Dive into the world of flavor with this incredibly easy and utterly delicious Marry Me Chicken Pioneer Woman style recipe, designed to be made effortlessly in your crock pot. If you’re searching for a dish that’s guaranteed to impress, look no further. This creamy, garlic-infused chicken recipe, slow-cooked to perfection, will not only tantalize your taste buds but also fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Just like the original stovetop sensation, this crock pot version delivers the same mouthwatering flavors with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner. Get ready to discover your new favorite way to prepare chicken!
What Makes Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken So Irresistible?
Marry Me Chicken has taken the internet by storm, and for good reason. It’s a dish that promises rich flavors and comforting textures, all centered around tender chicken bathed in a luscious creamy sauce. The magic lies in the combination of simple ingredients that come together to create something truly extraordinary. This crock pot adaptation takes the ease of the original recipe to the next level. Imagine coming home to the enticing smell of garlic, herbs, and perfectly cooked chicken, all ready to be served. The slow cooker method ensures that the chicken remains incredibly moist and absorbs all the wonderful flavors of the sauce, making every bite an absolute delight.
Marry Me Chicken over a bed of pasta on a plate.
Why Choose the Crock Pot for Your Marry Me Chicken?
The beauty of using a crock pot for Marry Me Chicken Pioneer Woman style is its hands-off approach to cooking. Unlike stovetop or oven methods that require constant monitoring, the slow cooker allows you to simply set it and forget it. This is ideal for anyone with a busy lifestyle or those who prefer to avoid spending hours in the kitchen. Here are a few key benefits of using a crock pot:
- Effortless Cooking: Just dump in the ingredients, set the timer, and let the crock pot do its magic.
- Tender and Juicy Chicken: Slow cooking ensures the chicken is incredibly tender, practically falling apart with a fork.
- Flavor Infusion: The extended cooking time allows the chicken to fully absorb the creamy garlic sauce, resulting in deeper, richer flavors.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Prepare it in the morning and have a delicious, ready-to-eat dinner waiting for you in the evening.
- Minimal Cleanup: One-pot cooking means fewer dishes to wash – a definite win!
Pioneer Woman Inspired Simplicity and Flavor
While this recipe is inspired by the popular “Marry Me Chicken” trend, it aligns perfectly with the Pioneer Woman style of cooking – approachable, hearty, and full of flavor. Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman, is known for her family-friendly recipes that are both delicious and easy to make. This crock pot Marry Me Chicken embodies those qualities. It uses simple, readily available ingredients and straightforward steps to create a dish that’s comforting and satisfying, perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. Think of this as your go-to recipe when you want to impress without stress, channeling that effortless charm and flavor that Pioneer Woman recipes are loved for.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken
To create this culinary magic, gather these simple yet flavorful ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, providing a lean protein base.
- ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ¼ teaspoon black pepper: A simple yet effective blend to season the chicken and enhance its natural flavor.
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil & 2 Tablespoons butter: For searing the chicken and adding richness to the sauce. Searing is optional but highly recommended for flavor depth.
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth: Forms the base of the sauce and keeps the chicken moist during slow cooking.
- 3 Tablespoons cornstarch: The secret to thickening the sauce to a perfect, creamy consistency.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Adds luxurious creaminess and richness to the sauce. For slow cookers that run hot, add this later to prevent curdling.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Essential for that signature garlic flavor that defines Marry Me Chicken. Freshly minced is best, but jarred minced garlic can also work in a pinch.
- 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, ½ teaspoon paprika: A blend of herbs and spices that elevates the sauce with layers of flavor – Italian herbs for aromatic notes, red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, and paprika for warmth and color.
- ⅓ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, drained: These are key to the unique flavor profile of Marry Me Chicken, adding a sweet, tangy, and slightly chewy texture. Don’t skip these if you want the authentic taste!
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, adding a salty, nutty, and savory depth that complements the other flavors beautifully.
- 10 fresh basil leaves, chopped: Fresh basil adds a bright, herbaceous finish to the dish, enhancing its overall freshness and aroma. Optional but highly recommended for the best flavor.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, olive oil, butter, chicken broth, cornstarch, heavy cream, cloves garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, sweet paprika, chopped sundried tomatoes, freshly grated parmesan cheese, and fresh basil leaves.
Step-by-Step Guide to Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Perfection
Follow these simple steps to create your own Pioneer Woman inspired Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken:
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Season the chicken breasts evenly on both sides with this mixture.
- Sear the Chicken (Optional but Recommended): Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. This step enhances flavor and texture but can be skipped for a truly hands-off approach. Set seared chicken aside, keeping the flavorful oil and butter in the pan.
- Prepare the Sauce Base in the Crock Pot: In an 8-quart slow cooker, whisk together chicken broth and cornstarch until smooth. Then, whisk in heavy cream (reserve if your slow cooker runs hot – see tip below), minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and paprika.
- Add Chicken and Sun-dried Tomatoes: Place the seared chicken breasts into the slow cooker. Pour the leftover oil and butter from the skillet over the chicken. Top each chicken breast with chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
- Slow Cook to Tender Perfection: Cover the crock pot and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours. Avoid cooking on high as it may scorch the cream sauce.
- Finish with Parmesan and Basil: Remove the chicken breasts from the crock pot. Whisk in the freshly grated parmesan cheese into the creamy sauce until melted and smooth. Return the chicken to the slow cooker, coating it with the parmesan sauce. Sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the top just before serving.
collage of three photos: seasoned chicken on a sheet pan, melted butter being poured in a crockpot and cooked chicken breasts in a pan.
collage of three photos: a crockpot with heavy cream, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and paprika.
Tips for the Best Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken
- Searing for Deeper Flavor: While optional, searing the chicken before slow cooking adds a beautiful color and locks in extra flavor. Don’t skip this step if you have a few extra minutes.
- Don’t Overcook: Cooking for 6-7 hours on low is ideal. Overcooking can make the chicken dry. Check for tenderness around the 6-hour mark.
- Heavy Cream Timing: If your slow cooker tends to run hot and boil, wait to add the heavy cream in the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent curdling.
- Fresh Garlic is Best: Freshly minced garlic provides the most potent and delicious garlic flavor.
- Sun-dried Tomatoes are Key: They are essential for the signature “Marry Me” flavor. Don’t omit them unless absolutely necessary.
- Serving Suggestions: This creamy chicken is fantastic served over pasta (rotini, fettuccine, or penne work well), rice, mashed potatoes, or even creamy polenta. A side salad or roasted vegetables can complete the meal beautifully.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently to prevent the sauce from separating.
Serve and Enjoy Your Romantic Crock Pot Dinner
Close up looking at Marry Me Chicken in a crock pot.
Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Pioneer Woman style is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. The combination of tender chicken, creamy garlic sauce, and sun-dried tomatoes creates a symphony of flavors that’s both comforting and impressive. Whether you’re cooking for a special someone or simply want to treat yourself to a delicious and easy dinner, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. So, dust off your crock pot and get ready to create a meal that might just lead to a proposal – or at least, rave reviews! Enjoy!
