Introduction
Have you ever wondered why “Marry Me Chicken” went viral, and why so many health-focused foodies are now raving about High Protein Low Carb Crockpot Marry Me Chicken? When you combine the convenience of a slow cooker with a crave-worthy, protein-packed, low-carb recipe, you get a meal that’s both delicious and diet-conscious. In fact, high protein, low carb diets have been linked to improved satiety and better blood sugar levels1. But what makes this particular recipe so irresistible? Let’s dive into the seven reasons, starting with the secret behind its viral charm.
Looking for more high-protein chicken dinners? Try the Honey BBQ Chicken Rice Bowl for another flavor-packed option!
Ingredients List
What you need for High Protein Low Carb Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is a combination of robust flavors. Each component plays an essential role in delivering that signature “wow” factor:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
(for lean, juicy protein) - 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
(moisture & depth without added carbs) - ¾ cup heavy cream
(creamy texture with minimal carbs; substitute with coconut cream for dairy-free) - ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (sliced)
(sweet, tangy bursts of flavor; use roasted red peppers as an alternative) - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
(nutty, salty complexity) - 4-5 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
(aromatic, herb-forward notes) - ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
(a gentle kick—optional) - Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
Optional additions: A handful of baby spinach stirred near the end for extra greens, or a sprinkle of mozzarella for even more decadence.
For a protein-rich twist on seafood, don’t miss the Asian Style Tuna Cakes!
Timing
One of the best features of this High Protein Low Carb Crockpot Marry Me Chicken recipe is its set-it-and-forget-it convenience:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2.5–3 hours on HIGH or 5–6 hours on LOW
- Total Time: About 3 hours, which is 30–40% faster than many other slow-cooker chicken recipes!
This accelerated cook time ensures a juicy, never-dry finish—no more overcooked, bland chicken.
Curious about more quick-slow-cooker recipes? Explore Chicken Tortilla Soup Crock Pot for another satisfying meal with minimal effort!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Season & Layer
Pat dry the chicken breasts and season each side well with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Place them snugly at the bottom of your crockpot.
Pro tip: If you have time, quickly sear each chicken breast in a hot pan for 2 minutes per side to lock in flavor and moisture.
2. Mix Up Flavors
In a medium bowl, combine heavy cream, chicken broth, garlic, and crushed red pepper. Pour this savory elixir over the chicken.
3. Add Savory Touches
Top chicken with sliced sun-dried tomatoes and sprinkle grated Parmesan evenly over everything.
4. Slow Cook Perfection
Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 2.5–3 hours, until chicken is fork-tender and cream sauce is thickened. During the last 30 minutes, stir in optional spinach if desired.
5. Garnish & Serve
Gently shred or slice chicken if preferred. Finish with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed before serving.
For more step-by-step ideas, try a savory weeknight meal like Savory Garlic Butter Chicken with Fresh Zucchini and Sweet Corn.
Nutritional Information
This High Protein Low Carb Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is engineered for nutrition:
- Per serving (1/6th of recipe):
- Calories: 310
- Protein: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Macros: ~52% protein, 42% fat, 6% carbs
- Supporting data: According to NIH, higher protein, lower carb meals like this support muscle maintenance and satiety.
Seeking even more protein? Try these Ghost Protein Balls for a healthy, on-the-go snack!
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
Adapting this recipe is a breeze if you want to tweak nutrition further:
- Swap heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free richness.
- Replace sun-dried tomatoes with roasted red peppers to lower sodium.
- Use chicken thighs for more iron and zinc if desired, or turkey breast for even leaner protein.
- Add chopped spinach or kale for extra vitamins.
- Lower fat: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream but thicken sauce with a cornstarch slurry.
- Boost fiber by serving alongside steamed broccoli or cauliflower rice.
Looking for a veggie-forward, fiber-rich entrée? The Cottage Cheese and Chickpeas Salad is a great addition to your meal plans!
Serving Suggestions
This irresistible High Protein Low Carb Crockpot Marry Me Chicken shines in multiple settings:
- Family-style dinner: Serve over sautéed spinach or steamed zucchini noodles.
- Meal prep: Portion into containers with roasted asparagus.
- Light lunch: Pair with a Cucumber Strawberry Salad for a refreshing contrast.
- Romantic date night: Garnish with basil, set the table, and let the aroma do the wooing.
Personal tip: Leftovers are delicious cold or rewarmed, and make perfect wraps inside crisp lettuce cups!
Want a quick, tangy side? The Lemon Dressing Recipe Vinaigrette transforms simple greens into a mouthwatering salad.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking: Crockpots vary—check chicken after minimum time and aim for 165°F internal temperature.
- Using too much liquid: Avoid watery sauce by sticking to recipe amounts.
- Skipping the seasoning: Season each layer to keep flavors bold.
- Crowding the crockpot: Arrange chicken in a single layer for even cooking.
Experience-backed insight: Taste as you go—Parmesan can be salty, so adjust salt last!
Want to master cooking temps? Our How Long to Cook Salmon Bites in Oven guide demystifies timing for perfect results.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
- Refrigerate: Store cooled chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze portions in sauce for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Meal prep: Divide into single servings for easy grab-and-go lunches.
- Best practice: Reheat gently, adding a dash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce as needed without drying.
For make-ahead convenience, assemble raw ingredients in your crockpot insert, refrigerate overnight, and start cooking the next morning.
More meal-prep inspiration? Browse Veggie Packed Quinoa Casserole for colorful, nutritious lunchboxes.
Conclusion
High Protein Low Carb Crockpot Marry Me Chicken isn’t just a trend—it’s a protein-rich, low-carb superstar that blends incredible flavor, creamy texture, and ultimate convenience. From its impressive nutrition stats to its crowd-pleasing, creamy-tangy sauce, this dish easily earns a spot in your weekly rotation. Ready to make it? Drop your thoughts or favorite customizations in the comments and check out related recipes for new ideas!
Expand your chicken recipe repertoire with Jalapeno Popper Chicken—another bold flavor adventure!
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts in the crockpot for this recipe?
A: It’s best to thaw chicken first for even and safe cooking. Using frozen chicken can also dilute the sauce as it cooks.
Q: Is this High Protein Low Carb Crockpot Marry Me Chicken keto-friendly?
A: Absolutely! The carbs are minimal and fit well within most keto and paleo frameworks.
Q: What’s the best substitute for heavy cream?
A: