Keto Crockpot Marry Me Chicken for Holidays Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Season the Chicken: Generously season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and dried Italian seasoning to infuse the meat with robust flavors.
- 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.
- Move to the Crockpot: Transfer the seared chicken breasts into the crockpot to prepare for slow cooking.
- 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.
- Pour the Creamy Sauce: Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken in the crockpot, ensuring all pieces are covered to absorb the rich flavors.
- 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.
- 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.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the dish and season with additional salt and pepper as needed to achieve bright, savory flavors.
- 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
