This Easy Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Thighs Recipe is a cozy dish made with tender chicken thighs, rich cream, and zesty spices. It’s a perfect one-pot wonder for busy days!
Honestly, who wouldn’t want to marry a chicken this tasty? 😂 I love tossing everything in the crockpot and coming back to a delicious meal. It’s so easy that even my pet goldfish could do it (if they had hands)!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs are perfect for this recipe. They remain juicy and flavorful during cooking. If you prefer, you can use boneless thighs or chicken breasts, but adjust the cooking time since they may cook faster.
Garlic Powder: This adds a nice garlic flavor. If you don’t have it, fresh minced garlic can substitute, but use about three times the amount since fresh garlic is less concentrated.
Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce a rich texture. For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or coconut milk, though the flavor will change slightly. Just make sure to stir well until combined.
Parmesan Cheese: It contributes a salty and nutty flavor. If you don’t have Parmesan, you could use Pecorino Romano or even nutritional yeast for a hearty flavor without the dairy.
How Do I Make Sure the Chicken is Tender and Flavorful?
To ensure your chicken turns out tender and loaded with flavor, follow these tips:
- Searing: Searing the chicken thighs before placing them in the crockpot enhances the flavor through browning. But don’t worry if you skip it, the dish will still be tasty.
- Cooking Time: Cooking on low for 4-6 hours will yield the best results as it allows the chicken to tenderize. High heat cooks it faster, but can dry it out if overdone.
- Resting: Once the chicken is done, give it a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to settle back in, ensuring it stays moist when you cut into it.
Easy Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Thighs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon sun-dried tomato paste or finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time. Then you’ll let the crockpot do the magic for 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high. Perfect for a long day away from home!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken thighs all over with salt, pepper, garlic powder, thyme, oregano, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. This will give your chicken lots of flavor!
2. Sear the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear them until golden brown, about 4 minutes on each side. Searing is optional, but it adds a delightful flavor to the dish!
3. Transfer to the Crockpot:
Once seared, carefully move the chicken thighs to your crockpot.
4. Sauté Onions and Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they are fragrant and softened. This will blend delicious flavors into your dish!
5. Make the Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth and make sure to scrape the bottom of the skillet to lift any tasty bits. Next, stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomato paste. Heat this mixture for a few minutes until warmed and slightly thickened.
6. Combine in the Crockpot:
Pour the cream sauce over the chicken thighs in the crockpot. This is where the magic happens!
7. Cook:
Cover the crockpot and let it cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the chicken becomes tender and perfectly cooked.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Before serving, sprinkle fresh basil or parsley over the top for a pop of color and flavor. Serve the chicken over cooked pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up that delicious sauce.
Enjoy your rich and creamy Marry Me Chicken thighs, straight from the crockpot! It’s a dish that might just win over your heart! 💖
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead?
Yes! You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts. Just reduce the cooking time slightly, as boneless cuts cook faster—around 3-4 hours on low or 1.5-2 hours on high should suffice.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through to retain its creamy texture.
Can I Freeze This Dish?
Absolutely! This dish freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it up on the stovetop or microwave.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free version. Just keep in mind that using alternatives may slightly change the flavor and consistency of the sauce.
