Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is a rich, creamy, and savory dish that’s slow-cooked to tender perfection. Featuring juicy chicken breasts simmered in a sun-dried tomato cream sauce with garlic, parmesan, and Italian herbs, this dish is irresistibly flavorful. It’s the kind of meal that wins hearts—hence the name—and it’s incredibly easy to make using a crock pot, making it perfect for busy weeknights or romantic dinners.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
chicken breastssun-dried tomatoeschicken brothheavy creamparmesan cheesegarliconionpowdered Italian seasoningcrushed red pepper flakes (optional)salt and pepperolive oilcornstarch (for thickening, if desired)fresh basil (for garnish)
directions
Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
In a skillet, heat olive oil and sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until lightly browned (optional but recommended for flavor).
Place the seared chicken in the crock pot.
Add minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if using.
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then stir in grated parmesan cheese.
Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
If the sauce needs thickening, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water, stir it into the crock pot, and cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes.
Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4-6 people.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 3-4 hours (low setting)Total time: 3 hours 10 minutes – 4 hours 10 minutes
Variations
Use boneless chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
Add spinach in the last 30 minutes of cooking for extra greens.
Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter version.
Top with mozzarella cheese and broil for a few minutes for a cheesy finish.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
What makes it “Marry Me” Chicken?
The name comes from how delicious it is—legend says it’s so good it could prompt a marriage proposal!
Can I skip searing the chicken?
Yes, but searing adds extra flavor and color to the dish.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese alternatives, though flavor and texture will vary.
Is it spicy?
Only slightly, and the red pepper flakes are optional.
Can I cook it on high?
Yes, cook for 1.5–2 hours on high, but low heat yields more tender chicken.
What goes well with this dish?
Mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice are great sides to soak up the sauce.
Can I use jarred sun-dried tomatoes?
Yes, either dry-packed or oil-packed (drain excess oil if using the latter).
Does this freeze well?
Yes, just ensure it’s stored in a freezer-safe container and cooled completely before freezing.
Is this gluten-free?
Yes, as long as the broth and other ingredients are gluten-free.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely, just ensure your crock pot is large enough to accommodate.
Conclusion
Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is a creamy, comforting meal that’s full of flavor and incredibly easy to prepare. Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, this dish is sure to become a household favorite. Give it a try and taste the magic that could spark a proposal—or at least earn you lots of compliments!
Print
Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 3–4 hrs (LOW) / 2 hrs (HIGH)
- Total Time: 3–4 hrs 10 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian‑American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Tender chicken breasts slow‑cooked in a creamy garlic and sun‑dried tomato sauce—so good it just might earn you a proposal!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1–2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 3 tbsp cornstarch (for slurry)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ cup chopped sun‑dried tomatoes (drained)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Optionally sear in butter and oil for 2–3 min per side until lightly browned.
- Stir chicken broth, cornstarch, garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, and onion powder in slow cooker to make a slurry.
- Add chicken breasts and sun‑dried tomatoes; turn to coat.
- Cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours until chicken is cooked through.
- Remove chicken; stir in heavy cream and Parmesan into sauce.
- Return chicken to sauce, coat well, garnish with basil, and serve over pasta, rice, or potatoes.
Notes
- For best flavor, sear chicken first, but you can skip this and add extra butter.
- Use heavy cream—not milk—to avoid curdling.
- Adjust sauce thickness by varying cornstarch slurry.
- Leftovers keep in fridge up to 3–4 days; reheat gently to avoid sauce separation.
- Can substitute chicken thighs; adjust cook time accordingly.