Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

Introduction

Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is the perfect recipe for a cozy, comforting meal with rich, savory flavors. This creamy chicken dish features tender chicken breasts cooked to perfection in a slow cooker, bathed in a flavorful mixture of ranch seasoning, heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and a blend of spices. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity: just sear the chicken, mix the ingredients, and let the Crock Pot do the rest. The result is a flavorful and creamy sauce that will have you coming back for more. Whether you serve it with pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables, this dish is guaranteed to impress your loved ones and satisfy your taste buds. The convenience of a Crock Pot makes it a perfect choice for busy evenings or entertaining guests.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Minimal Effort: This dish requires just a few simple steps—searing, mixing, and slow cooking—making it easy to prepare even on your busiest days.
2. Creamy and Flavorful: The combination of ranch seasoning, heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan creates a rich and velvety sauce that’s bursting with flavor.
3. Tender Chicken: Cooking the chicken in the Crock Pot ensures it becomes perfectly tender and juicy, easily shreddable, and full of flavor.
4. Customizable: You can adjust the spice level by adding more red pepper flakes or use different sides like pasta, rice, or veggies to suit your preferences.
5. Impressive and Delicious: Despite its simplicity, this dish looks and tastes gourmet, making it perfect for date night, dinner parties, or a comforting family meal.

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 and pepper to taste

Variations

• Use Chicken Thighs: For a slightly richer flavor, use bone-in or boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts.
• Spice it Up: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper for more heat.
• Vegetable Add-ins: Include chopped spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to add more depth to the dish.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve this dish with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative to pasta or regular rice.

How to Make the Recipe

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 them for 2-3 minutes on each side until browned.
2. Transfer to Crock Pot: Once the chicken is seared, transfer it to the Crock Pot.
3. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the ranch seasoning mix, heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, basil, and red pepper flakes.
4. Pour Sauce Over Chicken: Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken breasts in the Crock Pot.
5. Add Toppings: Sprinkle the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the chicken and sauce.
6. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
7. Serve: Serve the creamy chicken with pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overcrowd the Crock Pot: Ensure the chicken is spaced out to allow for even cooking and to prevent it from steaming.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the salt and pepper according to your preference, especially considering the saltiness of the ranch seasoning.
• Searing the Chicken: Searing the chicken before adding it to the Crock Pot helps lock in flavor and ensures a golden-brown crust.
• Use Fresh Parmesan: Grate your own Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
• Check the Chicken: Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it’s fully cooked.

How to Serve

Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken pairs perfectly with:

• Pasta: Serve the creamy chicken over spaghetti, fettuccine, or any pasta of your choice.
• Rice: White rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice are great options to soak up the creamy sauce.
• Steamed Vegetables: For a lighter, low-carb option, serve the chicken with steamed vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or zucchini.
• Garlic Bread: Complement the creamy sauce with a side of crispy garlic bread for a comforting, complete meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little cream or broth if the sauce thickens too much.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen for later use. Allow the chicken to cool completely, then store it in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken and sauce in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if necessary. You can also reheat in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes, chicken thighs are a great option and will be extra juicy and flavorful.
2. Can I cook this on high in the Crock Pot? Yes, you can cook on high for 3-4 hours if you’re short on time, but the chicken may not be as tender as it would be on low.
3. Can I use a different seasoning mix? While the ranch seasoning mix adds a specific flavor, you can experiment with other seasoning mixes like Italian or taco seasoning for a unique twist.
4. How can I make this dish spicier? Increase the amount of red pepper flakes, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicier version.
5. Can I add vegetables to the Crock Pot? Yes, adding spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the Crock Pot will enhance the flavor and add more texture to the dish.
6. Can I make this recipe without sun-dried tomatoes? Yes, you can omit the sun-dried tomatoes if you don’t have them, or replace them with fresh tomatoes or roasted red peppers.
7. Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, you can substitute Parmesan with mozzarella, Gouda, or cheddar for a different flavor profile.
8. How do I make the sauce thicker? If the sauce is too thin, you can stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water, or let the dish cook for a bit longer with the lid off to reduce the sauce.
9. Can I use low-fat cream instead of heavy cream? Yes, you can use half-and-half or low-fat cream for a lighter version, though the sauce may not be as rich.
10. Can I double the recipe for a larger group? Yes, you can double the recipe, just be sure to use a larger Crock Pot and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Conclusion

Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is an easy-to-make, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The creamy, savory sauce combined with tender chicken breasts creates a comforting meal everyone will love. Whether served with pasta, rice, or vegetables, this dish is sure to impress. Plus, it’s simple enough for a weeknight and fancy enough for a special dinner. Give this recipe a try—you might just find yourself falling in love with it!

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