Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken
Introduction
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“Marry Me Chicken” is more than just a delicious dish—it’s a flavorful, creamy, and mouthwatering recipe that’s guaranteed to win over hearts at the dinner table. Loaded with tender chicken breasts, sun-dried tomatoes, and a luscious sauce, this Crockpot version of the classic recipe makes it even easier to prepare. Simply toss the ingredients into your slow cooker, let it work its magic, and end up with a restaurant-quality meal that will impress family or guests.
Detailed Ingredients with Measures
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For your convenience, here are the ingredients needed for this dish:
– Chicken breasts, 4-6 pieces, boneless and skinless
– Chicken stock, 1 cup
– Heavy cream, 1 cup
– Grated parmesan, 1 cup
– Sun-dried tomatoes, 1/2 cup
– Garlic, 3 cloves, minced
– Olive oil, 1 tablespoon
– Basil, a handful, fresh and chopped
– Cornstarch, 2 tablespoons
– Water, 2 tablespoons for slurry
– Black pepper and salt, to taste
Prep Time
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The preparation for this recipe is surprisingly easy. In just 10 minutes, you can have all your ingredients measured, prepped, and ready to go into the Crockpot.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
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The cook time for this dish is approximately 3-4 hours on high or 6-7 hours on low. Being a slow-cooked recipe, the overall time from start to finish, including prep, is about 4 hours on average. This recipe typically yields 4-6 servings, making it perfect for family dinners or small gatherings.
Now you can enjoy a comforting and creamy dish with minimal effort, bursting with flavors that will make your taste buds sing. If you’re looking for a recipe to turn an ordinary dinner into something special, this Crockpot “Marry Me Chicken” is sure to deliver!
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Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
– Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder on both sides.
– Chop the sun-dried tomatoes into smaller pieces. Drain off the oil if necessary.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
– Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden.
– Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
– In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and sauté the minced garlic until it is fragrant. Take care not to burn it.
– Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Stir everything together until combined.
– Bring the sauce to a simmer and let it thicken slightly for a few minutes before taking it off the heat.
Step 4: Assemble in the Crock Pot
– Transfer the seared chicken breasts into the crock pot in a single layer.
– Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated.
Step 5: Cook the Dish
– Set the crock pot to LOW and cook for 4 hours, or set it to HIGH and cook for 2 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Step 6: Final Touch
– Before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh basil over the chicken. Optionally, sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese for garnish.
Notes
Note 1: Adjusting the Cooking Time
– Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the crock pot model, so check for doneness before serving.
Note 2: Storing and Reheating
– Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave until heated through.
Note 3: Substitutions
– You can replace sun-dried tomatoes with cherry tomatoes if preferred, though the flavor will differ.
– Use chicken thighs instead of breasts if desired for a juicier texture.
Note 4: Serving Suggestions
– Serve this dish with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
Note 5: Sauce Consistency
– If the sauce does not thicken to your liking, stir in a slurry made with 1 teaspoon cornstarch and 1 tablespoon water during the cooking process.
Note 6: Dietary Preferences
– For a lower-carb option, serve “Marry Me Chicken” alongside zucchini noodles or steamed vegetables.
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Cook techniques
Sauté the chicken
Before adding the chicken to the crockpot, lightly sauté it in a skillet. This step helps seal in the juices and deepen the flavor.
Deglaze the pan
After sautéing the chicken, deglaze the skillet with some broth or wine to scrape off the flavorful bits. This adds an extra layer of flavor to the sauce.
Layer ingredients
Layer the ingredients in the crock pot strategically, starting with the seared chicken followed by the sauce ingredients. This ensures even cooking and enhanced flavors.
Low and slow cooking
Use the low setting on your slow cooker for tender, flavorful chicken. While the high setting is faster, the low setting develops the flavors better.
Thicken the sauce
If the sauce is too thin after cooking, transfer it to a skillet and reduce over medium heat. You can also mix in a slurry of cornstarch and water for quicker thickening.
Serve promptly
Serve the dish immediately after preparing. Allowing the dish to sit for too long may cause the chicken to dry or the sauce to thicken excessively.
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used and often result in a juicier dish. Adjust the cooking time as thighs may take slightly longer to cook.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare it ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes, the dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?
Monitor the sauce consistency during cooking and add a splash of broth or cream if needed. Stir occasionally if cooking on low for an extended time.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free substitutes for cream and Parmesan cheese to make the recipe suitable for a dairy-free diet.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, complementary vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes can be added during the last hour of cooking.
How do I know if the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check.
Conclusion
This Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken recipe is a flavorful and creamy dish that is perfect for any occasion. Its tender chicken, combined with a rich, cheesy, and slightly tangy sauce, makes it a crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners or special meals. Easy to make and packed with flavor, this recipe is sure to impress and might even become a part of your regular dinner rotation!
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