Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is a creamy, dreamy, slow-cooked dish that’s rich in flavor and impossible to resist. Tender chicken breasts simmer gently in a luscious parmesan cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Italian herbs until they’re fall-apart tender. It’s the kind of meal that feels fancy enough for date night, yet it’s made with minimal effort thanks to the slow cooker.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how incredibly easy this dish is—just toss everything in the crock pot and let it work its magic. The flavors are deep and comforting, with just the right balance of savory, creamy, and tangy from the sun-dried tomatoes. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it recipe that turns out amazing every single time. I like serving it over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes to soak up every bit of the delicious sauce.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Grated parmesan cheese
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), chopped
- Italian seasoning
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper
- Cornstarch + water (for thickening, optional)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Directions
- I start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides.
- In the bottom of the crock pot, I add the chicken broth, minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and red pepper flakes if using.
- I place the chicken breasts on top of the liquid and cover the slow cooker with the lid.
- I cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- About 30 minutes before serving, I stir in the heavy cream and parmesan cheese. If I want the sauce thicker, I mix cornstarch with water and stir it in at this point.
- I let everything cook for the remaining time, then give the sauce a final stir before serving.
- I garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve it hot over my favorite side like pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves about 4 people and takes 4–5 hours on low or 2–3 hours on high in the slow cooker. It’s great for a hands-off dinner during a busy day.
Variations
Sometimes I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a richer, more tender result. I’ve also added mushrooms or spinach during the last hour of cooking for extra veggies. For a lower-fat version, I substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, though the sauce will be slightly less rich. If I want a little extra tang, I add a splash of white wine or a squeeze of lemon juice.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, I gently warm it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen up the sauce if needed. This dish also freezes well—I freeze the chicken and sauce in a container for up to 2 months and reheat it slowly on the stovetop or in the microwave.
FAQs
Why is it called “Marry Me Chicken”?
The name comes from the idea that this dish is so delicious, it could inspire a marriage proposal! It’s that comforting and irresistible.
Can I use frozen chicken?
I don’t recommend starting with frozen chicken in the crock pot due to food safety concerns. I always thaw it first before cooking.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
I usually mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and stir it into the sauce about 30 minutes before the cooking time ends.
What should I serve this with?
I love serving it over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice to soak up the creamy sauce. Crusty bread on the side also works great.
Can I make this dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, I substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and skip the parmesan, or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. The flavor will change slightly, but it’s still delicious.
Conclusion
Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is a no-fuss, flavor-packed meal that feels indulgent without requiring much effort. I love making it for special occasions or just when I want something cozy and satisfying. With tender chicken and a creamy, garlicky sauce full of sun-dried tomato flavor, it’s no wonder this dish has become a favorite in my kitchen.
PrintCrock Pot Marry Me Chicken
Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is a rich, creamy slow-cooked dish with tender chicken breasts in a parmesan cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Italian herbs—perfect for an easy, comforting dinner or a special occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, chopped
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides.
- Add chicken broth, minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the bottom of the crock pot.
- Place seasoned chicken breasts on top of the liquid and cover with the lid.
- Cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours, until chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- 30 minutes before serving, stir in heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese. If a thicker sauce is desired, mix cornstarch and water and stir it in now.
- Continue cooking uncovered for the remaining 30 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve hot over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for a richer, more tender result.
- Add mushrooms or spinach during the last hour for extra veggies.
- Use half-and-half for a lighter version of the sauce.
- For added tang, include a splash of white wine or lemon juice.
- Pairs well with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
