High Protein Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
introduction
This High Protein Crockpot Marry Me Chicken makes a creamy, tasty dinner with little work. It uses cottage cheese and Parmesan for extra protein. If you want to see a similar slow cooker idea, look at the Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken recipe for more flavor ideas.
why make this recipe
This recipe is simple and fast to set up. It cooks in a slow cooker, so you can walk away. The cottage cheese and Parmesan add protein and make a rich sauce. The dish fits busy weeknights and packed lunches.
how to make High Protein Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
Pat the chicken and season it. Sear the breasts quickly to add color. Saute the shallot and garlic, then add sun dried tomatoes and broth. Pour the mix over the chicken in the slow cooker. Cook until the chicken reaches 165°F. Remove the chicken, thicken the sauce with a cornstarch slurry, then stir in blended cottage cheese and Parmesan. Return the chicken to the sauce and add basil. Follow the full steps below in the Directions section.
Ingredients :
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6 to 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 or minced
- 1/4 cup chopped sun dried tomatoes
- 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
- 1/2 cup blended cottage cheese
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
Directions :
- Pat chicken dry. Combine salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Rub the mix evenly over the breasts.
- Blend the cottage cheese until completely smooth and set aside. Measure Parmesan and chop basil.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 1 to 2 minutes per side until lightly browned. Transfer the chicken to the slow cooker.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat and add shallot. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until translucent, then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in sun dried tomatoes and chicken broth. Add chili crunch oil or red pepper flakes if using. Bring to a low simmer and scrape up any brown bits. Pour this mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 3 to 4 hours or on high for 1.5 to 2 hours, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is tender.
- Remove the chicken to a plate and keep warm. Whisk cornstarch into 2 tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry. Stir it into the slow cooker sauce. Cook on high for 5 to 10 minutes to thicken.
- Turn off heat. Stir in blended cottage cheese and grated Parmesan until smooth. Return chicken to the sauce to coat. Sprinkle with chopped basil before serving.
how to serve High Protein Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
Serve the chicken over pasta, rice, or cauliflower rice. Add steamed vegetables or a simple salad on the side. For another slow cooker meal idea to pair with simple sides, try the Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken for a similar comfort-dinner feel.
how to store High Protein Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
- Cool to room temperature before storing.
- Fridge: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until hot. Stir to keep the sauce smooth.
tips to make High Protein Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
- Blend the cottage cheese well so the sauce is smooth.
- Sear the chicken just until browned. Do not cook through in the pan.
- Use low-sodium broth to control salt.
- If the sauce is too thin, add a little more cornstarch slurry and cook until thick.
- Add red pepper flakes for heat, or skip them for mild flavor.
variation (if any)
- Use Greek yogurt instead of blended cottage cheese for a tangier sauce.
- Swap sun dried tomatoes for fresh cherry tomatoes for a lighter taste.
- Add mushrooms or spinach in the last 30 minutes of cooking for extra veggies.
- Use bone-in chicken thighs for deeper flavor; increase cook time as needed.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: You can, but it is safer to thaw first. Frozen chicken will add time and may cook unevenly in a slow cooker.
Q: Can I skip the sear step?
A: Yes. Searing adds color and flavor, but the dish will still cook well if you skip it.
Q: Is cottage cheese okay for people who want more protein?
A: Yes. Cottage cheese adds protein and makes the sauce creamy without heavy cream.
Q: Can I make this low-carb?
A: Yes. Serve over cauliflower rice or a bed of steamed greens instead of pasta.
Q: How do I know when the chicken is done?
A: Use a meat thermometer. The chicken is safe at 165°F (74°C) and should be tender.
High Protein Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Pat chicken dry. Combine salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Rub the mix evenly over the breasts.
- Blend the cottage cheese until completely smooth and set aside. Measure Parmesan and chop basil.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 1 to 2 minutes per side until lightly browned. Transfer the chicken to the slow cooker.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat and add shallot. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until translucent, then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in sun dried tomatoes and chicken broth. Add chili crunch oil or red pepper flakes if using. Bring to a low simmer and scrape up any brown bits. Pour this mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 3 to 4 hours or on high for 1.5 to 2 hours, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is tender.
- Remove the chicken to a plate and keep warm. Whisk cornstarch into 2 tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry. Stir it into the slow cooker sauce. Cook on high for 5 to 10 minutes to thicken.
- Turn off heat. Stir in blended cottage cheese and grated Parmesan until smooth. Return chicken to the sauce to coat. Sprinkle with chopped basil before serving.
