01 -
Okay, first things first, pat those chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. This really helps them sear nicely if you choose to do that, though for the crock pot, it’s more about removing excess moisture. Then, mince your garlic. I always smell my fingers after mincing garlic; it’s just one of those kitchen rituals, you know? Get those sun-dried tomatoes chopped up too. This step is about setting the stage for all that delicious Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken flavor to come.
02 -
Now for the easy part! Place your boneless, skinless chicken thighs right into the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth, then scatter that glorious minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning over the chicken. If you're using red pepper flakes, now's the time to sprinkle them in. I always give it a little stir to make sure everything's somewhat distributed, though honestly, the crock pot does most of the work here anyway. Don't worry if it looks a bit sparse; it'll all come together, I promise.
03 -
Cover your crock pot and set it to cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours. You're looking for that chicken to be super tender, falling apart with just a gentle nudge from a fork. I always peek around the 3-hour mark on low, just to check. The smell that starts wafting through the house at this point? Oh my goodness, it’s heavenly! It’s the smell of dinner, and honestly, the smell of comfort, slowly building for your Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken.
04 -
Once the chicken is cooked through and wonderfully tender, carefully remove it from the crock pot. I usually use two forks to shred it right there on a cutting board. It should practically fall apart, which is exactly what we want! You can shred it into big chunks or smaller pieces, whatever you prefer. I like a mix, honestly. Return the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker with all those amazing juices and sauce base. This ensures every piece gets coated in that deliciousness.
05 -
Now for the creamy magic! Add the softened cream cheese and heavy cream to the crock pot with the shredded chicken and sauce. Give it a really good stir until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated, creating a thick, luxurious sauce. This is where the Marry Me Chicken truly lives up to its name, transforming into something truly special. I once added cold cream cheese, and it took ages to melt, leaving little lumps. Learn from my mistake!
06 -
Finally, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it's melted and smooth. The sauce should be rich, velvety, and oh-so-flavorful. Taste it and adjust any seasonings – maybe a little salt, a little more pepper? Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve this incredible Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. It’s a dish that just begs to be savored, making your kitchen smell like pure joy.