Description
Learn how to make the viral 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
- 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
- â…“ 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: Seasoning and Searing
- 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.
- Sear Chicken: Sear the chicken breasts 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 from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
2. Make the Sauce: A Rich and Flavorful Medley
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet you used to sear the chicken, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Deglaze with Broth: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula to loosen any browned bits (fond) left over from searing the chicken. This adds incredible flavor to the sauce.
- Add Remaining Sauce Ingredients: Add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper flakes (if using), and Italian seasoning to the skillet.
- Stir and Simmer: Stir all the ingredients together until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and well combined. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook 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 slow cooker, arranging them in an even layer at the bottom.
- Pour Sauce Over Chicken: Pour the creamy sauce from the skillet over the chicken in the slow cooker, making sure the chicken is evenly coated.
4. Slow Cook to Perfection: Tender Chicken in a Luscious Sauce
- 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’s tender and easily pierced with a fork, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Garnish and Serve: The Final Touches
- Transfer Chicken (Optional): If desired, you can transfer the cooked chicken to a serving platter.
- Pour Sauce: Pour the rich sauce from the slow cooker over the chicken.
- Garnish: Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
- Serve Hot: Serve the Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken hot, with your favorite sides.