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This slow cooker Marry Me Chicken's charm comes from its smooth, garlicky cream sauce that turns plain chicken breasts into something truly special. The chicken gets super soft during the slow cooking process, soaking up all the wonderful tastes of garlic, sun dried tomatoes, and herbs. You'll end up with a fancy-looking meal that's actually really easy to make in your crockpot.
I've made this so many times now, and I've noticed the slow cooking actually makes everything taste better than the stovetop version. The first time I made this for dinner, my husband scraped his plate clean – it's seriously that yummy!
Key Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Go for good quality, similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly
- Heavy cream: This makes the sauce incredibly rich and velvety
- Sun dried tomatoes: They pack tons of flavor and add pretty red flecks
- Fresh garlic: Can't skip this for that real Italian flavor punch
- Parmesan cheese: Grate it yourself for the smoothest melt and best taste
- Fresh basil: Adds a pop of freshness that makes the whole dish better.
How To Make It
- Getting Your Chicken Ready
- First, wipe the chicken breasts completely dry using paper towels so they'll brown properly. Mix up 1 teaspoon each of salt, garlic powder, and onion powder with 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Sprinkle this mix all over both sides of the chicken, making sure you don't miss any spots.
- Browning For Better Flavor
- Warm up a big skillet on medium-high heat. Drop in 2 tablespoons each of butter and olive oil. When the butter gets bubbly, gently put in your seasoned chicken. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes per side until it turns golden brown. This step builds amazing flavor that makes the whole dish tastier.
- Whipping Up The Sauce
- In your slow cooker, stir together 1 cup chicken broth with 2 tablespoons cornstarch until it's totally smooth. Pour in 1 cup heavy cream, add 6 chopped garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, and a little sprinkle of red pepper flakes. This mix forms the base of your amazing sauce.
- The Long, Slow Cook
- Put the browned chicken into the slow cooker, tucking it into the sauce. Pour any juices from the pan over the chicken - those brown bits are packed with flavor. Scatter 1/2 cup chopped sun dried tomatoes on top. Cover and let it cook on low for 6-7 hours, allowing everything to blend together perfectly.
- Getting That Perfect Sauce
- The trick to a smooth, silky sauce is when you add the Parmesan cheese. Don't put it in too early or your sauce might break. Wait until the last 30 minutes of cooking time. This way, the cheese melts just right into the sauce, giving you that irresistible creamy texture.
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Smart Cooking Temperature Advice
You might want to cook this dish on high to save time, but going low and slow is really important for getting those deep flavors and keeping the chicken tender. Cooking at higher temps can make the cream separate and turn your chicken tough.
I grew up in an Italian family where I learned that the tastiest dishes are often the simplest ones made with love and good ingredients. The sun dried tomatoes in this dish always remind me of my grandma's garden, where she'd dry tomatoes under the summer sun.
Wrapping Up
This Marry Me Chicken has become the dish I'm known for at special events. The way the chicken gets so tender you can cut it with a fork while absorbing all those incredible flavors always wows everyone. It's the kind of food that creates lasting memories and might even spark a marriage proposal!
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why’s it called Marry Me Chicken?
- People say it’s so tasty, it could inspire someone to propose!
- → Can I use the high setting for cooking?
- Stick with low for 6-7 hours—it keeps the chicken tender and prevents the sauce from separating.
- → What should I serve with it?
- It’s amazing with rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or even bread to soak up that sauce.
- → Can chicken thighs replace chicken breasts?
- Absolutely! Thighs are just as delicious and stay extra tender.
- → Why bother with searing the chicken first?
- It brings out more flavor and gives the chicken a nice golden crust.