Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is a slow cooker version of the creamy Italian-style chicken with sun-dried tomatoes. Four chicken breasts sit under sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, garlic and Italian seasoning, with heavy cream poured over the top and Parmesan sprinkled on. Prep is 15 minutes. After that the slow cooker does the work, and the recipe serves 4.

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You do not brown anything or stir a sauce on the stove. The ingredients go in as layers and the cream and Parmesan turn into the sauce as the chicken cooks. Serve it over pasta or rice.

What Goes in the Crock Pot

The card at the bottom lists the full amounts. This is what each ingredient does.

• Chicken breasts (4, boneless and skinless): they soak up the sauce as they cook and stay tender.
• Sun-dried tomatoes (1 cup): they add concentrated flavor and a little acidity that balances the cream. Tomatoes packed in oil add richness that dry ones may lack.
• Spinach (2 cups): it adds color and wilts into the sauce.
• Heavy cream (1 cup): makes the creamy sauce that surrounds the chicken.
• Parmesan (1 cup): nutty and salty. It melts into the cream and thickens the sauce.
• Garlic (4 cloves, minced) and Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): the garlic adds depth and the herb blend gives it the Italian character.
• Salt and black pepper: add as much as you like.

Layering and Timing

Put the chicken on the bottom of the crock pot so it cooks evenly. Then add the sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper on top. Pour the heavy cream over everything and sprinkle with Parmesan. This order keeps the chicken moist and tender.

Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The low setting gives the flavors longer to develop, but high works when you are short on time. Watch that the chicken does not overcook on high.

To save time in the morning, prepare the ingredients the night before and refrigerate them. Then you only need to set the crock pot and go.

Ways to Change It

• More vegetables: bell peppers, zucchini or mushrooms. Sauté them briefly before they go into the slow cooker. Sautéed mushrooms in particular add extra flavor.
• A lighter sauce: replace the heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk. Both stay creamy and cut the calories. The yogurt adds tang, and the coconut milk adds a hint of sweetness.
• Heat: add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
• Other spices: smoked paprika or cumin change the flavor profile.
• A bigger batch: the recipe can be doubled for a crowd.

What to Serve With It

Pasta or rice is the classic base, because the creamy sauce goes well with starch. Fettuccine and penne both work, and gluten-free pasta fits a gluten-free diet. Quinoa or steamed vegetables are other options.

A crisp salad of mixed greens and cherry tomatoes with a tangy vinaigrette gives a fresh contrast. Steamed or roasted asparagus, broccoli or green beans round out the plate. Basil or parsley on top adds color, and extra Parmesan adds richness.

Nutrition per Serving

A serving is one chicken breast with sauce. It has about 450 calories, 30 grams of fat (15 grams saturated), 6 grams of carbohydrates, 1 gram of fiber, 1 gram of sugar, 40 grams of protein and 600 milligrams of sodium. The dish has no gluten ingredients, so it stays gluten-free over rice or gluten-free pasta. With 600 milligrams of sodium, keep the salt in check if you are watching your intake.

FAQ

What is Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken?

It is a creamy slow cooker dish of chicken breasts, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, heavy cream and Parmesan.

How long does it take to cook?

On low, about 6 to 8 hours. On high, about 3 to 4 hours.

Can it be prepared in advance?

Yes. Assemble everything in the crock pot the night before and refrigerate it, then set the slow cooker in the morning.

What goes with it?

Pasta, rice or a fresh salad. The creamy sauce works well with starchy sides.

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Written and edited by The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team

The Foodie Yummy Kitchen Team writes and edits the recipes on Foodie Yummy: classic American potluck salads, holiday sides and easy comfort food, with a few low-carb options. Every recipe lists exact quantities, numbered steps and a printable recipe card, plus notes on swaps, storage and make-ahead timing. Spot a problem with a recipe? Tell us through the contact page and we will correct it. About us