High Protein Crockpot Marry Chicken

This slow-cooked chicken dish has revolutionized my weeknight dinner routine, combining incredible flavors with high protein and low carbs for a healthy meal that tastes absolutely indulgent. The creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and Italian herbs transforms ordinary chicken into something truly extraordinary.

I first made this for my partner on our anniversary when I was short on time but wanted something special. The name says it all it earned me a marriage proposal that very night! Now it's our go to celebration meal that feels fancy without the fuss.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: They provide lean protein and absorb all the wonderful flavors in the sauce. Look for uniform sized pieces for even cooking.
• Kosher salt: The coarse texture adheres better to the chicken. Diamond Crystal brand has a cleaner taste than table salt.
• Pepper: Freshly ground adds the best flavor and subtle heat.
• Onion powder: Adds savory depth without the texture of actual onions. Always check for freshness by smelling before using.
• Italian seasoning: This herb blend saves you from needing multiple dried herbs. Choose one with visible herb pieces rather than fine powder.
• Olive oil: Use a good quality extra virgin for best flavor when searing.
• Shallot: Provides a milder more elegant flavor than regular onion. Look for firm bulbs with no soft spots.
• Garlic: Fresh crushed cloves provide much better flavor than pre minced. Select heads that feel heavy for their size.
• Sun dried tomatoes: Not packed in oil reduces unnecessary fat while concentrating rich umami flavor. Choose bright red ones for best taste.
• Low sodium chicken broth: Gives control over the final saltiness of the dish. Homemade is best but boxed works well too.
• Chili crunch oil: Adds subtle heat and complexity. Optional but highly recommended for depth.
• Cornstarch: The secret to thickening the sauce without flour keeping it lower in carbs.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds salty depth and helps thicken the sauce. Freshly grated melts better than pre shredded.
• Blended cottage cheese: My protein boosting secret that creates creaminess without heavy cream. Regular ricotta works too but has less protein.
• Fresh basil: Essential for bright fresh flavor at the end. Look for vibrant green leaves with no black spots.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Season the Chicken:

Generously sprinkle both sides of each chicken breast with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper. This step is crucial as it builds the foundation of flavor. Make sure to pat the chicken dry first with paper towels to help the seasonings adhere and promote better browning.

Prepare the Aromatics:

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it shimmers but doesn't smoke. Add the finely chopped shallot and crushed garlic, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Cook for exactly 2 minutes until fragrant and translucent but not browned, as browning can make garlic bitter.

Sear the Chicken:

Push the shallot and garlic mixture to the edges of the pan to create space for the chicken. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown but not cooked through. This develops a beautiful crust and locks in moisture. During the last minute of searing, sprinkle the onion powder and Italian seasoning evenly over both sides of the chicken.

Set Up the Slow Cooker:

Transfer the seared chicken breasts to your slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer if possible. Scrape all the flavorful bits from the skillet and add them too. Scatter the chopped sun dried tomatoes around and between the chicken pieces rather than piling them on top.

Add Liquids and Cook:

Pour the chicken broth around the edges of the chicken, being careful not to wash off the seasonings. If using, drizzle the chili crunch oil or sprinkle red pepper flakes evenly over everything. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours, checking occasionally if your slow cooker runs hot.

Thicken the Sauce:

About 30 minutes before the cooking time is complete, combine the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl, whisking until completely smooth with no lumps. Remove the slow cooker lid and slowly stir in this slurry, being careful to distribute it evenly throughout the liquid. Replace the lid and continue cooking for the remaining time.

Create the Creamy Finish:

Once the chicken reaches 165°F internally, turn off the heat completely. Remove the chicken temporarily to a plate. Add the grated Parmesan and blended cottage cheese to the sauce in the slow cooker, whisking continuously until perfectly smooth and velvety. This may take 2 to 3 minutes of consistent whisking.

Serve and Garnish:

Return the chicken to the sauce, spooning the creamy mixture over each piece to coat completely. Let it rest in the sauce for 5 minutes to absorb flavors. Serve each piece with plenty of sauce and a generous sprinkle of the chopped fresh basil on top for color and aromatic finish.

Save This

The blended cottage cheese is truly my secret weapon in this recipe. I discovered it by accident when I was out of heavy cream one night and had to improvise. My husband actually commented that the sauce was even better than usual! Now I keep it on hand specifically for this dish. The extra protein boost without the heavy calories makes this truly a guilt free comfort food.

Make It Ahead

This dish actually improves with time as the flavors meld together. You can prepare everything up to the point of adding the cornstarch slurry, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, reheat in the slow cooker on LOW for 1 hour, then proceed with thickening the sauce and adding the cheese. The convenience factor goes through the roof when hosting guests, as you can focus on other preparations while this bubbles away.

Serving Suggestions

While perfectly delicious on its own, this chicken pairs beautifully with several sides while maintaining its low carb profile. Try serving it over cauliflower rice for an extra serving of vegetables, or alongside roasted asparagus drizzled with lemon juice. For those not counting carbs, a small portion of whole grain pasta or crusty bread for sauce dipping works wonderfully. A simple arugula salad with olive oil and lemon juice provides a fresh counterpoint to the rich sauce.

Smart Substitutions

If cottage cheese isn't your thing, Greek yogurt makes an excellent alternative with similar protein benefits, though the sauce will have a slightly tangier profile. For those avoiding dairy altogether, unsweetened coconut cream can replace both the Parmesan and cottage cheese, though you will lose some protein content. The sun dried tomatoes can be swapped for roasted red peppers for a different but equally delicious flavor direction. Chicken thighs can replace breasts for those who prefer darker meat, though cooking time may need to be reduced slightly to prevent overcooking.

Common Queries

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs can be substituted for breasts. They offer a juicier texture and withstand longer slow-cooking times well.

→ Is it possible to prep this ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble the ingredients the night before and start cooking in the morning for easy meal prep.

→ Does blended cottage cheese alter the flavor?

Blending cottage cheese gives a creamy texture without overpowering the sauce, adding protein and mild dairy notes.

→ How can I make the dish spicier?

Use chili crunch oil or sprinkle in red pepper flakes to increase heat without masking other flavors.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

Serve with cauliflower rice, steamed vegetables, or fresh green salad to complement the creamy, tangy chicken.