It was a chilly autumn evening, and I was craving something comforting and delicious. I had a package of boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the fridge and decided to pull out my trusty slow cooker. That’s when I remembered the Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken recipe I had bookmarked a while back. I don’t know why it’s called “Marry Me Chicken,” but after one bite, I knew it was a keeper. The creamy, flavorful sauce and tender chicken had me swooning, and I couldn’t wait to share it with my family.
As I gathered the ingredients – heavy cream, cream of chicken soup, garlic, onions, and a few herbs – I couldn’t help but feel excited. This Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken recipe was about to become a new household favorite, and I couldn’t wait to see the reactions of my loved ones.
Why This Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken
The secret to this Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken recipe lies in the slow cooking process. By letting the chicken simmer away in the creamy, flavor-packed sauce for 4 hours, the meat becomes incredibly tender and infused with all the delicious aromas. The long cooking time also allows the flavors to meld together, creating a truly irresistible dish.
Another key to the success of this recipe is the combination of ingredients. The heavy cream and cream of chicken soup create a luscious, silky sauce that coats the chicken perfectly. The garlic, onion, and herbs add depth of flavor, while the salt and pepper provide the perfect balance of seasoning.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
The Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken recipe calls for a few key ingredients that really make this dish stand out:
- 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts: This lean protein is the star of the show, and the slow cooking process ensures it stays moist and tender.
- 1 cup of heavy cream: The rich, creamy texture of the heavy cream is the foundation for the delectable sauce.
- 1 (10.5 oz) can of cream of chicken soup: This canned soup adds even more creaminess and a boost of chicken flavor.
- 3 cloves of minced garlic: Garlic is a must-have in any flavorful dish, and it provides a savory backdrop for the other ingredients.
- 1 small, diced onion: The onion adds depth and sweetness to the overall flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon of dried parsley, 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt: These herbs and spices bring the whole dish together, creating a perfectly balanced seasoning.
Step-by-Step Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken Instructions
Preparing Your Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken
Prep time for this Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken recipe is just 15 minutes, and the total cooking time is 240 minutes (or 4 hours). All you’ll need is a slow cooker, a few simple ingredients, and a bit of time to let the flavors meld.
1- Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Sprinkle the diced onion and minced garlic over the top of the chicken, ensuring even coverage.
2- In a medium bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, cream of chicken soup, dried parsley, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt until well combined. Pour this creamy mixture over the chicken and onions in the slow cooker.
3- Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 4 hours. This extended cooking time is what makes the Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken so incredibly tender and flavorful.
4- After 4 hours, the chicken should be cooked through and the sauce should have thickened to a luxurious, velvety consistency. The aroma filling your kitchen will be simply mouthwatering.
5- Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker, mixing it into the creamy sauce.
6- Serve the Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken warm, spooning the saucy chicken over mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite side dish. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, if desired.
Pro Tips for Success
Here are a few pro tips to ensure your Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken is an absolute hit:
- Use fresh, high-quality chicken breasts for the best texture and flavor. Avoid frozen or pre-cooked chicken, as it can become dry and rubbery in the slow cooker.
- Don’t be tempted to lift the lid too often during the cooking process, as this can disrupt the heat and extend the cooking time.
- For an extra creamy sauce, consider adding a few ounces of cream cheese to the mixture before cooking.
- Serve the Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken over a bed of buttery mashed potatoes or fluffy white rice to soak up all that delicious sauce.
Serving and Storing Your Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken
Perfect Pairings for Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken
This Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken recipe serves 6 people, making it a great choice for a family dinner or a small gathering. To complete the meal, consider pairing it with:
- Roasted asparagus or green beans for a fresh, vibrant side dish.
- A crisp, green salad with a simple vinaigrette dressing to balance the richness of the chicken.
- Crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up every last drop of the creamy sauce.
- A glass of dry white wine or a light, refreshing beer to complement the flavors.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To store, simply transfer the shredded chicken and sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate. When ready to reheat, you can warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring occasionally until heated through.
For longer-term storage, the Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until piping hot.
If you want to get a head start on this recipe, you can even assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before and refrigerate it. In the morning, simply place the insert in the slow cooker and set it to cook while you’re at work or running errands. Coming home to the delicious aroma of Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken will make for a truly effortless and satisfying meal.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken
Creative Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken Variations
While the original Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken recipe is a true standout, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on it:
- For a Southwestern twist, add a teaspoon of chili powder, a pinch of cumin, and a can of diced green chiles to the sauce.
- Transform it into a creamy chicken and mushroom dish by sautéing sliced mushrooms and adding them to the slow cooker.
- Make it a one-pot meal by tossing in diced potatoes or cauliflower florets along with the chicken.
- Brighten up the flavors by stirring in a tablespoon of Dijon mustard or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end.
Making Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken Diet-Friendly
If you’re looking to make the Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken recipe a bit more diet-friendly, there are a few simple substitutions you can try:
- For a lower-fat option, use a combination of low-fat or fat-free cream of chicken soup and non-fat Greek yogurt in place of the heavy cream.
- To make it gluten-free, swap the cream of chicken soup for a gluten-free version or use a homemade cream of chicken sauce.
- For a dairy-free take, replace the heavy cream with unsweetened almond or coconut milk, and use a vegan cream of chicken soup.
- To reduce the carbs, serve the Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken over a bed of riced cauliflower or zucchini noodles instead of traditional rice or potatoes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work just as well in this Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken recipe. The dark meat may even result in an even more tender and flavorful dish.
Q: How long should I cook the Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken?
A: The recipe calls for a total cooking time of 240 minutes (4 hours) on the low setting. This extended cooking time is essential for achieving the perfect texture and allowing the flavors to fully develop.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, the Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken is a great make-ahead meal. You can assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, simply place the insert in the slow cooker and let it cook while you’re away.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: The Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken recipe serves 6 people. If you need to adjust the servings, simply scale the ingredient amounts up or down accordingly.
Q: What should I do if the sauce is too thin?
A: If the sauce doesn’t thicken to your desired consistency, you can try a few things: 1) Remove the lid and let the sauce simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes to allow it to reduce, or 2) Create a slurry by whisking together 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch or all-purpose flour with a small amount of the hot sauce, then stir the slurry back into the slow cooker.
Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken
- Total Time: 255
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken is a deliciously creamy and comforting dish that’s perfect for cozy weeknight dinners. Tender chicken breasts are simmered in a garlic-infused sauce until they’re fall-apart tender, making this an irresistible meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
– 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 small onion, diced
– 1 teaspoon dried parsley
– 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, cream of chicken soup, garlic, onion, parsley, thyme, black pepper, and salt.
3. Pour the cream mixture over the chicken, making sure the chicken is fully submerged.
4. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
5. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred or slice it.
6. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the creamy sauce.
7. Serve the Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken hot, with your choice of sides like rice, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables.
Notes
– For a thicker sauce, you can mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a small amount of water and stir it into the sauce in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
– The chicken can be cooked on high for 2-3 hours if you’re short on time.
– This dish is also delicious with boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 240
- Category: Chicken, Beef & Pork
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
The Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken is a truly irresistible dish that’s sure to become a new family favorite. With its tender chicken, creamy sauce, and mouthwatering blend of flavors, it’s no wonder this recipe has earned the “Marry Me” moniker.
Whether you’re serving it for a cozy weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends, the Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken is sure to impress. So go ahead and give this recipe a try – I promise your loved ones will be begging you to make it again and again. Don’t forget to let me know how it turns out in the comments below!
