When I first made Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken for my husband, I had no idea it would become our new weeknight favorite. It was one of those recipes that seemed too good to be true – a simple dump-and-go slow cooker meal that tasted absolutely incredible. But from the first bite, I was hooked. The tender chicken swimming in a rich, creamy sauce was downright addictive. And the way my husband’s face lit up when he took that first taste? It was love at first bite. That’s how Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken got its name in our house!
Why This Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken
What makes this Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken recipe so special is the perfectly balanced blend of flavors and textures. The chicken stays incredibly moist and tender from slow cooking, while the creamy, garlic-infused sauce is simply out of this world. It’s a truly irresistible combination that will have your family begging you to make it again and again. The secret is in the slow cooking method, which allows all the flavors to meld together seamlessly. And with just a handful of easy-to-find ingredients, you can create a restaurant-worthy meal right in your own kitchen.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
The key to Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken is using the right ingredients. First, you’ll need 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Thighs stay juicier and more flavorful than chicken breasts when slow cooked. Next, a can of cream of mushroom soup adds a rich, creamy base to the sauce. You’ll also need 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, which melts into the sauce for an extra velvety texture.
Three cloves of minced garlic provide the perfect savory backbone, while dried parsley, oregano, and black pepper round out the flavors. Finally, a quarter cup of chicken broth helps thin out the sauce to the perfect consistency. All of these simple ingredients come together to create a dish that’s truly greater than the sum of its parts.
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, Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken is the ultimate easy weeknight meal. You’ll need a 4-quart or larger slow cooker for this recipe. Start by spraying the insert with nonstick cooking spray for easy cleanup later.
1- Place the 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker. Make sure to arrange them in a single layer so they cook evenly.
2- In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, 3 cloves of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of dried parsley, 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper. Pour this creamy sauce over the chicken, making sure to coat each piece evenly.
3- Finally, pour in 1/4 cup of chicken broth around the edges of the slow cooker. This will help thin out the sauce and keep the chicken moist as it cooks.
4- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours, until the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened. The chicken should be cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F.
5- Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker, mixing it into the creamy sauce.
6- Serve the Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken over steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or buttered egg noodles. Garnish with extra chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
- For the best texture, be sure to use chicken thighs instead of breasts. The thighs stay juicier and more tender when slow cooked.
- Letting the cream cheese come to room temperature before mixing it into the sauce will help it blend in seamlessly. Don’t try to use cold cream cheese.
- Don’t be tempted to open the slow cooker lid too often during cooking. Each time you do, you let out valuable heat and steam, which can affect the final texture.
- If the sauce is a bit too thick at the end, you can thin it out with an extra splash of chicken broth or milk. Start with just a tablespoon or two.
Serving and Storing Your Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken
Perfect Pairings for Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken
This rich and creamy Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken serves 6 people, making it a great option for family dinners or easy meal prep. It pairs beautifully with a simple side salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted Brussels sprouts. For heartier appetites, serve it over buttery mashed potatoes or fluffy white rice. A crusty loaf of garlic bread is also the perfect accompaniment to soak up every last drop of that heavenly sauce.
As for drinks, a crisp white wine or an ice-cold beer would complement the flavors nicely. For a non-alcoholic option, try pairing it with a refreshing iced tea or lemonade. No matter how you serve it, Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken is sure to impress.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken is a great meal to make in advance. Simply prepare the recipe as directed, then let it cool completely. Transfer the chicken and sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
When ready to serve, reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or transfer the entire dish to a baking dish and reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
You can also freeze Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken for longer-term storage. Once cooled, transfer the chicken and sauce to a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken
Creative Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken Variations
While the classic version of Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken is tough to beat, there are plenty of ways to switch things up. For a twist on the flavors, try adding a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a splash of white wine to the sauce. You can also swap in different herbs, like fresh thyme or rosemary, in place of the parsley and oregano.
In the summer, try grilling or air frying the chicken thighs before adding them to the slow cooker for an extra layer of flavor. And for a heartier meal, stir in cooked bacon crumbles or sautéed mushrooms along with the shredded chicken.
Making Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken Diet-Friendly
To make this recipe more diet-friendly, there are a few simple swaps you can try. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup. You can also replace the regular cream cheese with a dairy-free or low-fat version.
For a lower-carb take, serve the Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of traditional pasta or potatoes. And if you’re watching your sodium intake, look for low-sodium cream of mushroom soup and use unsalted chicken broth.
No matter which variations or substitutions you choose, Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken is sure to satisfy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: While you can substitute chicken breasts, I highly recommend sticking with chicken thighs for this recipe. The thighs stay much more tender and juicy when slow cooked for the full 360 minutes.
Q: How long does it take to cook Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken?
A: This Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken recipe has a total time of 375 minutes – that’s 15 minutes of prep time and 360 minutes (6 hours) of cook time in the slow cooker.
Q: Can I freeze Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken?
A: Absolutely! Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely, then transfer the chicken and sauce to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 3 months in the freezer.
Q: How many servings does this Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken make?
A: This recipe serves 6 people generously. The quantities of chicken, sauce, and other ingredients are perfectly portioned for a crowd-pleasing family meal.
Q: What if the sauce is too thick at the end?
A: If the sauce seems a bit too thick, you can thin it out by stirring in an extra splash of chicken broth or milk, starting with just 1-2 tablespoons. This will help get the sauce to your desired consistency.
Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken
- Total Time: 375
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken is a creamy, flavor-packed dish that’s sure to impress your guests. Tender chicken thighs are simmered in a rich, velvety sauce made with cream of mushroom soup, cream cheese, and garlic, resulting in a comforting and irresistible meal.
Ingredients
– 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried parsley
– 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
– 1/4 cup chicken broth
Instructions
1. Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream cheese, garlic, parsley, oregano, and black pepper. Stir until well blended.
3. Pour the soup mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker and add the chicken broth.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
5. Serve the Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken over cooked rice or pasta, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
For a thicker sauce, you can remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow the sauce to thicken. Leftover chicken can be shredded and used in other recipes, such as chicken salad or chicken enchiladas.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 360
- Category: Chicken, Beef & Pork
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken is truly a recipe that will have your family begging you to make it again and again. The combination of tender chicken, a creamy garlic-infused sauce, and just the right blend of herbs is simply out of this world. With easy prep and hands-off cooking, it’s the ultimate weeknight wonder that’s sure to become a new household favorite. So what are you waiting for? Grab those ingredients and get your slow cooker ready – it’s time to fall in love with Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken!
