Description
Marry Me Chicken offers a creamy, irresistible blend of tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan in a luscious sauce. Slow-cooker magic delivers a romantic dinner that will make hearts flutter and taste buds sing.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 6 chicken thighs)
Seasonings and Spices:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Sauce and Additional Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped, drained if packed in oil)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for thickening, optional)
- ¼ cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the poultry by thoroughly patting it dry and coating with a robust blend of aromatic seasonings, creating a flavorful exterior that will intensify during cooking.
- Create a golden sear on the chicken using a skillet with sizzling olive oil, developing a rich caramelized crust that locks in moisture and enhances the overall taste profile.
- Transfer the seared chicken into the slow cooker, carefully layering with pungent minced garlic, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and a sprinkle of fiery red pepper flakes to build complex flavor dimensions.
- Pour chicken broth around the meat, ensuring the liquid provides moisture and helps tenderize the protein during the slow cooking process.
- Allow the crock pot to work its magic, gently transforming the chicken through low and slow cooking for several hours until the meat becomes incredibly tender and easily pulls apart.
- Elevate the dish’s richness by stirring in velvety heavy cream, creating a luxurious sauce that coats the chicken with decadent smoothness.
- Incorporate aged Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and aromatic oregano to introduce layers of herbaceous and umami notes that complement the creamy base.
- For those desiring a more substantial sauce, create a quick cornstarch slurry to thicken the liquid, allowing it to simmer and develop a more robust consistency.
- Plate the chicken over a bed of pasta, creamy mashed potatoes, or fluffy rice, ensuring each serving is generously topped with the sumptuous sauce.
- Finish by scattering fresh basil leaves and an additional sprinkle of Parmesan, adding a vibrant garnish that brings freshness and visual appeal to the dish.
Notes
- Ensure chicken is completely dry before seasoning to achieve a perfect golden-brown sear and lock in maximum flavor.
- Customize spice levels by adjusting red pepper flakes for mild or more intense heat preferences.
- Mix different protein options like chicken thighs or turkey breasts for varied textures while maintaining the recipe’s core flavor profile.
- Create a lighter version by substituting heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for lower-calorie, dairy-free alternatives.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg