Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

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Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Recipe

🕒 Recipe Overview

  • Prep time: 15 minutes

  • Cook time: 3–4 hours (High) or 6 hours (Low)

  • Servings: 4–6 people

  • Course: Main Dish

🥘 Ingredients

  • Chicken: 1.5 – 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs).

  • Aromatics: 4 cloves garlic (minced), 1 small shallot (finely diced).

  • The “Gold”: 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped, drained from oil).

  • Liquid Base: 1/2 cup chicken broth + 1 cup heavy cream.

  • Cheese: 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

  • Seasoning: 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust for heat), 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper.

  • Finish: Fresh basil leaves for garnish.

🔪 Instructions

  1. Season: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker. Season both sides with salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes.

  2. Layer: Scatter the minced garlic, diced shallots, and sun-dried tomatoes over the chicken.

  3. Pour: Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients. Note: Hold the heavy cream and parmesan until the end to prevent curdling.

  4. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on Low for 5–6 hours or High for 3 hours, until chicken is cooked through ($165^{\circ}F$ internal temperature).

  5. The Creamy Finish: Remove the lid. Stir in the heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese. If you want a thicker sauce, you can shred the chicken slightly or leave the breasts whole.

  6. Rest & Serve: Cover and cook for another 15–20 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld. Garnish with fresh basil.

💡 Pro Tips for Success

  • Sear for Flavor: If you have an extra 5 minutes, sear the chicken in a skillet with a bit of the sun-dried tomato oil before putting it in the crockpot. This adds a deeper “umami” crust.

  • Don’t Overcook: Chicken breasts can get “chalky” if left too long. Thighs are much more forgiving in a slow cooker.

  • Fresh is Best: Use freshly grated Parmesan (the kind in the wedge). Pre-shredded cheese in a green can won’t melt into the sauce smoothly.

🥗 Benefits & Nutrition

This dish is a powerhouse for low-carb/Keto lifestyles, focusing on high protein and healthy fats

Nutrient Amount per serving (approx.)
Calories 420 kcal
Protein 38g
Net Carbs 6g
Fat 28g

Benefit: Sun-dried tomatoes are rich in Lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, while the chicken provides lean protein essential for muscle repair

❓ Common Questions (Q&A)

Q: What should I serve this with?

A: It’s versatile! It pairs perfectly over pasta (linguine or penne), mashed potatoes, or rice. For a low-carb option, try zucchini noodles or roasted cauliflower.

Q: Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

A: You can, but the sauce will be thinner. If using milk, whisk in 1 tsp of cornstarch to help it thicken up, or use half-and-half.

Q: How do I store leftovers?

A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove; the sauce may separate if microwaved on high heat.

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