Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this mouthwatering Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken recipe! Bursting with flavor, this dish features tender chicken cooked in a rich and creamy sauce infused with sundried tomatoes, garlic, and Italian herbs. Whether you choose to make it in the slow cooker or the Instant Pot, this recipe is incredibly easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights. Serve it over pasta, rice, or veggies for a satisfying and delicious meal that will have your loved ones begging for seconds. Don't miss out on this irresistible dish that might just lead to a marriage proposal!
Recipe Overview
The Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that will impress your significant other or family members. This recipe has gained popularity in recent years and can be made using a slow cooker or an Instant Pot. It features boneless, skinless chicken breasts cooked in a creamy sauce with sundried tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a blend of spices. The chicken is tender and flavorful, making it a perfect option for a weeknight dinner.
Original recipe development and popularity
The Marry Me Chicken recipe was originally developed by a popular food magazine in 2016. However, it gained widespread popularity after going viral on TikTok. The idea behind the name is that this dish is so good that you can expect a marriage proposal if you serve it to your significant other. Since then, several variations of the recipe have emerged, each with its own unique twist on flavors and ingredients.
Variations of the recipe
Although the original Marry Me Chicken recipe called for dredging the chicken breasts in all-purpose flour and searing them in a large skillet, this version eliminates those steps and simplifies the cooking process. The slow cooker or Instant Pot is used to cook the chicken, resulting in a more convenient and time-saving method. Additionally, Greek yogurt is substituted for heavy cream, making the dish lighter and higher in protein. While this recipe skips the addition of Parmesan cheese, you can always add it at the end if desired.
Ingredients
To make Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sundried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
These ingredients are readily available and can be found at your local grocery store.
Preparation
To prepare Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken, follow these steps:
- Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped sundried tomatoes, and 1 cup of chicken broth.
- Mix in the Greek yogurt and spices, such as mustard powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
- Make sure all ingredients are well combined.
- Set the slow cooker to the low setting and cook for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred it within the slow cooker.
- Stir the shredded chicken into the creamy sauce.
- Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for garnish.
By following these steps, you will create a flavorful and creamy chicken dish.
Serving Suggestions
Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken can be served with a variety of side dishes. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- Egg noodles: The creamy chicken goes well with traditional egg noodles, which add a comforting and satisfying element to the dish.
- Veggie noodles: For a low-carb option, you can substitute egg noodles with veggie noodles made from zucchini or butternut squash. This adds extra nutrition to the meal.
- Rice: Serve the shredded chicken over a bed of rice for a satisfying and filling meal.
- Pasta: If you prefer pasta, you can serve the Marry Me Chicken on top of your favorite pasta variety.
- Roasted potatoes: Roasted potatoes make a delicious and hearty side dish to complement the creamy chicken.
- Mashed potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes also pair well with the Marry Me Chicken.
These serving suggestions offer a range of choices to cater to different dietary preferences and tastes.
Additional Side Dish Ideas
The Marry Me Chicken can be paired with various side dishes to complete the meal. Here are a couple of additional side dish ideas:
- Roasted veggies: Roasting vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers adds a pop of color and extra nutrients to the meal.
- Side salad: A refreshing side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and your choice of dressing complements the creamy and savory flavors of the chicken.
These additional side dishes provide a balanced and nutritious meal.
Instant Pot Option
If you prefer to use an Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker, you can easily adapt the recipe. Here's how:
- Set the Instant Pot to the Sauté mode.
- Add the olive oil, chopped onion, and minced garlic to the pot.
- Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
- Add the chopped sundried tomatoes and cook for an additional minute.
- Place the chicken breasts on top of the sautéed mixture.
- Pour the chicken broth over the chicken, ensuring that it is at least partially covered.
- Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to seal.
- Pressure cook on high for 10 minutes (it may take a few minutes for the Instant Pot to come to pressure).
- Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes before carefully venting.
- Remove the chicken from the Instant Pot and set it aside.
- Switch the Instant Pot to the Sauté mode again and stir in the Greek yogurt and spices.
- Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes to thicken slightly, stirring occasionally.
- Shred the chicken using two forks and return it to the pot, mixing it with the sauce.
- Adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Serve the creamy chicken over pasta, rice, veggies, or mashed potatoes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving.
The Instant Pot option provides a faster alternative for days when you don't want to use a slow cooker.
Nutritional Information
Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken is not only delicious but also provides essential nutrients. Here's a breakdown of the nutritional information:
- Calories: Each serving contains approximately 239 calories.
- Macronutrient breakdown: The dish is low in fat, with around 8 grams per serving. It is high in protein, containing about 30 grams per serving. The carbohydrates in each serving amount to approximately 13 grams.
- Vitamin and mineral content: The Marry Me Chicken recipe includes ingredients such as onions, garlic, and sundried tomatoes, which provide various vitamins and minerals. However, the exact nutrient content may vary depending on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients used.
The Marry Me Chicken offers a balanced combination of macronutrients and can be part of a well-rounded meal.
Storage and Reheating
To store leftover Marry Me Chicken, place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. If the sauce thickens too much when reheating, you can add a little water or milk to maintain its thickness.
Author Information
The Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken recipe was developed by Katie Wells. Katie is a Certified Traditional Naturopath, Master Herbalist, and in addition to being a Wellness Mama, she is also the co-founder of Wellnesse. With a background in research, journalism, and nutrition, Katie has turned to research to find solutions to her health problems. She is the author of the bestselling books “The Wellness Mama Cookbook” and “The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox.” Her website, WellnessMama.com, provides valuable information and resources for living a healthy and natural lifestyle.
Reader Feedback
If you try out the Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken recipe or have your own favorite chicken cooking methods, feel free to leave a comment and share your experience. Katie Wells encourages readers to engage with one another and build a community through feedback and sharing of cooking tips and tricks.