Looking for a dish that will impress your loved ones and satisfy your cravings? Look no further than Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken. This creamy, flavorful chicken recipe combines tender boneless skinless chicken breasts with a rich and savory sauce made from ranch seasoning, heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. The slow cooking method ensures the chicken becomes incredibly tender and absorbs all the wonderful flavors of the sauce. Whether you’re preparing a romantic dinner or just want to indulge in a comforting meal, this recipe is sure to be a hit.
The combination of garlic, onion powder, and dried basil, along with a slight hint of heat from the red pepper flakes, elevates the dish to something special. The sun-dried tomatoes add a delicious burst of flavor, while the Parmesan cheese melts into the sauce, making it wonderfully creamy and rich. Paired with pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables, this dish is as versatile as it is flavorful. Easy to prepare and even easier to love, this Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken will leave everyone asking for the recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Simple to Make – This recipe requires minimal prep and the Crock Pot does most of the work for you. You simply sear the chicken, whisk together the sauce, and let it slow cook.
- Creamy and Rich – The combination of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese creates a luxuriously creamy sauce that coats the chicken and makes each bite irresistible.
- Bursting with Flavor – The sun-dried tomatoes, ranch seasoning, and spices infuse the chicken with bold flavors, while the garlic, onion powder, and red pepper flakes add depth.
- Versatile Meal – Serve this dish with pasta, rice, or steamed veggies for a complete meal. It can easily be customized to suit your taste or dietary needs.
- Great for Meal Prep – This recipe makes great leftovers and can be easily reheated for a quick meal later in the week.
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
- Pepper
Variations
- Add Vegetables: You can throw in some vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.
- Different Protein: This recipe works well with chicken thighs or even turkey breasts, offering a slightly different texture but equally delicious results.
- Make It Spicy: For those who like a little more heat, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Gluten-Free Option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, just make sure your ranch seasoning is also gluten-free.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve the creamy chicken with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta for a low-carb option.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned.
Step 2: Transfer to Crock Pot
After searing, transfer the chicken breasts to the Crock Pot.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the ranch seasoning, heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, and red pepper flakes.
Step 4: Add the Sauce
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the Crock Pot, making sure it is evenly coated.
Step 5: Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Parmesan
Sprinkle the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the chicken.
Step 6: Cook
Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Step 7: Serve
Serve the creamy chicken over pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Sear the Chicken Well: Searing the chicken before transferring it to the Crock Pot adds extra flavor and helps keep the chicken moist during slow cooking.
- Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of heavy cream or let the sauce cook down a bit longer.
- Check Chicken Temperature: Always check the internal temperature of the chicken to make sure it reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s cooked through.
- Customize the Spices: Feel free to adjust the garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese will melt better and create a creamier sauce than pre-grated cheese.
How to Serve
Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Serve it over a bed of pasta or rice to soak up the creamy sauce. Alternatively, steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans make for a lighter, healthier accompaniment. For a truly indulgent meal, consider serving it with garlic bread or a fresh salad on the side.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce thickens too much.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm it in the microwave or on the stove.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the microwave or on the stove. You may need to add a little more cream or broth to bring the sauce back to its original consistency.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They are more forgiving if you cook them longer, and they add even more moisture to the dish.
2. How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
You can thicken the sauce by adding a bit of cornstarch or simmering it uncovered for a few minutes to reduce it.
3. Can I make this without sun-dried tomatoes?
Yes, you can omit the sun-dried tomatoes if you prefer or substitute them with chopped fresh tomatoes or olives for a different flavor.
4. How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Use coconut cream and a dairy-free Parmesan substitute to make this recipe dairy-free.
5. Can I cook this on high instead of low?
Yes, you can cook it on high for 2-3 hours if you’re short on time, but low and slow typically gives the best results.
6. Can I add vegetables to the Crock Pot?
Absolutely! Vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers can be added to the Crock Pot along with the chicken and sauce.
7. Can I make this with a different seasoning mix?
If you don’t have ranch seasoning, you can use other seasoning mixes or make your own with garlic, onion powder, and dried herbs.
8. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes?
You can use fresh tomatoes, but the flavor will be different. Sun-dried tomatoes add a rich, intense flavor that fresh tomatoes can’t fully replicate.
9. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, milk can be used in place of heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy.
10. How long will this dish last in the fridge?
Leftovers will last 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Conclusion
Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is a crowd-pleasing recipe that is both easy to make and incredibly delicious. With its rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken, it’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent yet is simple enough for a weeknight meal. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just want something comforting, this recipe checks all the boxes. Make it once, and it’ll surely become a regular in your meal rotation!
PrintCrock Pot Marry Me Chicken
- Total Time: 4-6 hours (depending on crock pot setting)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This creamy and flavorful Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is made with tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich, savory sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and a blend of spices. It’s an easy, mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 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.
- Transfer to Crock Pot: Transfer the browned chicken breasts to the crock pot.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the ranch seasoning mix, heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, basil, and red pepper flakes.
- Pour the Sauce: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the crock pot.
- Add Toppings: Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the chicken.
- Cook: Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Serve: Serve the creamy chicken with pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add fresh basil or parsley as garnish before serving.
- This dish pairs perfectly with a side of garlic bread or a green salad.
- If you want a bit more heat, adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours on low
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Crock Pot Chicken, Marry Me Chicken, Creamy Chicken, Slow Cooker Chicken, Easy Dinner, Chicken Recipe, Parmesan Chicken, Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken