This recipe is not just called "Marry Me Chicken" for nothing! This incredibly flavorful and tender chicken dish is so easy to make in a slow cooker, it practically cooks itself. The creamy, dreamy sauce is bursting with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a hint of lemon—a perfect combination that's sure to impress your loved ones (or yourself!). Get ready to experience a chicken recipe so good, it'll have you saying "Marry Me!"
What Makes this Crock-Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe So Special?
Several factors contribute to this recipe's exceptional taste and ease of preparation:
- Simplicity: The recipe requires minimal prep time and uses readily available ingredients. The slow cooker does all the hard work!
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of garlic, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and chicken broth creates a rich and savory sauce that perfectly coats the chicken.
- Tenderness: Slow cooking ensures the chicken breasts remain incredibly juicy and tender, falling apart easily with a fork.
- Versatility: This recipe can be easily customized to your liking. Add vegetables like broccoli or spinach for a more complete meal.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Place chicken in the slow cooker: Add the chicken breasts to your slow cooker.
- Combine the sauce ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, Parmesan cheese, milk, minced garlic, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour sauce over chicken: Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- Cook on low: Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
- Serve: Shred the chicken with two forks and serve immediately. You can serve it over rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or even with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use bone-in chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken breasts, but you'll need to increase the cooking time. For bone-in chicken breasts, cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours.
Can I make this recipe in the oven?
While this recipe is specifically designed for the slow cooker, you can adapt it for the oven. Place the chicken and sauce in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 45-60 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
What can I serve with Marry Me Chicken?
Marry Me Chicken is incredibly versatile! Some popular side dishes include:
- Mashed potatoes
- Rice (white or brown)
- Pasta
- Roasted vegetables
- Crusty bread
Can I freeze leftover Marry Me Chicken?
Yes, you can freeze leftover Marry Me Chicken. Allow it to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
How do I make this recipe spicier?
To add a kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
This "Marry Me Chicken" recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its simplicity, incredible flavor, and tender chicken make it a perfect weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal. Enjoy!
