Description
Discover the magic of Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken! This easy slow cooker recipe features tender chicken in a creamy, sun-dried tomato and Parmesan sauce that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 ½ pounds)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken: Season and Sear
- Pat Dry: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the seasonings adhere better and promotes browning during searing.
- Season: Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, dried oregano, and dried thyme.
- Heat Oil: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers.
- Sear Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until they develop a golden-brown crust. This step adds flavor and helps to lock in moisture.
- Tip: Don’t overcrowd the skillet. Sear the chicken in batches if necessary.
- Set Aside: Remove the seared chicken breasts from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
2. Make the Sauce: A Symphony of Creamy, Savory Flavors
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet you used to sear the chicken, add the minced garlic and sauté over medium heat for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Tip: Don’t let the garlic burn, or it will become bitter.
- Deglaze with Broth: Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and use a wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula to scrape the bottom of the pan, loosening any browned bits (fond) left over from searing the chicken. This adds incredible flavor to the sauce.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper flakes (if using), and Italian seasoning to the skillet.
- Stir and Simmer: Stir everything together until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and well combined. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
3. Assemble in the Slow Cooker: Bringing it All Together
- Place Chicken in Slow Cooker: Transfer the seared chicken breasts to the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Pour Sauce Over Chicken: Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, ensuring that the chicken is evenly coated.
4. Slow Cook to Tender Perfection: The Magic of Low and Slow
- Cover and Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid.
- Cooking Time: Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
- Check for Doneness: The chicken is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is no longer pink in the center. It should be tender enough to shred easily with a fork.
5. Garnish and Serve: The Finishing Touches
- Transfer Chicken (Optional): If desired, you can remove the cooked chicken breasts from the slow cooker and place them on a serving platter.
- Pour Sauce: Pour the creamy sauce from the slow cooker over the chicken.
- Garnish: Garnish the dish with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese.
- Serve: Serve the Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken hot, with your favorite sides.