Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is a dish that’s as delicious as it is easy to prepare. This recipe takes boneless, skinless chicken breasts and transforms them into a creamy, flavorful masterpiece that’s perfectly cooked in the slow cooker. With a combination of ranch seasoning, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a hint of red pepper flakes, this dish is rich, comforting, and absolutely irresistible.

The name “Marry Me Chicken” might make you curious, but it’s not just the flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds—this dish is simply a crowd-pleaser. With minimal effort, you can create a meal that tastes like it’s been slow-cooked for hours, even though it only takes a few hours in the Crock Pot. Serve it over pasta, rice, or alongside steamed vegetables for a complete, satisfying meal. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you want to impress guests without spending all day in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Effortless Cooking

This recipe requires minimal preparation. Just sear the chicken, mix the sauce, and let the Crock Pot do the work.

2. Creamy and Flavorful

The combination of heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and ranch seasoning creates a rich and creamy sauce that coats the chicken perfectly.

3. Tender Chicken

Cooking the chicken in the Crock Pot ensures it turns out tender and juicy, soaking up all the savory flavors from the sauce.

4. Versatile Meal Options

You can serve this dish with a variety of sides like pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables to create a complete, well-rounded meal.

5. Perfect for Busy Nights

With only a few simple steps, you can prepare this meal ahead of time and have a delicious dinner ready when you’re ready to eat.

this RECIPE

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: You can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the Crock Pot for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Use Chicken Thighs: If you prefer chicken thighs over breasts, feel free to swap them out. They’ll be just as tender and flavorful.
• Make it Spicy: For more heat, add extra red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the sauce.
• Switch Up the Cheese: You can try using mozzarella, gouda, or even a sharp cheddar in place of Parmesan for a different cheese flavor.
• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but make sure to use gluten-free ranch seasoning if you’re avoiding gluten.

How to Make the Recipe

1. Sear the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned. This step helps develop flavor and gives the chicken a nice crust.

2. Transfer to the Crock Pot

After searing, transfer the chicken breasts to the Crock Pot.

3. Mix the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the ranch seasoning mix, heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, and red pepper flakes. This will be the creamy base that makes the chicken so flavorful.

4. Pour Over Chicken

Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the chicken breasts in the Crock Pot. Make sure the chicken is well-coated in the sauce.

5. Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Parmesan

Sprinkle the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken and sauce in the Crock Pot.

6. Cook

Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. The sauce will thicken and become rich and creamy.

7. Serve

Serve the creamy, tender chicken over your choice of pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Skip the Searing: Searing the chicken before placing it in the Crock Pot locks in the flavors and helps create a nice texture on the outside.
• Use Fresh Chicken: Fresh chicken breasts will provide the best flavor and texture for this recipe.
• Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning before serving, adding more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as needed.
• Let the Chicken Rest: After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to ensure the juices redistribute and the chicken stays moist.
• Use Full-Fat Cream: For the creamiest sauce, use full-fat heavy cream. It will make the dish richer and more indulgent.

How to Serve

Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Serve it over pasta for a hearty meal, or try it with rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the creamy sauce. For a lighter option, steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans make a great side. You can also add a fresh salad to balance out the richness of the dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the chicken to cool before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The creamy sauce may thicken as it cools, but you can reheat it with a splash of cream or broth to loosen it up.

Freezing

• This dish can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Let the chicken cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Reheating

• To reheat, place the chicken in a skillet over low heat with a little bit of cream or broth to loosen up the sauce. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

While you can use frozen chicken, it’s best to thaw it first for even cooking. If you use frozen chicken, it may take longer to cook.

2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs are a great substitute and will provide a slightly richer flavor.

3. Can I make this recipe spicy?

Yes! You can add more red pepper flakes or even fresh chili peppers to the sauce to give it a spicy kick.

4. Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?

Yes, you can use half-and-half for a lighter version, but the sauce may be a little less creamy.

5. Can I add vegetables to the Crock Pot?

Yes! Adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini will enhance the dish and make it more nutritious.

6. How long do I cook the chicken on low?

Cook the chicken on low for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.

7. Can I serve this dish with something other than pasta or rice?

Yes, you can serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad for a lighter meal.

8. Can I use store-bought ranch seasoning?

Yes, store-bought ranch seasoning works perfectly for this recipe.

9. How do I know when the chicken is done?

The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check.

10. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer for later use.

Conclusion

Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is a simple yet indulgent dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort. The combination of creamy ranch sauce, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and tender chicken creates a meal that’s rich, flavorful, and satisfying. Serve it over pasta, rice, or vegetables for a well-rounded dish that will have everyone asking for the recipe!

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