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Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe

BySarah
Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 13 reviews

If you’ve been on the hunt for a luscious, effortless dinner idea that feels fancy but is oh-so-simple, I’ve got just the thing for you: Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe. Trust me, once you try this, it’s the kind of meal that makes you want to invite everyone over just to share it — that rich sauce, the tender chicken, and those sun-dried tomatoes? Absolute magic. I can’t wait to walk you through how to nail this recipe at home, so let’s dive in!

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Set-It-and-Forget-It Ease: Slow cooking means you pop everything in the crock pot, then get on with your day.
  • Perfectly Tender Chicken: The low heat and long cooking time create juicy, fall-apart chicken breasts every time.
  • Flavor-Packed Creamy Sauce: Combining spices, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan delivers that irresistible “marry me” flavor.
  • Minimal Prep, Maximum Impact: A quick sear before slow cooking amps up the flavor without making things complicated.
Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken, creamy chicken dinner, easy slow cooker chicken recipe, sun-dried tomato chicken, romantic chicken dish - The image shows four cooked chicken pieces in a creamy, thick sauce inside a black pot. The sauce is light orange-yellow with a smooth texture. The chicken pieces are golden brown with some dark red-brown bits on top that look like sun-dried tomatoes or spices. Fresh green herbs, probably chopped parsley or basil, are sprinkled all over the chicken and sauce. There are also thin white shreds, likely grated cheese, spread evenly on top. The pot is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe plays a delicious role. The chicken breasts give you a lean protein base, while the sun-dried tomatoes and parmesan bring depth and richness to the sauce. Pro tip: using freshly grated parmesan rather than pre-shredded makes a big difference in how creamy and smooth your sauce turns out!

Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken, creamy chicken dinner, easy slow cooker chicken recipe, sun-dried tomato chicken, romantic chicken dish - Flat lay of four raw boneless, skinless chicken breasts with smooth, pale pink skin, scattered bright red sun-dried tomatoes with a slightly wrinkled texture, several fresh basil leaves in vibrant green with delicate veins, whole garlic bulbs and peeled garlic cloves showing their creamy white color, a small pile of grated parmesan cheese with a fine, crumbly texture in off-white, a mix of dried Italian herbs with flecks of green and brown, whole red pepper flakes with deep red and orange tones, and a small mound of paprika powder in rich rusty red, all beautifully arranged in a natural, slightly scattered composition placed on white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7
  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These cook evenly in the crock pot and soak up the flavors beautifully.
  • Salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper: A simple seasoning blend that enhances the chicken without overpowering it.
  • Olive oil and butter: Pre-searing the chicken in these fats seals in juices and adds flavor complexity.
  • Chicken broth: Adds savory moisture and acts as the slow cooker’s cooking liquid base.
  • Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce effortlessly without any clumps when whisked properly.
  • Heavy cream: Creates that luxurious, silky sauce texture; see notes on how to add it safely.
  • Minced garlic: Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with its signature punch.
  • Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, paprika: Complex and warm spices bring the “wow” factor.
  • Sun-dried tomatoes: Their deep tomato flavor adds a sweet-tart brightness.
  • Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated parmesan melts into the sauce for richness and umami.
  • Fresh basil leaves: Stirred in last, they provide a fresh herbal note and pretty color.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

This Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe is totally a canvas for flavors, so don’t be shy about tweaking! I often swap out the sun-dried tomatoes for roasted red peppers when I’m feeling a little different, and sometimes I like to add a handful of olives for a briny kick. You’ll find the beauty of this recipe is in making it your own.

  • Spicier version: I’ve added extra red pepper flakes or even a splash of hot sauce when friends want that spicy hit—it never disappoints.
  • Dairy-free option: Try canned coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a creamy texture without the dairy, and skip the parmesan or use nutritional yeast.
  • Herbal twist: Fresh thyme or oregano can be used in place of or alongside basil for a fresher feel.
  • Make it a skillet dinner: If you’re short on time, you can cook this on the stove with the same ingredients—just simmer gently after searing.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Season & Sear the Chicken

Start by mixing the salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper in a small bowl. I like to rub this seasoning all over the chicken breasts—don’t be shy! Then, heat your skillet over medium-high and add the olive oil and butter. When the butter melts and starts to shimmer, carefully place the chicken in the pan. Sear for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. This step is key for locking in flavor, so don’t skip it! Remember, you’re not cooking the chicken through here, just getting a nice crust.

Step 2: Whisk the Sauce Base

In a separate bowl, whisk the chicken broth with cornstarch until you have a smooth consistency with no lumps. Slowly add in the heavy cream—here’s a little pro tip from experience: if your slow cooker runs hot, wait to add the heavy cream until the final 30 minutes of cooking to avoid curdling. Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and paprika. This spice combo is what really brings out that restaurant-quality sauce.

Step 3: Assemble in the Crock Pot

Pour the broth mixture into your slow cooker, then nestle the seared chicken breasts inside, making sure they’re mostly submerged in the liquid. Don’t forget to drizzle the olive oil and butter from your skillet right over the top—they carry so much flavor goodness! Sprinkle the chopped sun-dried tomatoes across each piece of chicken.

Step 4: Slow Cook Low and Slow

Cover the crock pot and set it to low for 6-8 hours. I promise, patience is key here. Avoid lifting the lid to peek—it’s tempting, but every time you open it, you add to cooking time and risk drying the chicken out. Larger chicken breasts may need the full eight hours to get that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness we’re all craving.

Step 5: Finish the Sauce

Once cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken breasts with tongs and set them aside. Whisk the parmesan cheese into the sauce in the crock pot until melted and silky. Return the chicken to the crock pot, pour the sauce over each piece, then top with freshly chopped basil leaves. Now it’s ready to serve!

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Pro Tips for Making Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe

  • Don’t Skip the Sear: Browning that chicken adds caramelized flavor that slow cooking alone just can’t replicate.
  • Add Heavy Cream Late if Needed: On slow cookers that tend to get too hot, add cream in the last half hour to keep sauce smooth.
  • Use Fresh Parmesan: It melts better and avoids a grainy sauce compared to pre-shredded cheese.
  • Resist Peeking: Every time you lift the lid, heat escapes and cooking slows, risking dry chicken.

How to Serve Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe

Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken, creamy chicken dinner, easy slow cooker chicken recipe, sun-dried tomato chicken, romantic chicken dish - The image shows a close-up of a single cooked piece of chicken covered in creamy sauce with small bits of sun-dried tomatoes and fresh green herbs on top. The chicken is held above a pan filled with more creamy sauce, with additional pieces of chicken partially visible under the sauce. The sauce is a pale yellow color with bits of tomato and herbs scattered throughout, and the chicken looks tender and juicy with a slightly browned surface. The photo is sharp, with the details of the herbs and sauce texture clear. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love finishing this dish with plenty of fresh chopped basil because it adds that bright, herbal contrast to the creamy sauce. Sometimes, I throw on a little extra parmesan at the table for anyone who wants an extra cheesy bite. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes also amps up the heat beautifully if you’re into a little spice.

Side Dishes

When it comes to sides, this chicken shines with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery garlic rice to soak up the sauce. Roasted or steamed green veggies—think asparagus or broccoli—add color and a fresh crunch that balances the richness. I even adore serving it over buttered pasta for an easy crowd-pleaser.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this in cute little ramekins topped with a basil sprig—so pretty and restaurant-level! It’s also wonderful layered over polenta or creamy grits for a Southern twist. If you want to impress, sprinkle toasted pine nuts on top for crunch and a nutty finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it cools, so before reheating, I like to stir in a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up a bit. This keeps everything nice and creamy without drying out.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. I portion it into freezer-safe containers—chicken and sauce together—and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking or separating. If reheating in the microwave, stop to stir every minute or so, and add a splash of cream or broth if it looks too thick. Always reheat until piping hot for safety and flavor.

FAQs

  1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe?

    Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will result in even juicier, more flavorful meat. They also tend to withstand slow cooking really well. Reduce cooking time slightly if using smaller thighs to avoid overcooking.

  2. What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes—can I omit them?

    You can definitely omit sun-dried tomatoes, but they do add a unique sweetness and acidity that elevates the sauce. If you skip them, consider adding a teaspoon of tomato paste or a handful of chopped roasted red peppers to keep that depth of flavor.

  3. Why shouldn’t I cook this recipe on high in the slow cooker?

    Cooking on high risks scorching the creamy sauce and can cause it to separate or curdle. The low setting ensures gentle cooking that keeps the sauce silky and the chicken tender and juicy without drying out.

  4. Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?

    For dairy-free, swap heavy cream for coconut milk or cashew cream and replace parmesan with nutritional yeast or omit it altogether. For a fully vegan version, use plant-based chicken substitutes and adjust seasoning accordingly—though note the flavor will differ from the classic.

Final Thoughts

This Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe quickly became one of my go-to weeknight meals because it’s hearty, flavorful, and honestly feels a little special—a perfect cozy dinner without fuss. I love that you can prep it in the morning, come home to a delicious fragrant kitchen, and have a meal ready to impress with zero stress. You’re going to love how this one tastes and how easy it is to make, so fire up your crock pot and give it a go—you might just fall in love too!

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Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 13 reviews
  • Author: Sarah
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 hours
  • Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American
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Description

Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is a creamy, flavorful slow-cooked chicken dish with a rich sauce made from garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan, and fresh basil. Tender chicken breasts are seared before slow cooking to develop depth of flavor, then simmered in a luscious sauce for a comforting and indulgent meal perfect for busy days.

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 Tablespoons butter

Sauce

  • 1 ½ cups chicken broth
  • 3 Tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ⅓ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, drained
  • ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 6-8 fresh basil leaves, chopped

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken: In a small bowl, mix together ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Season both sides of the 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts with this seasoning blend.
  2. Sear the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter, allowing the butter to melt. Sear the chicken breasts on both sides until golden brown. Remove the pan from heat and set aside, keeping the leftover oil and butter in the pan.
  3. Prepare the sauce base: In a bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups chicken broth and 3 tablespoons cornstarch until smooth and lump-free.
  4. Combine sauce ingredients in slow cooker: Pour the chicken broth mixture into the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Whisk in 1 cup heavy cream, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and paprika until well combined.
  5. Add chicken and sun-dried tomatoes: Place the seared chicken breasts into the slow cooker and then pour the reserved olive oil and butter from the skillet on top. Top each chicken breast with the chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
  6. Slow cook the chicken: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and absorb the flavors. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to maintain temperature and tenderness.
  7. Finish the sauce and serve: Remove the chicken breasts. Whisk in ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese into the sauce in the slow cooker. Return the chicken to the slow cooker, spoon sauce over, and sprinkle with chopped fresh basil leaves. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Do not cook on high heat to prevent the sauce from scorching; slow cooking on low is essential for best results.
  • If your slow cooker runs hot and tends to boil, add the heavy cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent curdling.
  • For quicker preparation, try the stovetop version of Marry Me Chicken.
  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
  • Calories: 520 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 35 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 7 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 140 mg

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