Savory Crockpot Marry Me Chicken for a Cozy Dinner Delight

Why Make This Recipe

Savory Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is the perfect dish for a cozy dinner. It’s rich in flavor, comforting, and easy to prepare. This recipe is wonderfully versatile, allowing you to customize it to suit your taste and dietary needs. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting friends, or just looking to impress someone special, this dish has everything you need to make your dinner memorable.

The slow cooker does most of the work for you, ensuring that the chicken becomes tender and infused with the delicious flavors of the herbs and spices. This dish pairs perfectly with rice or pasta, making it a complete meal that is sure to please everyone at the table. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, Savory Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is bound to win hearts (and maybe even a proposal!).

How to Make Savory Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

Making Savory Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is simpler than you think! With just a handful of ingredients and a few easy steps, you can create a meal that feels gourmet. Here’s how you can bring this delightful dish to your kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 4 pieces Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (You can also use chicken thighs for a juicier option)
• 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt (Feel free to adjust to your taste)
• 1 teaspoon Pepper (Consider using a pepper blend for added flavor)
• 1 teaspoon Onion Powder (You can skip this if you are using fresh alternatives)
• 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning (For a twist, substitute with basil and oregano)
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (You can swap this for avocado oil if needed)
• 1 medium Shallot (Onion can be a stronger substitute)
• 3 cloves Garlic (Fresh garlic cloves work best, but garlic powder is an alternative)
• 1 cup Sun-dried Tomatoes (Roasted red peppers can also be a delightful swap)
• 1 cup Low-Sodium Chicken Broth (Vegetable broth is a good vegetarian option)
• 1 teaspoon Chili Crunch Oil (Optional; adjust based on your spice preference)
• 2 tablespoons Cornstarch (If needed, arrowroot powder is a gluten-free alternative)
• 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (Nutritional yeast serves as a dairy-free option)
• 1/2 cup Blended Cottage Cheese (Greek yogurt can provide a tangy switch)
• 1 bunch Fresh Basil (If you don’t have it, parsley can be a substitute)

Directions:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs into your slow cooker. Make sure they are evenly spaced out to cook properly.

2. Season the Chicken: Sprinkle the Kosher salt, pepper, and onion powder over the chicken. Next, drizzle the olive oil on top. This helps to enhance the flavor of the chicken.

3. Add Aromatics: Chop the shallot and mince the garlic. Scatter these over the chicken, allowing their rich aromas to infuse the dish as it cooks.

4. Incorporate Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Add the sun-dried tomatoes (or roasted red peppers) to the slow cooker. They will add a sweet and tangy element to the dish.

5. Pour in Broth: Next, pour the low-sodium chicken broth over everything. This will keep your chicken moist and create a delicious sauce.

6. Add Spice and Seasoning: If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in the chili crunch oil. Then add in the Italian seasoning to enhance the flavor.

7. Cook in the Crockpot: Cover the slow cooker and set it on low for 6 to 8 hours, or high for 3 to 4 hours. The longer you cook, the more tender the chicken will be.

8. Thicken the Sauce: When the chicken is fully cooked, mix cornstarch with a little water in a small bowl. Stir this into the slow cooker sauce to thicken it up. Cook for another 15-20 minutes on high, uncovered.

9. Finish with Cheese: Once the chicken sauce is thick and bubbly, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and blended cottage cheese. This will create a creamy texture that coats the chicken beautifully.

10. Add Fresh Herbs: Right before serving, finely chop the fresh basil and sprinkle it over the chicken for a pop of color and flavor.

How to Serve Savory Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

Savory Crockpot Marry Me Chicken can be served in many delightful ways. One of the most popular ways is to pair it with creamy mashed potatoes. The rich sauce complements the potatoes, making every bite a pleasure. Alternatively, serving it over a bed of pasta or rice allows the flavors to seep in beautifully.

You can also serve it alongside a fresh garden salad for a lighter meal or with crusty bread to soak up the excess sauce. Adding a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese and a few basil leaves on top not only enhances the presentation but also boosts the flavor. Your guests will rave about this delightful dish!

How to Store Savory Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

If you have leftovers, you can store Savory Crockpot Marry Me Chicken quite easily.

1. Cool Down: Allow the chicken to cool down to room temperature.

2. Transfer to Airtight Container: Place the chicken and sauce into an airtight container. Do make sure to transfer it while it’s still fresh.

3. Refrigerate: Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. If you’re planning to keep it longer, consider freezing it.

4. Freezing: You can freeze it for up to 2 to 3 months. Make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

To reheat, place the chicken in a saucepan over medium heat and stir until warmed through. You can also use the microwave, but be sure to cover it to avoid drying it out.

Tips to Make Savory Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

• Choose the Right Chicken: Chicken thighs are great for this dish as they tend to be juicier than breasts. If you prefer, you can mix both types for varied texture.

• Adjust the Spice Level: If you like it spicy, feel free to add more chili crunch oil or spicy seasonings. Conversely, if you prefer it milder, leave out the chili oil.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and shallots enhance the flavor tremendously compared to powdered versions.

• Don’t Skip the Cheese: The Parmesan and cottage cheese add creaminess and depth of flavor, making the dish more satisfying.

• Experiment with Ingredients: If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, consider using olives or artichoke hearts for a different flavor profile.

Variation

If you want to change things up, consider these variations:

• Creamy Mushroom Version: Add sliced mushrooms into the mix to create a more earthy flavor. Their texture will complement the chicken beautifully.

• Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian twist, swap the chicken for hearty vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or chickpeas. Use vegetable broth and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

• Pesto Infusion: For a different flavor, add a few tablespoons of pesto along with the other ingredients. This will give a beautiful vibrant green color and rich taste.

FAQs

1. Can I cook this in an Instant Pot?
   Yes, you can! Use the sauté function for the shallots and garlic, then add the chicken and other ingredients and cook on high pressure for about 10 to 12 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
   Absolutely! You can prepare all the ingredients the night before and just toss them into the slow cooker in the morning. It saves time on busy days.

3. What can I use instead of chicken broth?
   If you want a vegetarian option, vegetable broth works perfectly. You can also use water with seasonings if you don’t have broth on hand.

4. Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
   Yes! You can substitute the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast and the cottage cheese can be replaced with a dairy-free yogurt alternative.

5. How do I know when the chicken is done?
   The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. It should be tender and able to shred easily with a fork.

Savory Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is not just a meal; it is an experience of comfort and warmth, perfect for any dining occasion. Whether you’re staying in or hosting friends, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy. Enjoy cooking!

Savory Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

Print Recipe

A comforting, flavorful crockpot meal featuring tender chicken infused with herbs and spices, perfect for any occasion.

• Author: hbibamine1980
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 240 minutes
• Total Time: 255 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 pieces Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (or thighs)
• 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
• 1 teaspoon Pepper
• 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
• 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
• 1 medium Shallot, chopped
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 cup Sun-dried Tomatoes
• 1 cup Low-Sodium Chicken Broth
• 1 teaspoon Chili Crunch Oil (optional)
• 2 tablespoons Cornstarch
• 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
• 1/2 cup Blended Cottage Cheese
• 1 bunch Fresh Basil, chopped

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Place chicken breasts or thighs into the slow cooker.
2. Season the Chicken: Sprinkle salt, pepper, and onion powder over the chicken, then drizzle olive oil on top.
3. Add Aromatics: Scatter chopped shallot and minced garlic over the chicken.
4. Incorporate Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Add sun-dried tomatoes to the slow cooker.
5. Pour in Broth: Pour low-sodium chicken broth over the ingredients.
6. Add Spice and Seasoning: Add chili crunch oil and Italian seasoning.
7. Cook in the Crockpot: Cover and set on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours.
8. Thicken the Sauce: Mix cornstarch with water and stir into the slow cooker sauce. Cook for another 15-20 minutes on high, uncovered.
9. Finish with Cheese: Stir in grated Parmesan and blended cottage cheese.
10. Add Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped basil over the chicken just before serving.

Notes

Serve with pasta, rice, or creamy mashed potatoes for a complete meal. Can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 120mg