Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe

If you are searching for a dish that combines effortless cooking with rich, creamy flavors, the Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe is your ultimate answer. This recipe brings together tender chicken breasts bathed in a luscious sauce made of cream cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan, all slow-cooked to perfection. It’s a one-of-a-kind meal that feels like comfort food with a sophisticated twist, perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Once you try this Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe, it might just become your new go-to for impressing family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of creamy texture, robust flavor, and vibrant color. From the tangy sun-dried tomatoes to the earthy richness of Parmesan, these simple staples come together to make magic happen in your slow cooker.

  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs): The tender, juicy base of this dish that soaks up every bit of the flavorful sauce.
  • Fresh garlic, minced (4 cloves): Adds aromatic depth and a gentle kick to the creamy sauce.
  • Italian seasoning (2 tsp): A fragrant blend that elevates the chicken’s flavor with herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme.
  • Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (1 cup): Brings a burst of tangy sweetness and lovely texture contrast.
  • Cream cheese, full-fat (8 oz): The secret to that irresistibly rich and creamy sauce that clings to every bite.
  • Low-sodium chicken broth (1 cup): Keeps the sauce silky and helps meld all the flavors together without overpowering.
  • Fresh spinach (2 cups): Adds vibrant green color and a nutritious leafy touch to balance richness.
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Infuses the dish with nutty savoriness that complements the cream cheese beautifully.
  • Red pepper flakes (½ tsp, adjust to taste): Gives just a hint of heat to awaken the flavor profile.

How to Make Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Crock Pot

Start by setting your Crock Pot to low heat to create a gentle, even cooking environment that will slowly transform the ingredients into a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth dish.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry to ensure a nice texture, then generously season them with salt, pepper, and the fragrant Italian seasoning. This step builds the foundational flavor that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.

Step 3: Layer Chicken and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Place the seasoned chicken breasts at the bottom of the Crock Pot, then scatter the chopped sun-dried tomatoes evenly over the top. These tomatoes add a burst of tanginess that balances the richness ahead.

Step 4: Mix Cream Cheese and Chicken Broth

In a bowl, blend the softened cream cheese with the chicken broth until smooth and creamy. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken and tomatoes, making sure the chicken is well-coated to cook into tender, flavorful bites.

Step 5: Add Spinach and Parmesan

Layer fresh spinach on top of the sauce and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. As the dish cooks, the spinach wilts into the sauce, adding freshness and color, while the Parmesan infuses its nutty flavor throughout.

Step 6: Cook Low and Slow

Cover your Crock Pot and let everything cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. The slow heat will ensure the chicken becomes tender and the sauce thickens into a creamy masterpiece.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once cooked, serve your Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe over rice, pasta, or any preferred base to soak up that irresistible sauce. Prepare yourself for compliments because this is a dish made for savoring!

How to Serve Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe

Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil beautifully brightens up the richness of this Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe. For an extra touch of indulgence, add a few shavings of Parmesan cheese right before serving to enhance that cheesy, savory experience.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs exceptionally well with simple side options that hold their own but don’t compete—creamy mashed potatoes, buttery garlic bread, or a light arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette create perfect harmony on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party twist, serve the chicken over a bed of buttery polenta or alongside roasted vegetables for added color and texture. You can also use the sauce as a dip or spread for crusty bread, making it a versatile star in your meal rotation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers of this Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe, store them covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The creamy sauce holds up well and the flavors meld even more overnight, making for easy next-day meals.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish if needed—just be sure to cool it completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. While the spinach may lose some texture, the chicken and sauce maintain their comforting flavor for up to three months.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the chicken on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce’s silky texture. Stir frequently to ensure even heat without drying out the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken breasts for even cooking in your Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe. Frozen chicken may release excess water and cook unevenly.

Is it necessary to use full-fat cream cheese?

Full-fat cream cheese provides the richest, creamiest texture, but you can use a reduced-fat version if you prefer a lighter dish, though it may affect the sauce’s thickness.

Can I substitute spinach with another green?

Absolutely! Kale, Swiss chard, or even arugula work well as alternatives that add their own unique flavor and texture to the Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe.

How spicy is this dish with red pepper flakes?

The half teaspoon of red pepper flakes adds just a gentle heat to round out the flavors. You can adjust the amount to suit your spice tolerance or omit it altogether for a milder version.

What can I serve instead of rice or pasta?

Try creamy mashed potatoes, cauliflower rice, or crusty artisan bread. These sides soak up the sauce beautifully and complement the overall dish wonderfully.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dish that feels indulgent yet is incredibly easy to pull together, you owe it to yourself to try the Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe. It effortlessly blends creamy, savory, and slightly tangy flavors into a meal that tastes like it took hours to make. Trust me, once this dish comes out of your slow cooker, you’ll find it hard to resist making it again and again!

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Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe

Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.3 from 20 reviews
  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours
  • Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken recipe is a creamy, flavorful dish perfect for a comforting meal. Tender chicken breasts slow-cooked with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a rich sauce made from cream cheese and Parmesan create a delicious dinner that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasonings

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced

Sauce and Toppings

  • 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 8 oz cream cheese (full-fat), softened
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crock Pot: Set your Crock Pot to the low heat setting, allowing it to warm up for cooking.
  2. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning for optimal flavor.
  3. Layer Chicken and Tomatoes: Place the seasoned chicken breasts at the bottom of the Crock Pot. Evenly scatter the chopped sun-dried tomatoes over the chicken.
  4. Make the Creamy Sauce: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and low-sodium chicken broth. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Pour this sauce evenly over the chicken and sun-dried tomatoes in the Crock Pot.
  5. Add Spinach and Cheese: Spread the fresh spinach leaves over the top, then sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes to add a subtle heat flavor.
  6. Cook: Cover the Crock Pot and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender.
  7. Serve: Once cooked, serve the creamy chicken over rice or pasta to make a hearty meal.

Notes

  • Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
  • For thicker sauce, remove the chicken breasts after cooking and stir the sauce, then return the chicken to the Crock Pot before serving.
  • Using full-fat cream cheese gives a richer flavor, but you can substitute with light cream cheese for a lighter option.
  • Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil may add extra richness; if using dry-packed, rehydrate in warm water before chopping.
  • Ensure chicken breasts are similar size to cook evenly.

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