Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe
Introduction
Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is a creamy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breasts cook slowly with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, creating a rich sauce that’s irresistible. This recipe is simple to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 6 cloves garlic (pressed)
- 8 ounces sun dried tomatoes in oil (julianned)
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Step 1: Lay the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crock pot. Season evenly with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sprinkle the pressed garlic over the chicken.
- Step 2: Pour the sun dried tomatoes, including the oil, over the chicken. Add the chopped onion on top.
- Step 3: Cover and cook on high for 2.5 to 3 hours, or on low for 3.5 to 4 hours, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165˚F.
- Step 4: Shred the chicken directly in the crock pot and mix into the cooking juices. Place the cream cheese on top, cover, and let it soften for about 5 minutes.
- Step 5: Uncover and stir the cream cheese into the chicken until creamy. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese, then sprinkle the fresh basil over the top before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, use fire-roasted sun dried tomatoes or add a splash of white wine before cooking.
- Serve over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Substitute fresh garlic for pressed garlic if preferred, adjusting quantity to taste.
- Add red pepper flakes for a subtle kick of heat.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and will be even more tender and flavorful. Adjust cooking time slightly if needed.
Is it necessary to shred the chicken before serving?
Shredding the chicken helps it absorb the creamy sauce better, but you can also leave the breasts whole if you prefer.
Print
Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken recipe features tender boneless skinless chicken breasts slow-cooked in a savory blend of Italian seasoning, garlic, sun dried tomatoes, and onions. Cream cheese and parmesan add a luscious creamy finish, while fresh basil provides a vibrant herbal note. Perfect for an easy, flavorful meal that requires minimal prep and delivers maximum taste.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 6 cloves garlic (pressed)
Vegetables and Add-ins
- 8 ounces sun dried tomatoes in oil (julienned)
- 1 onion (chopped)
Dairy and Herbs
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Lay the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crock pot. Season them evenly with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Press the garlic cloves and sprinkle them over the chicken to infuse the meat with robust flavor.
- Add sun dried tomatoes and onions: Pour the julienned sun dried tomatoes along with their oil over the chicken. Add the chopped onion on top as well. These ingredients will cook down and blend into a flavorful sauce.
- Cook the chicken: Cover the crock pot and cook on high for 2.5 to 3 hours, or on low for 3.5 to 4 hours, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165˚F, indicating it is fully cooked and tender.
- Shred and mix: Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the crock pot and mix it thoroughly with the juices and vegetables. This helps the flavors meld and creates a creamy texture.
- Add cream cheese: Place the cream cheese on top of the shredded chicken. Recover and let it sit for about 5 minutes to soften. Then uncover and stir the softened cream cheese into the chicken mixture until smooth.
- Finish with parmesan and basil: Stir in the grated parmesan cheese for a nutty, rich depth. Finally, sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over the top for a fresh, herbal finish before serving.
Notes
- For a thicker sauce, you can add a little cornstarch slurry during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Make sure to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: slow cooker chicken, crock pot chicken, creamy chicken recipe, Italian chicken, one pot chicken dinner
