This Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is a creamy, delicious dish that’s hard to resist! With tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a hint of garlic, it’s simply amazing!
Honestly, who wouldn’t want to get “married” to dinner like this? I love serving it over pasta or rice, and there’s always a little “chicken dance” happening in my kitchen! 🕺
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skin-on chicken thighs work best for this dish. They stay juicy and tender during cooking. If you only have breasts, that’s fine, but reduce the cooking time slightly to keep them moist.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a unique flavor. You can substitute with diced fresh tomatoes, but the result will be different—less concentrated. If you don’t have any, omit them and add a splash of lemon juice for brightness instead.
Heavy Cream: This is what makes the sauce creamy and rich. If you want a lighter version, use half-and-half or unsweetened almond milk, but the texture will change slightly. For dairy-free, try coconut cream.
Cheese: Parmesan gives a wonderful salty flavor. If you’re out of it, other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano can work too. Just remember to adjust the salt, as these can be saltier.
How Do I Sear Chicken Perfectly?
Searing chicken before placing it in the crockpot is key for flavor. It creates a nice crust and enhances the overall taste of the dish. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use medium-high heat to get a good sear without drying out the chicken.
- Pat the chicken dry before seasoning for a better crust.
- Let the chicken sit without moving it for the first few minutes to allow it to brown properly.
- After searing, let the chicken rest before adding it to the crockpot to keep it juicy.
Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skin-on chicken thighs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
For the Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed, drained)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning or a mix of dried basil, oregano, thyme
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
For Garnish:
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil (for browning)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 15 minutes of prep time, followed by 4-5 hours in the crockpot on low (or 2-3 hours on high). Once it’s done cooking, you’ll want to let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Altogether, you’re looking at around 5 hours to make this recipe, but most of that is hands-off time while the crockpot does the work!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken thighs on both sides with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. This gives the chicken a great base flavor.
2. Sear the Chicken:
Next, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the chicken thighs skin-side down. Sear them for about 4-5 minutes until they are nicely browned and crispy. Flip them to sear for another 4-5 minutes on the other side. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but it adds amazing flavor!
3. Layer Ingredients in the Crockpot:
Once seared, place the chicken thighs into the crockpot. Add the minced garlic and the chopped sun-dried tomatoes on top of the chicken.
4. Mix the Sauce:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). This creamy mixture will make the chicken extra flavorful!
5. Combine and Cook:
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the crockpot, ensuring everything is covered with that creamy goodness.
6. Slow Cook:
Now, cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through. The longer it cooks, the more tender the chicken will be!
7. Finish and Garnish:
When it’s done, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the chicken just before serving for a burst of color and flavor.
8. Serve:
Serve this creamy goodness over cooked pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice. It’s a wonderful way to soak up all that delicious sauce!
Enjoy your rich, comforting Crockpot Marry Me Chicken — it’s a dish that’s sure to impress!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but you’ll need to extend the cooking time. Make sure to cook it on high for about 4-5 hours, and check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Can I Make This Dish Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! To make this dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for added flavor. Just be mindful of the taste; it’ll be a little different but still delicious!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. If the sauce thickens too much while storing, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up when reheating.
What Should I Serve with Marry Me Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or even mashed potatoes to soak up the creamy sauce. For a lighter option, consider serving it alongside a simple green salad or roasted vegetables.