I’ll never forget the first time I made Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken. It was a chilly autumn evening, and I was craving something warm, comforting, and effortless. That’s when I stumbled upon this recipe, and let me tell you – it was love at first bite! The moment I took that first heavenly forkful, I knew this Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken was a keeper.
The velvety, creamy sauce enveloping the tender chicken just melts in your mouth, and the blend of spices creates a flavor explosion that’ll have your taste buds doing the happy dance. And the best part? This entire Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken masterpiece comes together with just 15 minutes of prep time. Yes, you read that right – 15 minutes!
Table of Contents
Why This Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken
What sets this Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken apart is the way the flavors meld together to create a truly irresistible dish. The secret lies in the slow cooking process, which allows the chicken to become impossibly juicy and infused with the rich, creamy sauce.
The key is to let the chicken breasts simmer away in the slow cooker for 360 minutes (that’s 6 full hours!) until they’re fall-apart tender. This long, slow cook time ensures the flavors have ample time to develop and meld, resulting in a dish that’s so incredibly flavorful, you’ll be tempted to lick your plate clean.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star of the show! These lean chicken breasts become meltingly tender after simmering in the slow cooker.
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup: This creamy soup forms the base of the luxurious sauce, adding a rich, savory flavor.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened: The cream cheese makes the sauce silky smooth and perfectly indulgent.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: This helps thin out the sauce and keep the chicken moist and juicy.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: For a punch of aromatic garlic flavor.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds depth and complexity to the sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley: Freshens up the dish with a touch of herbal flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A simple seasoning that ties all the flavors together.
Step-by-Step Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken Instructions
Preparing Your Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken
With just 15 minutes of prep time and a 360-minute cook time, this Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken recipe is the ultimate hands-off dinner. Start by lightly spraying your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Then, it’s time to get cooking!
1- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer.
2- In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, softened cream cheese, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
3- Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken, making sure to evenly coat each piece.
4- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 360 minutes (6 hours), or until the chicken is fork-tender and the sauce has thickened.
5- Once the cooking time is up, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Stir the shredded chicken into the creamy sauce until well combined.
6- Serve your Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired. Pair it with your favorite sides for a complete and satisfying meal.
Pro Tips for Success
- Don’t be tempted to peek! Keeping the slow cooker lid closed helps the chicken stay super moist and tender.
- For an extra creamy sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half just before serving.
- Switch up the herbs by using fresh thyme or rosemary instead of the dried parsley.
- Serve this Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken over steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles to soak up every last drop of that heavenly sauce.
Serving and Storing Your Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken
Perfect Pairings for Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken
This Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken serves 6 hearty portions, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends. For a complete meal, pair it with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, and crusty garlic bread. And don’t forget the wine – a crisp white or light red wine would be the perfect accompaniment to this rich and creamy dish.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftovers of this Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply transfer the desired portion to a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
For longer-term storage, this dish also freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container or resealable freezer bag. Frozen Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
You can even make this recipe ahead of time and keep it in the slow cooker on the “warm” setting until ready to serve. Just be sure to give it a good stir before dishing it up.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken
Creative Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken Variations
While the classic Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken is utterly divine, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on this recipe. Try adding diced bell peppers or sautéed mushrooms for extra veggies. For a zestier twist, stir in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a splash of white wine. And if you’re feeling fancy, top each serving with crispy bacon bits or shredded cheddar cheese.
Making Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken Diet-Friendly
To make this Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken recipe more diet-friendly, you can swap out a few key ingredients. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup. For a lower-carb take, replace the cream of mushroom soup with a low-carb alternative like cream of chicken or cauliflower soup. And for a dairy-free spin, substitute the cream cheese with a plant-based version or omit it entirely and use additional broth to thin the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken recipe?
A: Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs would work just as well in this recipe. The cook time may need to be adjusted slightly, but the end result will be just as tender and delicious.
Q: How long does it take to cook Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken?
A: The total cooking time for this recipe is 375 minutes, which includes 15 minutes of prep time and 360 minutes (6 hours) of cook time in the slow cooker.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers of Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken?
A: Yes, this dish freezes beautifully! Let it cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container or resealable freezer bag. Frozen Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken will keep for up to 3 months.
Q: How many servings does this Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken recipe make?
A: This recipe yields 6 generous servings of Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken.
Q: What should I do if the sauce seems too thin after cooking?
A: If the sauce isn’t as thick as you’d like, simply whisk together a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water. Stir this slurry into the hot chicken mixture and let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken
- Total Time: 375
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken is a delicious and easy dinner recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender, juicy chicken is cooked in a creamy, flavorful sauce, making it a family-favorite meal.
Ingredients
– 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Place the chicken breasts in a slow cooker.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream cheese, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, and black pepper. Stir until well blended.
3. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker, making sure the chicken is fully covered.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
5. Shred the chicken using two forks and stir to combine with the sauce.
6. Serve the Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken over rice, pasta, or with a side salad.
Notes
For a thicker sauce, mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with a small amount of water and stir it into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 360
- Category: Chicken, Turkey & Pork Mains
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
There’s no doubt about it – this Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken is the stuff dreams are made of. With its tender, juicy chicken, creamy and flavorful sauce, and practically effortless prep, it’s no wonder this recipe has earned the title of “Marry Me Chicken.”
Once you try this Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken, you’ll understand why it’s destined to become a new family favorite. The aroma alone will have everyone in your house eagerly awaiting dinnertime. So grab your slow cooker and get ready to fall in love with this delectable dish. I can’t wait to hear what you think – be sure to leave a comment and let me know how your Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken turned out!
