Ultimate Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken: Creamy, Tangy & Irresistibly Easy
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Prepare to fall in love with one of the most beloved and fuss-free chicken dishes out there: Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken! This recipe has earned its charming name for a reason – it’s so incredibly delicious, creamy, and satisfying that it supposedly prompts marriage proposals. While I can’t guarantee a proposal, I can promise a meal that will impress your loved ones and leave everyone asking for seconds. Featuring tender chicken bathed in a rich sauce infused with heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and aromatic garlic, this dish strikes a perfect balance of creamy indulgence and tangy brightness.
My version takes this internet sensation to the slow cooker, making it incredibly simple and largely hands-off. It’s the ideal meal for busy weeknights when you crave something special without the stress of constant monitoring. The chicken emerges exceptionally tender, practically falling apart, and the sauce is perfect for soaking up with crusty bread or spooning over your favorite sides like pasta, mashed potatoes, or fluffy rice. Get ready to experience comfort food at its finest!
What is Marry Me Chicken? The Story Behind the Name
Despite its intriguing name, “Marry Me Chicken” has absolutely nothing to do with marrying poultry – rest assured! The humorous legend claims that if you prepare this extraordinary dish for your significant other, they will be so utterly captivated by its flavors that a marriage proposal will quickly follow. While a delightful story, the true magic lies in how universally loved and satisfying this recipe is, earning its reputation as a meal that can truly win hearts.
While I can’t guarantee a ring on your finger, I am confident that anyone you share this dish with will be incredibly happy and grateful. It’s truly *that* good, delivering a culinary experience that feels both gourmet and incredibly comforting. Many traditional Marry Me Chicken recipes are prepared on the stovetop, often involving searing the chicken before simmering. However, my personal preference, as many of you know, is for the convenience and incredible results of the slow cooker.
Using a slow cooker transforms this impressive dish into a low-effort masterpiece. It means less time standing over the stove or hovering by the oven, freeing you up to focus on other things while dinner practically cooks itself. This recipe allows you to create something truly special and impressive for friends, family, or indeed, a potential mate, even when your schedule is packed. It’s perfect for making a grand statement with minimal fuss.
Why The Slow Cooker Method Is Best for Marry Me Chicken
The slow cooker is an absolute game-changer for this Marry Me Chicken recipe, elevating its simplicity and depth of flavor. Here’s why I’m partial to using it:
- Unmatched Tenderness: Slow cooking allows the chicken breast (or thighs, for an even richer result!) to braise gently in the creamy sauce for hours. This long, low-temperature cooking breaks down the muscle fibers, resulting in chicken that is incredibly tender, juicy, and practically falls apart with a fork.
- Hands-Off Convenience: This is arguably the biggest benefit. After a quick prep of about 5 minutes, you simply set it and forget it. No need to constantly stir, flip, or monitor. This makes it perfect for busy weekdays or when you want a delicious meal waiting for you after a long day.
- Deeper Flavor Development: The extended cooking time allows all the ingredients – the garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, chicken broth, and especially the sun-dried tomatoes – to meld together beautifully. The flavors infuse into the chicken and the sauce, creating a richer, more complex taste that’s hard to achieve with quicker cooking methods.
- Foolproof Results: It’s incredibly forgiving. Even if you extend the cooking time by a little, the chicken remains moist and the sauce vibrant. It’s a fantastic option for beginner cooks or anyone looking for a reliable recipe.
Essential Ingredients for Your Marry Me Chicken
Just by looking at this ingredient list, you can tell this Marry Me Chicken is going to be incredibly flavorful and satisfying. Each component plays a crucial role in creating that irresistible creamy, tangy profile:
- Chicken Breast: Lean and tender, chicken breast is a fantastic choice for soaking up all the rich flavors. If you prefer a richer, even more succulent dish, don’t hesitate to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They hold up wonderfully to slow cooking and add extra depth.
- Chicken Broth: This forms the liquid base for our savory sauce. For those who, like me, use a lot of chicken broth, investing in a high-quality, concentrated option or a large pack is always a good idea. For instance, this one comes highly recommended for its convenience and flavor.
- Corn Starch: Our secret weapon for achieving that perfectly thickened, luscious sauce. It helps create a beautiful consistency that clings to the chicken and your chosen side dishes. Ensure you whisk it slowly into the cold broth to avoid any lumps.
- Heavy Cream: This is absolutely non-negotiable! Please, do not substitute with milk. Heavy cream is the star player in achieving the signature rich, velvety, and indulgent texture of the Marry Me Chicken sauce. Milk simply won’t provide the same creamy mouthfeel or prevent curdling during the long cook time.
- Minced Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential for a pungent, aromatic foundation that elevates all the other flavors.
- Salt and Pepper: The fundamental seasonings that enhance and balance every ingredient in the dish. Adjust to your taste preferences.
- Italian Seasoning and Paprika: A blend of classic Italian herbs adds a warm, savory, and slightly earthy aroma, while paprika contributes a mild sweetness and a beautiful reddish hue to the sauce.
- Butter: Sliced thinly and placed on top of the chicken, the butter slowly melts into the sauce, adding another layer of richness and a silky finish.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: The true “star of the show” after the chicken itself! These intensely flavored, chewy tomatoes bring a delightful tang, sweetness, and savory umami depth that cuts through the richness of the cream, creating that irresistible balanced flavor profile. Make sure they are drained if packed in oil, or rehydrated if dried.
Making Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken: A Simple Guide
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward preparation. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a gourmet-tasting meal with minimal effort.
- **Prepare the Thickener:** In a medium bowl, combine the chicken broth and cornstarch. Whisk diligently until the cornstarch is completely dissolved and no lumps remain. This step is crucial for a smooth sauce.
- **Assemble in the Slow Cooker:** Pour the cornstarch-broth mixture into your slow cooker. Stir in the heavy cream, minced garlic, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Give it a good whisk to combine all the flavors.
- **Add Chicken and Toppings:** Gently place the chicken breasts or thighs into the seasoned cream mixture. Arrange the thinly sliced butter and the drained sun-dried tomatoes over the chicken.
- **Cook to Perfection:** Cover and cook on the LOW setting for 6-7 hours. If you’re short on time, you can cook it on HIGH for 4 hours, though cooking on low often yields slightly more tender results.
- **Shred and Serve:** Once the cooking time is complete, the chicken should be incredibly tender. You can easily shred it right in the slow cooker with two forks. Stir the shredded chicken back into the creamy sauce, ensuring every piece is coated.
Now, your magnificent Marry Me Chicken is ready to be devoured! Serve it hot with your favorite accompaniments and prepare for compliments.
Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken
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Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs chicken breast
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 3 tbsp corn starch
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- 2 tbsp butter, sliced thin
- ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes , (drained)
Instructions
- To a medium-sized bowl, add the chicken broth then slowly whisk in the cornstarch. Whisk slowly to avoid lumps.
- Add this mixture to a slow cooker along with the cream, minced garlic, and seasonings. Place the chicken into the slow cooker and top with butter slices and sun dried tomatoes.
- Cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 4 hours.
- Once cooked, shred the chicken and serve with pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice. Enjoy!
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Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Perfect Pairings for Your Marry Me Chicken
The rich, creamy, and flavorful sauce of Marry Me Chicken makes it incredibly versatile for serving. Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy it, ensuring every last drop of that amazing sauce is savored:
- Pasta: A classic pairing! Toss the shredded chicken and sauce with your favorite pasta – fettuccine, linguine, or penne are excellent choices that can hold the creamy sauce well. A sprinkle of fresh Parmesan cheese on top is highly recommended.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a match made in heaven for this dish. Their fluffy texture soaks up the sauce beautifully, making for a truly comforting meal.
- Rice: Serve it over a bed of steamy white or brown rice for a lighter, yet equally satisfying option. The rice absorbs all the delicious flavors, ensuring a delightful bite every time.
- Crusty Bread: This is an absolute must! A warm, crusty baguette or sourdough loaf is perfect for dipping into the extra sauce. Don’t let a single drop go to waste!
- Roasted Vegetables: For a balanced meal, serve alongside simple roasted asparagus, broccoli, or green beans. Their slight crunch and freshness provide a wonderful contrast to the rich chicken.
- Side Salad: A light, fresh green salad with a vinaigrette dressing can cut through the richness and add a refreshing element to your plate.
Tips for Success and Delicious Variations
To ensure your Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken is always a triumph, and to explore new flavors, consider these tips and variations:
Tips for the Best Marry Me Chicken:
- Don’t Skimp on Heavy Cream: As mentioned, heavy cream is key to the luxurious texture. Do not substitute it with milk or half-and-half, as they may curdle and won’t give you the desired richness.
- Whisk Cornstarch Thoroughly: Always whisk cornstarch into cold liquid (in this case, chicken broth) slowly to prevent lumps. A lumpy sauce is easily avoidable with a little patience.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce before adding the chicken, and again after cooking, to adjust salt and pepper to your preference. Remember, chicken broth can vary in sodium content.
- Shredding Made Easy: Once cooked, the chicken will be incredibly tender. You can often shred it directly in the slow cooker using two forks, saving you an extra dish!
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: If using oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drain them well to avoid an overly oily sauce. If using dry-packed, you may want to rehydrate them in warm water for a few minutes before adding.
Delicious Variations:
- Add Fresh Greens: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach or chopped kale during the last 30 minutes of cooking. The greens will wilt beautifully into the creamy sauce.
- Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms (cremini or button) before adding them to the slow cooker with the other ingredients for an earthy depth.
- Cheese Please: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a dash of cream cheese can be stirred into the sauce during the last few minutes for an extra creamy, cheesy kick.
- Spice it Up: For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the other seasonings.
- Fresh Herbs: Finish with a garnish of fresh basil, parsley, or oregano just before serving to add a bright, fresh flavor.
Storage and Reheating Marry Me Chicken
This dish is fantastic as leftovers, often tasting even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Here’s how to store and reheat it:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover Marry Me Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: Marry Me Chicken freezes surprisingly well! Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe airtight container or freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating:
- Stovetop: Transfer leftovers to a saucepan and reheat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much.
- Microwave: For individual portions, microwave on medium power, stirring every minute, until heated through. Again, a tiny splash of liquid can help revive the creaminess.
More Delightful Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes
If you’ve fallen in love with the ease and deliciousness of slow cooker chicken, you’re in for a treat! Here are some other fantastic hands-off chicken recipes to add to your rotation:
Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowls
Chicken Parmesan in the Slow Cooker
Slow Cooker Chicken and Bacon with Vegetables
Concluding Thoughts on Your New Favorite Dish
Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken truly lives up to its name, offering a culinary experience that is both incredibly rich and remarkably easy to prepare. Its blend of creamy sauce, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and succulent slow-cooked chicken creates a dish that is guaranteed to become a household favorite. Whether you’re aiming to impress, looking for a comforting weeknight meal, or simply want to enjoy a luxurious dinner with minimal effort, this recipe is your perfect solution. So, gather your ingredients, set your slow cooker, and prepare to be enchanted by the irresistible charm of Marry Me Chicken. Don’t forget to serve it with something hearty to soak up every last bit of that exquisite sauce!