I have a real treat for you today—a recipe that’s not just delicious but also has an adorable name: Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken! It’s called that for a reason—my friends and I joke that if you serve this to someone special, they might just want to propose! In fact, I remember the first time I made this dish for my partner; he couldn’t get enough. The combination of creamy coconut milk, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach creates an irresistible sauce that just wraps around the chicken and those appetites!
What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to make. Just set it and forget it in your Crock Pot! This is perfect for when I have a busy day ahead but still want to whip up something that feels elegant and special for dinner. Now, let’s dive in and see what makes this dish so delightful!
What’s in Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken?
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: These are the stars of the show! They cook up juicy and tender in the Crock Pot, ready to soak up all the delicious flavors.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These little gems add a burst of flavor. I love using the ones packed in oil because they’re so much more flavorful and easy to chop than the dry kind.
Coconut Milk: This is what gives the sauce its lovely creaminess. It adds a subtle sweetness that balances out the savory flavors of the chicken and tomatoes.
Chicken Broth: Using broth instead of plain water boosts the flavor of the dish and ensures everything stays moist and delicious.
Cream Cheese: A key player that takes this sauce from good to out-of-this-world creamy! Make sure it’s softened so it blends easily.
Fresh Spinach: Not only does it add color, but it also sneaks in some healthy greens. Plus, it wilts beautifully into the sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of this cheesy goodness makes everything richer and adds a delightful nutty flavor.
Garlic: Because let’s be honest—everything is better with garlic!
Italian Seasoning: This aromatic blend ties everything together, giving your dish the right Italian flair.
Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings, but don’t skimp on them! They raise the flavor profile.
Fresh Basil: Added at the end as a garnish, it brightens up the dish and looks oh-so-pretty!
Cooked Rice or Pasta: This is what you’ll want to serve the chicken over; it’s the perfect canvas to soak up that dreamy sauce.
Is Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Good for You?
Absolutely! This dish brings together protein-rich chicken and nutrient-dense spinach, making it a wholesome meal.
Chicken Breasts: Low in fat and high in protein, this is a great choice for staying healthy while satisfying your hunger.
Coconut Milk: While higher in calories, it’s a fantastic source of healthy fats. Just watch your portion sizes if you’re counting calories.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Rich in antioxidants, they can also promote heart health, making you feel good inside and out.
Spinach: Packed with vitamins and minerals like iron and calcium, it’s a powerhouse ingredient that adds a nutritional punch.
Just keep in mind that this recipe does have cream cheese and coconut milk, so if you’re watching your dairy intake or calories, you might want to keep that in mind. But hey, a little indulgence now and then is part of cooking fun, right?
Ingredients
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), chopped
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened)
– 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
– 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
– Cooked rice or pasta, for serving
*Serves 4*
How to Make Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken?
1. Start by placing the chicken breasts at the bottom of your beloved Crock Pot.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, coconut milk, chicken broth, softened cream cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir until everything is nice and smooth.
3. Pour this heavenly mixture over the chicken in the Crock Pot. Your kitchen is about to smell amazing!
4. Cover and let it cook on low for about 6 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours—until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
5. When there’s about 30 minutes left of cooking time, stir in the chopped spinach and grated Parmesan cheese. Let it simmer until the spinach is wilted and the cheese is beautifully melted.
6. Serve your incredible chicken and sauce over cooked rice or pasta. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh basil if you’re feeling fancy. Enjoy every bite!
Tips and Tricks for Your Marry Me Chicken
– **Make It Your Own:** Feel free to add in other veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms. They work fabulously in this dish!
– **Switch It Up:** Try using different cheeses like mozzarella for a twist on flavor.
– **Meal Prep:** This dish is fantastic for meals throughout the week. Just store leftovers in the fridge, and reheat for a quick dinner.
– **Cooking Methods:** If you don’t have a Crock Pot, you can make this in a slow cooker on the stove or use an Instant Pot.
I hope you give this beautiful Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken recipe a try! It’s perfect for cozy nights in, dinner parties, or just when you want to impress. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you, so let me know if you give it a shot! Happy cooking, and may your kitchen always smell fantastic!
