Description
Marry Me Chicken elevates simple ingredients into a creamy, irresistible dish that promises romantic meal magic. Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and tender chicken create a Mediterranean-inspired feast that will enchant anyone sitting at your table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 6 chicken thighs)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 1 tsp dried basil (or 1 tbsp fresh)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped, drained if packed in oil)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsps water (for thickening, optional)
- ¼ cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Season Preparation: Meticulously pat chicken dry and coat with a harmonious blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika, ensuring comprehensive flavor coverage.
- Searing Foundation: Heat olive oil in a skillet and quickly sear chicken pieces for 2-3 minutes per side, developing a golden-brown crust that seals in moisture and intensifies taste profile.
- Slow Cooking Assembly: Arrange seared chicken in crock pot, layering with minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper flakes, and chicken broth to create a complex flavor landscape.
- Transformative Cooking: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, allowing chicken to become irresistibly tender and infused with aromatic spices.
- Sauce Enhancement: Introduce heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, basil, and oregano, creating a velvety sauce. Optional: Whisk cornstarch with water for enhanced thickness, simmering an additional 15 minutes to marry flavors.
- Elegant Presentation: Garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese, serving alongside pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice to complete this culinary masterpiece.
Notes
- Season Generously: Ensure each chicken piece is thoroughly coated with seasonings, massaging the spice blend into the meat for maximum flavor penetration and even distribution.
- Sear Strategically: Create a golden-brown exterior by using high heat for 2-3 minutes per side, which locks in moisture and develops a rich, caramelized flavor foundation before slow cooking.
- Monitor Moisture Levels: Add extra chicken broth if the sauce appears too thick during cooking, preventing the dish from becoming dry and maintaining a luscious, creamy consistency.
- Customize Dietary Needs: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version, or use Greek yogurt for a lighter alternative without compromising the dish’s rich, creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 150mg