Oh, let me tell you about this dreamy dish called Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken! I stumbled upon this recipe a few years ago during one of my kitchen adventures, and I can honestly say it changed my culinary life forever. It was a chilly night, and I needed something warm and comforting but without the fuss of standing in the kitchen all evening. This meal not only ended up making my taste buds dance but it also had my partner swooning—hence the name! Every bite is filled with creamy goodness, and certain friends of mine have joked that I could serve it at a wedding and wouldn’t be surprised if someone proposed on the spot!
What I love most about Marry Me Chicken is how effortlessly simple it is. You toss a handful of ingredients in the slow cooker, and let it do its magic while you attend to other important matters—like binging your favorite show or enjoying a glass of wine. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, gatherings, or just to treat yourself to something delicious. Trust me, once you try it, you might consider putting a ring on it!
What’s in Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken?
Chicken Breasts: The star of this dish! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts ensure tenderness and even cooking. You can use fresh or, for the sake of convenience, frozen ones that are completely thawed.
Italian Dressing Mix: A zesty blend of herbs and spices that adds a fantastic punch of flavor. I usually go for a low-sodium version to keep things on the healthier side.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These little bursts of flavor not only provide a delightful tang but also add a pop of color. Try finding ones in oil for even more richness!
Heavy Cream: This is what makes the sauce luxuriously creamy. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you could substitute with half-and-half, but don’t tell my taste buds!
Parmesan Cheese: Not just for sprinkling on pasta! This cheese adds depth and enhances the creamy sauce. Freshly grated is always best for flavor and texture.
Garlic: Because garlic makes everything better! Use fresh cloves if possible; they add a wonderful aroma and taste that’s hard to beat.
Spinach: A handful to add freshness and a pop of color to your dish. You can use fresh or frozen; just be sure to squeeze out excess moisture from frozen spinach.
Is Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Good for You?
You bet it is—well, in moderation! This dish offers a hearty serving of protein thanks to the chicken, which is vital for muscle health and tissue repair. The addition of spinach packs in some vitamins A and C, plus iron. However, do keep an eye on the cream and cheese portions if you’re watching your calorie intake. Heavy cream is delicious, but it’s high in calories and saturated fat, so using it sparingly or substituting with a lighter option can help balance things out!
That being said, this recipe can easily accommodate variations, such as using less cheese or subbing in some Greek yogurt to give you that creamy texture without all the guilt. Like I always say, it’s all about balance, and enjoying life!
Ingredients List
– 4 boneless and skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 to 2 pounds)
– 1 packet Italian dressing mix
– 1 jar sun-dried tomatoes (around 7 ounces)
– 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen, thawed and drained)
*Serves: 4-6 people*
How to Make Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken?
1. **Prepare the Chicken:** Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.
2. **Mix It Up:** In a small bowl, combine the Italian dressing mix, minced garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes. Stir this mixture over the chicken.
3. **Add the Cream:** Pour the heavy cream evenly over the chicken and dressings, ensuring it’s well covered.
4. **Get Cheesy:** Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top of everything. Trust me, that creamy cheese layer is where the magic happens!
5. **Slow Cook:** Cover your trusty slow cooker with a lid and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for about 4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
6. **Add Spinach:** In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the spinach. It will wilt nicely and add a fresh touch to the dish.
7. **Serve Up:** Once done, shred the chicken slightly with two forks right in the slow cooker, giving you that deliciously saucy goodness. Serve it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up all that amazing sauce!
Tips and Tidbits for Marry Me Chicken Lovers
– **Pasta Party:** When serving, toss the chicken and sauce with some cooked fettuccine or penne for a cozy pasta night.
– **Top It Off:** Garnish with fresh basil or more Parmesan cheese for that restaurant-style vibe at home.
– **Meal Prep:** This dish freezes beautifully, so make a double batch and save some for a cozy night in later on!
I hope you give this delightful Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken a try. Share your creation with friends, and who knows? You might just end up playing matchmaker—between your taste buds and this dish! Let me know how it turns out; I can’t wait to hear about your experience in the kitchen!
