Description
This Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken features tender, slow-cooked chicken in a creamy sun-dried tomato parmesan sauce with garlic, herbs, and a hint of spice. It’s so delicious that it just might lead to a proposal! Serve over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice for a romantic and comforting meal.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 6 chicken thighs)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped, drained if packed in oil)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for thickening, optional)
For Garnish:
- 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
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Season the chicken:
- Pat the chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika.
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Sear the chicken (optional but recommended):
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown (it doesn’t need to be fully cooked).
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Assemble in the slow cooker:
- Place the chicken in the crock pot.
- Add garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper flakes, and chicken broth.
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Slow cook:
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until chicken is tender.
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Make it creamy:
- Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, basil, and oregano.
- If you want a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch and water, then stir it in and let cook for another 15 minutes.
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Serve & enjoy:
- Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan.
- Serve over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice.
Notes
- Lighter Option: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Extra Flavor: Add a splash of white wine for depth.
- Spicy Version: Increase red pepper flakes or add cayenne.
- Make Ahead: Store leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for 3 months.