High Protein Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
If you’re on the lookout for a delicious, hearty meal that’s also packed with protein, look no further than this High Protein Crockpot Marry Me Chicken. This dish combines succulent chicken breasts with flavorful aromatics, creamy cottage cheese, and a hint of Italian herbs to create a mouthwatering recipe that will have you falling in love with your dinner.
Why Make This Recipe
Understanding the allure of this recipe is easy. Whether you’re a busy parent juggling work and family or simply someone who enjoys a stress-free dinner prep, cooking in a crockpot can make mealtime a breeze. The High Protein Crockpot Marry Me Chicken not only simplifies the cooking process but also ensures a tasty and nutritious meal. Plus, it’s adaptable! You can tweak the ingredients to include what you love or have on hand. High protein content makes this dish an excellent choice for anyone looking to maintain a healthy diet without sacrificing flavor.
How to Make High Protein Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
Making this delightful dish is straightforward and requires minimal effort. Just follow these simple steps to create a meal worthy of any romantic dinner.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6-8 oz each)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (not in oil)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon chili crunch oil or red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated preferred)
- 1/2 cup blended cottage cheese (any fat content, must be blended until completely smooth)
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (for garnish)
Directions:
- Season chicken breasts evenly on both sides with kosher salt and black pepper. Set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, add shallot and garlic, sauté for about 2 minutes.
- Push aromatics aside, add chicken, and sear for 2-3 minutes per side.
- Transfer the chicken to a slow cooker along with the pan drippings.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and chicken broth, then cook on LOW for 4-6 hours.
- During the last 30 minutes, whisk cornstarch with a bit of water and stir it into the sauce to thicken.
- After cooking, stir in Parmesan cheese and blended cottage cheese, adjusting the thickness with additional broth if necessary.
- Let the dish rest before serving, then garnish with fresh basil.
Pro Tips for Success with High Protein Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
- Sear for Flavor: Don’t skip the searing step! It caramelizes the chicken and adds depth to the flavor.
- Keep It Low and Slow: Cooking on low allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in tender, juicy chicken.
- Blend the Cottage Cheese: Ensure your cottage cheese is blended until smooth for a creamy texture in the sauce.
- Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to enhance the seasoning based on your taste. A little more chili crunch oil can spice things up.
- Let It Rest: Allow the dish to sit a few minutes after cooking for the flavors to settle in.
Flavor Variations of High Protein Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
- Mediterranean Twist: Add black olives and feta cheese for a Mediterranean flair.
- Creamy Mushroom Addition: Stir in sautéed mushrooms for a heartier flavor profile.
- Spicy Version: Increase the chili crunch oil or red pepper flakes for heat.
- Different Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like oregano or parsley for unique flavor notes.
Serving Suggestions for High Protein Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
Serve your High Protein Crockpot Marry Me Chicken over a bed of whole grains like quinoa or brown rice. Steamed vegetables, such as asparagus or broccoli, make a wonderful side dish. You could also pair it with a fresh garden salad topped with a light vinaigrette to complement the richness of the chicken.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for High Protein Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you wish to freeze the dish, let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It should last for about 2-3 months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
FAQ About High Protein Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts; however, you’ll need to increase the cooking time for safe consumption. Cooking on low might require about 6-8 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the cottage cheese with blended tofu or a non-dairy cream cheese alternative for a dairy-free version that maintains creaminess.
What can I serve with High Protein Crockpot Marry Me Chicken?
This dish pairs well with brown rice, quinoa, or a side of steamed vegetables. A fresh salad or garlic bread also complements the meal beautifully.
Is this dish spicy?
The recipe includes an option to add chili crunch oil or red pepper flakes, which gives a mild kick. If you prefer something milder, feel free to omit these ingredients.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, simply whisk a bit more cornstarch with water and stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Final Thoughts
High Protein Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is an easy, nutritious, and delicious recipe that deserves a spot in your regular dinner rotation. With protein-packed chicken and a creamy sauce, it’s a dish that promises to please everyone at the table. Plus, the effort put into preparation is minimal, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your meals and less time cooking. Enjoy this wonderful dish any day of the week and let it charm your family and friends alike!
Print
High Protein Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
- Total Time: 315 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: High Protein
Description
A delicious, hearty meal featuring succulent chicken breasts, creamy cottage cheese, and Italian herbs, perfect for a stress-free dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6–8 oz each)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (not in oil)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon chili crunch oil or red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated preferred)
- 1/2 cup blended cottage cheese (any fat content, must be blended until completely smooth)
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts evenly on both sides with kosher salt and black pepper. Set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, add shallot and garlic, sauté for about 2 minutes.
- Push aromatics aside, add chicken, and sear for 2-3 minutes per side.
- Transfer the chicken to a slow cooker along with the pan drippings.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and chicken broth, then cook on LOW for 4-6 hours.
- During the last 30 minutes, whisk cornstarch with a bit of water and stir it into the sauce to thicken.
- After cooking, stir in Parmesan cheese and blended cottage cheese, adjusting the thickness with additional broth if necessary.
- Let the dish rest before serving, then garnish with fresh basil.
Notes
Don’t skip the searing step for enhanced flavor. Adjust seasoning as per your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 300 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
