– **Title**: Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken
– **Ingredients**:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil, drained and chopped
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp Italian seasoning
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
– Optional: crushed red pepper flakes to taste
– **Instructions**:
1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. In a skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, sear the chicken breasts for about 2-3 minutes on each side until browned. This step is optional but adds flavor.
3. Place the seared chicken breasts in the Crock Pot.
4. In a bowl, mix together the sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, and chopped basil.
5. Pour the mixture over the chicken in the Crock Pot.
6. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
7. Once cooked, adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
8. Serve the chicken with the sauce over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, garnished with additional fresh basil.
Enjoy your Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish as they cook well in the crock pot. For a twist, you can use chicken thighs for more flavor, or even turkey breasts if you prefer.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: I love using jarred sun-dried tomatoes for the convenience, but if you have dried ones, just rehydrate them in hot water first. That said, you could also use roasted red peppers for a slightly different taste!
Heavy Cream: This adds richness to the sauce. If you’re looking for a lighter option, using half-and-half works well, or even coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative. Just be aware that it might change the flavor profile a little.
Cheeses: Mozzarella gives that gooey texture, while parmesan adds a sharp contrast. If you’re out of mozzarella, any melting cheese like provolone or gouda can be substituted. For a lower-fat option, use low-fat cheese, though it might not be as creamy.
How Do I Ensure the Chicken Stays Tender in the Crock Pot?
The key to tender chicken in this recipe is to make sure it cooks slowly and is fully submerged in the sauce. This prevents it from drying out. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Layer your ingredients thoughtfully – start with the sauce at the bottom, then add the chicken. This helps flavor penetrate the meat.
- Cook on low for longer (6-7 hours) for the best results. If you’re short on time, cooking on high (3-4 hours) works too, but watch closely.
- Shred the chicken gently once it’s done to stir it back into the sauce. This keeps it moist and flavorful. Enjoy your meal!
How to Make Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (jarred or dried)
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: Cooked rice or pasta (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and 3-7 hours to cook, depending on whether you choose to cook it on low or high. Just prepare the ingredients, pop everything in the crock pot, and let it work its magic!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
Start by mixing the sun-dried tomatoes, diced tomatoes (with green chilies), chicken broth, heavy cream, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in the bottom of a crock pot. Stir everything together until it’s well combined.
2. Add the Chicken:
Next, place the chicken breasts in the crock pot. Make sure the chicken is fully submerged in the creamy sauce you just made. It’s okay if the chicken overlaps a little! This helps it cook evenly.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Cover your crock pot and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You know it’s done when the chicken is cooked through and super tender.
4. Add the Cheese:
About 15 minutes before you’re ready to eat, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan cheese over the top of the chicken. Cover the crock pot again and let the cheese melt beautifully!
5. Shred and Stir:
Once the chicken is done, you can shred it slightly with a fork if you like. This helps the chicken soak up even more of that delicious sauce! Stir everything together until well mixed.
6. Serve It Up:
Time to enjoy your meal! Serve the creamy chicken over cooked rice or pasta, making sure to spoon that lovely sauce and melted cheese all over the top.
7. Garnish and Enjoy:
Finally, sprinkle some fresh basil or parsley over your dish for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your deliciously creamy Marry Me Chicken!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it first for even cooking. Thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight or place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for a quick thaw. Always make sure that the chicken is completely cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F) before serving.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option or a dairy-free alternative, you can use coconut cream or a combination of half-and-half and cream cheese for a similar richness. Just whisk together until smooth before adding to the crock pot. This will still give you that creamy texture without all the calories!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. It also freezes well for up to 3 months; just make sure to cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Absolutely! To give the dish a spicy kick, you can add some red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the sauce at the beginning. If you like it really spicy, try using a spicier variety of diced tomatoes or add a splash of hot sauce just before serving!
