If you’re searching for an easy yet impressive dish to serve at your next gathering or family dinner, look no further than this mouthwatering Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken. This creamy and savory chicken recipe is not only simple to prepare but also incredibly delicious. With its blend of flavors from sun-dried tomatoes and herbs, this dish is sure to win hearts and appetites alike. Let’s dive into the details of how to make this delectable meal.
Ingredient Breakdown
Chicken Breasts
For this recipe, you will need four boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They provide a tender base for the dish and absorb all the flavors beautifully. Aim for medium-sized breasts for even cooking.
Cream Cheese
Use 8 ounces of cream cheese for a rich and creamy texture. The cream cheese blends with other ingredients to create a luscious sauce that complements the chicken perfectly.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Add 1 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for a burst of flavor. These tomatoes lend a slightly tangy taste that balances the richness of the cream cheese.
Garlic
Incorporate 4 cloves of minced garlic to enhance the overall flavor profile. Garlic adds depth and aroma that elevate this dish from simple to extraordinary.
Italian Seasoning
You will need 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning mix for that classic herbaceous touch. This blend typically includes basil, oregano, and thyme, which work harmoniously with the other ingredients.
Chicken Broth
Pour in 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth to keep the dish moist during cooking. The broth infuses additional flavor while ensuring the chicken remains juicy.
Fresh Parsley
For garnish, use fresh parsley as needed. Not only does it add color, but it also imparts a fresh taste that lightens up this hearty meal.
Step By Step Recipe: CROCK POT MARRY ME CHICKEN
Prepare the Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients on a clean countertop or kitchen island. Ensure your chicken breasts are thawed if previously frozen. Chop the sun-dried tomatoes and mince the garlic before you begin cooking. Having everything prepared beforehand makes it easier to follow the steps.
Add Ingredients to Crock Pot
Place your boneless chicken breasts at the bottom of the crock pot. Next, spread the chopped sun-dried tomatoes evenly over the chicken. Make sure they cover as much surface area as possible to enhance flavor absorption throughout cooking.
Mix Cream Cheese and Seasonings
In a separate bowl, combine 8 ounces of cream cheese with minced garlic and Italian seasoning until well blended. This mixture should be smooth without lumps so it can easily melt into the sauce while cooking.
Pour Mixture Over Chicken
Spoon your cream cheese mixture over the chicken breasts in the crock pot. Use a spatula to ensure even coverage across all pieces of chicken. This step is crucial for creating that delightful creamy sauce we want in this recipe.
Add Chicken Broth
Pour 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth into the crock pot around the edges rather than directly over the cream cheese mixture. This helps maintain its structure while ensuring moisture surrounds each ingredient during cooking.
Set Cooking Time
Cover your crock pot with a lid and set it on low heat for about 6 hours or high heat for about 3 hours. Cooking times may vary based on your specific model, so check periodically if you’re unsure when it might be done.
Check Doneness
After your set time has passed, insert a meat thermometer into one of the thickest parts of the chicken breast; it should read at least 165°F (74°C) when fully cooked. If it’s not quite there yet, continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes before checking again.
Shred Chicken (Optional)
Once cooked through, you can shred your chicken using two forks if desired; however, serving whole pieces also works beautifully! If shredding, return shredded pieces back into the sauce in order to soak up more flavor.
Serve Warm
Before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for added color and freshness. Pair your Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken with rice or pasta to soak up that delicious sauce!
Serving and Storing Tips
Serving Suggestion
Serve your Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken hot over a bed of fluffy rice or pasta to take advantage of that irresistible creamy sauce! A side salad or steamed vegetables would complement this dish nicely while providing balance.
Leftover Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure they cool down completely before sealing them tightly so they stay fresh longer!
Reheating Instructions
When ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat them gently on low heat either on stovetop or in microwave until warmed through—approximately 2-3 minutes in microwave depending upon portion size!
This recipe offers not just great taste but also simplicity—perfectly suited for busy weeknights or special occasions alike! Enjoy every bite with loved ones!
Mistakes to avoid
One common mistake when preparing Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is not browning the chicken beforehand. Skipping this step may lead to a less flavorful dish. Searing the chicken adds depth and richness, enhancing the overall taste.
Another mistake is overcooking the chicken. While slow cooking is forgiving, leaving it too long can result in dry meat. Keep an eye on the cooking time and check for doneness to maintain juiciness.
Not using enough seasoning can also diminish flavor. Ensure you add adequate herbs and spices to elevate your dish. A simple salt and pepper might not suffice; consider garlic powder or Italian seasoning for a boost.
Failing to adjust the liquid levels is another pitfall. Too much broth can make the dish soupy while too little can cause dryness. Balance is key for achieving that creamy consistency characteristic of this recipe.
Lastly, ignoring the resting time after cooking can affect texture. Allowing the dish to rest lets flavors meld together beautifully, creating a more satisfying meal experience.
Tips and tricks
To make your Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken truly special, use high-quality ingredients. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can significantly enhance flavor profiles compared to dried versions. Similarly, opt for organic chicken breast for better taste and texture.
Consider marinating the chicken overnight in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice before cooking. This simple step infuses deeper flavors into the meat, making it more tender and juicy once cooked.
Use a variety of vegetables in your crock pot for added nutrition and flavor complexity. Bell peppers, onions, and spinach not only contribute vibrant colors but also complement the dish’s overall taste wonderfully.
Don’t rush through cooking times; patience pays off with slow cooker recipes. If possible, let your dish cook on low heat rather than high for a longer duration to develop richer flavors.
Lastly, feel free to experiment with cheese varieties like Parmesan or mozzarella as toppings after cooking. Mixing different cheeses can provide unique flavor combinations that elevate your meal even further.
Suggestions for CROCK POT MARRY ME CHICKEN
For a twist on traditional Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken, consider adding sun-dried tomatoes or artichokes. These ingredients lend an Italian flair that pairs well with creamy sauces and enhances the dish’s overall complexity.
You might want to serve this delicious meal over pasta or rice instead of its usual accompaniments. The creamy sauce complements these starches well, providing a hearty meal option that everyone will love.
If you prefer a lighter version, swap out heavy cream for Greek yogurt at the end of cooking. This substitution reduces calories while still maintaining that creamy texture we all adore in this recipe.
Pairing your meal with a fresh salad can balance out flavors nicely while adding nutrients to your plate. A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette offers brightness that contrasts beautifully with the rich chicken dish.
Finally, consider serving leftover Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken in sandwiches or wraps for lunch the next day. The flavors intensify overnight, making it a delightful second-day meal option that saves time without compromising taste.
FAQs
What is Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken?
Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is a slow-cooked dish featuring chicken breasts simmered in a creamy sauce made from cream cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and seasonings. It’s known for its rich flavor profile that many say could inspire marriage proposals!
How long does it take to cook Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken?
Cooking time varies based on settings; typically, it takes about 4 hours on high heat or 6-8 hours on low heat in a crock pot. Be sure to check the internal temperature of the chicken reaches at least 165°F (75°C) for safety and ideal texture.
Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Yes! You can use frozen chicken directly in your Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken recipe without thawing it first; just be prepared to extend cooking time by about an hour or so when using frozen meat.
What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes on hand, you can substitute them with roasted red peppers or fresh cherry tomatoes diced into smaller pieces instead. These alternatives still add flavor without losing essence from the original recipe.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! To create a vegetarian version of Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken, replace chicken with plant-based protein such as tofu or chickpeas along with vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious alternative that’s equally satisfying.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare all ingredients ahead of time and store them separately until you are ready to cook them in your crock pot later on during meal prep days; just ensure everything stays refrigerated until you’re ready to start cooking!
Summary
Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken proves to be both delicious and easy to prepare when you avoid common mistakes like overcooking or skimping on seasoning. Incorporating tips like using fresh ingredients and proper marination leads to an outstanding dish every time. Feel free to explore variations that suit your tastes and pairings that will complement this rich recipe beautifully!
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CROCK POT MARRY ME CHICKEN
This delicious and creamy Chicken dish is perfect for impressing your loved ones. The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, cream, and spices make it a must-try!
- Total Time: 21 minute
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup of sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
1 cup of chicken broth
1 cup of heavy cream
1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning
4 cloves of garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Place the chicken breasts in the crock pot.
2. In a separate bowl, combine sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the mixture over the chicken in the crock pot.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
5. Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks and mix well with the sauce.
6. Serve warm and garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
This dish pairs well with rice or pasta to soak up the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning according to your taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Protein: 40g
Keywords: crock pot, chicken, marry me chicken