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Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken Recipe

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3.9 from 2 reviews

Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken is an Italian-inspired dish featuring tender, juicy chicken breasts slow-cooked in a rich, buttery cream sauce infused with sundried tomatoes and fresh basil. This comforting recipe is elegant enough for special occasions yet simple enough for weeknight dinners. Serve it over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a flavorful, crowd-pleasing meal.

  • Author: Emma
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours (depending on slow cooker setting)
  • Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 4 breasts)
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • 1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

Sauce

  • 1 ½ cups chicken stock
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika

Additional Ingredients

  • ½ cup sundried tomatoes, sliced into strips
  • 4 tablespoons butter, cubed
  • Basil for garnish

Instructions

  1. Season and Trim the Chicken: Trim any fat from the chicken breasts and season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor of the meat.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and brown each side for about 2 minutes. The goal is to develop color and lock in juices, not to cook the chicken through.
  3. Transfer to Slow Cooker: Place the seared chicken breasts into the basin of a 6-quart slow cooker, arranging them evenly for consistent cooking.
  4. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together chicken stock, cornstarch, heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and paprika until fully combined and smooth.
  5. Combine Sauce and Toppings: Pour the prepared sauce mixture evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker. Then, top with the sundried tomatoes and cubed butter pieces to add richness and depth of flavor.
  6. Slow Cook the Dish: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened into a luscious cream sauce.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Just before serving, garnish the chicken with freshly chopped basil. Serve over your choice of cooked pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Notes

  • You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts if you prefer dark meat.
  • Serve this dish over noodles, rice, or mashed potatoes to soak up the creamy sauce.
  • For extra veggies, stir in fresh baby spinach during the last 30 minutes of cooking to wilt it gently. Sliced mushrooms can also be added for additional texture and flavor.
  • Top with additional chopped basil and Parmesan cheese for enhanced presentation and taste.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker; adjust accordingly for best results.