Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken: A Creamy, Irresistible Slow Cooker Dinner

Fall in love with dinner all over again! This Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken features tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich, creamy sauce loaded with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan. It’s effortless to make and guaranteed to impress — perfect for a cozy family meal or a special date night.

Why You’ll Love Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

There’s a reason this dish is rumored to inspire marriage proposals! It’s:

• Rich, creamy, and savory with bursts of intense flavor from sun-dried tomatoes.
• Effortless to prepare — your slow cooker does the heavy lifting.
• Perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to dinner parties.
• Highly customizable with easy swaps for cream, cheese, and herbs.

One bite and you’ll understand why it’s called “Marry Me Chicken” — it’s simply unforgettable!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

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

For the Sauce:

• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (drained if packed in oil)
• ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil, chopped (for serving)

How to Make Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Mix salt, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Season both sides of the chicken breasts.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. (Don’t fully cook.) Reserve the pan drippings!

Step 3: Build the Sauce

In your slow cooker, whisk chicken broth and cornstarch until smooth. Add garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and paprika. Whisk again.

Step 4: Slow Cook

Place chicken in the slow cooker. Pour in the reserved pan drippings. Sprinkle sun-dried tomatoes over the chicken.
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours. (Don’t cook on HIGH to avoid sauce separation.)

Step 5: Add Cream and Cheese

About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream. After cooking time is done, remove the chicken and whisk Parmesan into the sauce until smooth.

Step 6: Serve

Return the chicken to the slow cooker, spoon sauce over the top, and garnish with fresh basil.

Helpful Tips and Variations

• Sear for flavor: Don’t skip searing! It locks in juices and adds rich flavor to the sauce.
• Sun-Dried Tomato Tip: If using oil-packed tomatoes, drain and pat dry before chopping.
• Cheese Swap: Mozzarella or Asiago can be used instead of Parmesan for a twist.
• Spice it up: Double the red pepper flakes for extra heat.
• Lighter version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
• Fresh Herb Options: No basil? Try parsley or a sprinkle of dried basil.

What to Serve with Marry Me Chicken

This creamy chicken deserves delicious sides! Try:

• Pasta: Rotini, penne, or fettuccine
• Rice: Steamed white or brown rice
• Mashed Potatoes: Comfort food perfection
• Crusty Bread: Ideal for soaking up every drop of sauce
• Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, asparagus, or a simple green salad

FAQs

Can I cook it on HIGH instead of LOW?
I don’t recommend it. Low and slow cooking makes the chicken tender and keeps the sauce creamy.

What if I don’t like sun-dried tomatoes?
You can skip them or swap for roasted red peppers or fresh cherry tomatoes for a fresher flavor.

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
No. Always thaw chicken first for food safety and best texture.

Can I use chicken thighs?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless thighs are juicy and work perfectly here.

How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can also freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently to maintain sauce texture.

Is there a dairy-free option?
Try full-fat coconut milk instead of cream and use dairy-free cheese or skip the cheese.

Why use cornstarch instead of flour?
Cornstarch gives a silkier, lump-free sauce and keeps the recipe gluten-free.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 520
• Carbs: 9g
• Protein: 38g
• Fat: 37g
• Sodium: 1120mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2g

(Nutrition info is approximate and may vary depending on ingredients.)

Final Thoughts

When I first made this Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken, the kitchen smelled incredible — and by the first bite, my family was hooked. It’s now one of our favorite comfort meals, especially when the weather turns chilly.

There’s just something magical about letting your slow cooker do the work while your home fills with the mouthwatering aroma of creamy, garlicky goodness.
Trust me — one taste, and you’ll be ready to say “I do” to this recipe!