Keto Crockpot Marry Me Chicken for Holidays Recipe

Introduction

This Keto Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is a rich, creamy dish perfect for holiday gatherings or any comfort food craving. Tender chicken breasts simmered in a flavorful sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan create a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (preferably packed in oil, drained)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• 3 cups fresh spinach leaves
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. This step is optional but enhances flavor.
3. Step 3: Transfer the seared chicken breasts to the crockpot.
4. Step 4: In a bowl, whisk together heavy cream, chicken broth, minced garlic, grated Parmesan, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes until smooth.
5. Step 5: Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken in the crockpot, making sure the chicken is well covered.
6. Step 6: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender.
7. Step 7: About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the fresh spinach leaves and allow them to wilt into the sauce.
8. Step 8: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
9. Step 9: Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Enjoy over cauliflower rice or steamed low-carb vegetables.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine to the sauce mixture before cooking.
• If you prefer less heat, omit the red pepper flakes or reduce the amount.
• Swap spinach for kale or Swiss chard for a different leafy green twist.
• To make it dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. The sauce may thicken when chilled; add a splash of chicken broth or water when reheating to loosen it.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

It’s best to use thawed chicken breasts for even cooking, but if using frozen, increase the cooking time by about an hour on low or 30 minutes on high. Always ensure chicken is fully cooked before serving.

Can I prepare this recipe without searing the chicken?

Yes, searing is optional and used to enhance flavor and texture. You can skip it and place the seasoned chicken directly into the crockpot, but the dish may be less rich in taste.

Keto Crockpot Marry Me Chicken for Holidays Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 478 reviews

This Keto Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is a creamy, savory, and easy-to-make holiday meal featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a luscious sauce of heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and spices. The dish is perfectly balanced with fresh spinach added at the end for color and nutrition, making it a comforting low-carb option ideal for festive occasions or any day you crave a rich, flavorful chicken entrée.

• Author: Luna
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high
• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Carb

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter

Sauce

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (preferably packed in oil, drained)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

Vegetables and Garnish

• 3 cups fresh spinach leaves
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Season the Chicken: Generously season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and dried Italian seasoning to infuse the meat with robust flavors.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the seasoned chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown to lock in juices and enhance flavor.
3. Move to the Crockpot: Transfer the seared chicken breasts into the crockpot to prepare for slow cooking.
4. Mix the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together heavy cream, chicken broth, minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and optional red pepper flakes until smooth and creamy.
5. Pour the Creamy Sauce: Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken in the crockpot, ensuring all pieces are covered to absorb the rich flavors.
6. Cooking Time: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the chicken becomes tender and flavorful.
7. Add the Spinach: About 15 minutes before serving, stir fresh spinach leaves into the crockpot, allowing them to wilt gently into the sauce, adding color and nutrition.
8. Taste and Adjust: Taste the dish and season with additional salt and pepper as needed to achieve bright, savory flavors.
9. Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley if desired. This dish pairs beautifully with cauliflower rice or steamed low-carb vegetables for a perfect holiday or keto-friendly meal.

Notes

• Searing the chicken is optional but recommended for enhanced flavor and texture.
• Using sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil adds richness; if using dry-packed, rehydrate or add some olive oil for balance.
• Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level or omit if you prefer no heat.
• The dish can be kept warm in the crockpot for up to an hour after cooking without compromising quality.
• Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: keto chicken, crockpot chicken, marry me chicken, creamy chicken, low carb holiday meal, slow cooker recipes, keto holiday dinner