken broth or white wine.
- Extra Creamy: For an even richer sauce, add a dollop of cream cheese or mascarpone during the last hour of cooking.
The Story Behind “Marry Me Chicken Crock pot”
You might be wondering why this dish has such a unique name. The story goes that Marry Me Chicken got its name because it’s so good, it could inspire a marriage proposal. The rich, creamy sauce combined with tender, juicy chicken is truly a match made in heaven. It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to savor every bite—and share it with someone special.
Why the Name “Marry Me Chicken Crock pot”?
The playful name reflects the dish’s ability to win over anyone who tries it. It’s the ultimate comfort food, blending savory and creamy flavors that are hard to resist. While the dish itself may not guarantee a proposal, it certainly won’t hurt your chances!
Cultural Connection
The name also taps into a broader cultural idea of food being central to love and relationships. After all, the way to a person’s heart is often through their stomach. In many cultures, chicken symbolizes nourishment and comfort, making it a fitting ingredient for a dish that’s all about love and connection.
Nutritional Information and Serving Suggestions
Nutritional Breakdown
This Marry Me Chicken Crock Pot recipe is not only delicious but also provides a good balance of macronutrients. Here’s an approximate breakdown:
- Calories: 450 per serving
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
Serving Suggestions
Marry Me Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are some serving suggestions to complete your meal:
- Pasta: The creamy sauce is perfect for tossing with fettuccine or penne.
- Mashed Potatoes: A classic pairing that soaks up the delicious sauce.
- Steamed Vegetables: Balance the richness of the dish with a side of broccoli or green beans.
- Rice: Serve over a bed of white or brown rice for a satisfying and filling meal.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely because it’s so delicious!), here’s how to store and reheat them to maintain the quality of the dish.
Storing Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Place leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheating Instructions
- Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
Conclusion
Marry Me Chicken Crock Pot is more than just a meal—it’s a way to bring comfort, flavor, and love to your dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just need a comforting weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to impress. With its rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken, it’s no wonder this dish has won over so many hearts. So, what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try and see if it doesn’t become a regular in your meal rotation.
FAQs About Marry Me Chicken Crock Pot
Q1. Is it OK to put raw chicken in a slow cooker?
Yes, it is perfectly safe to put raw chicken in a slow cooker. The slow cooking process ensures the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender.
Q2. Does chicken breast get more tender the longer you cook it?
Yes, chicken breast can become more tender the longer you cook it in a slow cooker, but be careful not to overcook it. Cooking on LOW heat for 6-7 hours typically yields the best results, ensuring the chicken is tender and juicy without becoming dry or tough.
Q3. Do you need to put liquid in the slow cooker when cooking chicken?
Yes, adding liquid is essential when cooking chicken in a slow cooker. The liquid helps to create steam, which keeps the chicken moist and prevents it from drying out. In this recipe, the heavy cream and chicken broth provide the necessary moisture and also contribute to the rich, creamy sauce.
Q4. Can you overcook chicken in a CrockPot?
Yes, it is possible to overcook chicken in a CrockPot, especially if cooked on the HIGH setting for too long. Overcooking can result in dry, tough chicken. To avoid this, cook on LOW heat and check the chicken for doneness after 5-6 hours.
Q5. How do you tell if CrockPot chicken is done?
The best way to tell if CrockPot chicken is done is to use a meat thermometer. The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Additionally, the chicken should be tender enough to shred easily with a fork.