Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

Introduction

If you’re searching for a dish that will impress your loved ones, look no further than Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken. This rich, creamy chicken recipe combines tender chicken breasts with a flavorful sauce made of ranch seasoning, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. The beauty of this dish lies not only in the delicious flavors but also in the convenience of the slow cooker. Simply sear the chicken, mix the ingredients, and let the Crock Pot do the work while you go about your day. The end result is a comforting, mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or even a special occasion. Whether served with pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables, this dish will surely have everyone asking for seconds—and maybe even for the recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Effortless to Make: With the Crock Pot doing most of the work, you’ll spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the meal.
2. Flavor Explosion: The combination of ranch seasoning, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese creates an irresistible, creamy sauce that perfectly complements the chicken.
3. Tender Chicken: Slow-cooking the chicken ensures it stays juicy and tender, falling apart with ease when served.
4. Versatile: This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides like pasta, rice, or steamed veggies, making it adaptable to your preferences.
5. Impressive Meal: Despite being easy to prepare, the rich, decadent flavors make this recipe seem fancy and impressive—perfect for a date night or a family dinner.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts
• Olive oil
• Ranch seasoning mix
• Heavy cream
• Sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
• Parmesan cheese (grated)
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Dried basil
• Red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste

Variations

• Add Vegetables: Add sliced mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to the Crock Pot for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Spicy Version: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.
• Low-fat Option: Swap the heavy cream with a lighter alternative, such as half-and-half or a non-dairy cream option.
• Herb Swap: Experiment with different herbs like thyme, oregano, or parsley to personalize the flavor profile.
• Sun-Dried Tomato Substitute: Use roasted red peppers or even olives for a different Mediterranean twist.

How to Make the Recipe

1. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, and sear them for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned.
2. Transfer to Crock Pot: After browning the chicken, transfer the chicken breasts to the Crock Pot.
3. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the ranch seasoning mix, heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, basil, and red pepper flakes until smooth and well combined.
4. Add the Sauce: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken breasts in the Crock Pot.
5. Top with Extras: Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the chicken and sauce.
6. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
7. Serve: Serve the creamy chicken with your choice of pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overcrowd the Crock Pot: Ensure the chicken breasts are spaced out in the Crock Pot to allow for even cooking and absorption of the sauce.
• Use Fresh Parmesan: Grate your own Parmesan cheese rather than using pre-grated cheese for the best flavor and creaminess.
• Sear the Chicken for Extra Flavor: Searing the chicken before adding it to the Crock Pot helps lock in the juices and adds an extra layer of flavor to the dish.
• Adjust the Sauce: If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a splash of chicken broth or milk to reach your desired consistency.
• Double the Recipe: If you’re feeding a crowd or want to have leftovers, feel free to double the ingredients and cook in a larger Crock Pot.

How to Serve

Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is delicious when served with a variety of sides. Pair it with:

• Pasta: The creamy sauce pairs wonderfully with spaghetti, fettuccine, or any pasta of your choice.
• Rice: Serve it over white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a satisfying meal.
• Steamed Vegetables: For a lighter option, pair it with steamed broccoli, green beans, or a medley of vegetables.
• Garlic Bread: Complement the creamy sauce with a side of crispy garlic bread for a complete, indulgent meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little milk or cream to loosen the sauce if necessary.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen for later use. Allow the chicken to cool completely, then store in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken and sauce in a saucepan on low heat, adding a bit of cream or broth to ensure the sauce stays creamy and doesn’t separate. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes, chicken thighs work great for this recipe. They stay moist and tender while absorbing the flavors of the sauce.
2. Can I make this dish in the oven instead of the Crock Pot? Yes, you can bake the chicken in a 375°F oven for about 25-30 minutes, then pour the sauce over it and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.
3. Can I use a different type of cheese? You can substitute the Parmesan cheese with mozzarella or gouda for a different flavor profile.
4. Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream? Yes, half-and-half can be used as a lighter substitute for heavy cream, though the sauce may be a bit less rich.
5. How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick? If the sauce gets too thick while cooking, simply add a splash of chicken broth, milk, or water to thin it out.
6. Can I make this dish spicy? Yes, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra spicy kick.
7. Can I use jarred sun-dried tomatoes instead of fresh? Yes, jarred sun-dried tomatoes work well in this recipe. Be sure to chop them up before adding them to the Crock Pot.
8. Can I cook this on high in the Crock Pot? Yes, you can cook it on high for 3-4 hours instead of low, but the chicken may not be as tender.
9. How do I make sure the chicken stays moist? To keep the chicken moist, make sure not to overcook it. The Crock Pot does a great job of keeping the chicken juicy as long as it’s not cooked too long.
10. Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd? Yes, you can double the recipe and cook it in a larger Crock Pot. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Conclusion

Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is a delightful and simple recipe that will quickly become a favorite in your household. The creamy, flavorful sauce pairs beautifully with tender chicken, and it’s perfect for serving over pasta, rice, or vegetables. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal hands-on time, so you can enjoy a delicious meal with very little effort. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to win everyone over!

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