Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is a simple, hands-off dish that feels like a special date night right at home. It’s tender chicken cooked slowly in a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and a hint of spice that makes every bite flavorful and comforting. The sauce thickens up beautifully while everything simmers together, making it rich without being complicated.
I love making this recipe when I want something that feels impressive but doesn’t take much time or effort. The slow cooker does all the work, and I usually just throw in the ingredients before heading out or starting my day. When I come back, the house smells amazing, and the chicken is so juicy it almost melts. Plus, the sun-dried tomatoes add a little surprise burst of flavor that keeps this dinner interesting.
My favorite way to serve Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or alongside some warm, crusty bread to soak up that luscious sauce. It’s a meal that’s perfect for a cozy night in, and I’ve found that friends always ask me to make it again because it’s as comforting as it is delicious. That’s why I think it’s called ‘Marry Me’—it’s just that unforgettable!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breasts: This recipe works best with boneless, skinless chicken breasts for tender, juicy meat. You can use thighs if you prefer darker meat with more flavor and moisture.
Sun-dried tomatoes: These add a tangy sweetness and chewy texture. If you don’t have them, chopped roasted red peppers can be a nice substitute but with less intensity.
Heavy cream and Parmesan cheese: Together, they make a rich, creamy sauce. For lighter options, use half-and-half or coconut milk and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
Red pepper flakes: These give a subtle kick. Adjust the spice to your taste, or omit if you prefer a milder sauce.
Italian seasoning and basil: These herbs bring classic flavor. Fresh basil adds brightness if you have it, while dried works fine too.
How Do You Make Sure the Chicken Stays Moist and Tender?
Slow cooking the chicken in the crockpot allows it to soak up the flavorful sauce and stay juicy. Here’s how to get the best texture:
- If you have time, sear the chicken briefly in a hot pan before adding to the slow cooker. This locks in juices and adds flavor.
- Cook on low heat rather than high when possible. This gentle heat keeps the chicken tender and prevents drying.
- Check for doneness at the minimum time. Overcooking can cause dryness, so remove the chicken as soon as it’s cooked through.
- After cooking, let the chicken rest in the sauce to absorb even more moisture and flavor.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Crockpot or slow cooker – This is the main tool that makes the dish easy and hands-off, cooking everything slowly until tender.
- Skillet – Optional, but great for searing the chicken beforehand to add extra flavor and richness.
- Whisk – Perfect for combining the creamy sauce ingredients smoothly without lumps.
- Measuring cups and spoons – To ensure the right amount of ingredients, especially the liquids and spices.
- Serving dish or plate – To serve the chicken over rice or mashed potatoes and keep everything warm at the table.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Protein swap: Use turkey cutlets or pork tenderloin for a different twist on the tender, flavorful chicken.
- Cheese options: Try mozzarella or asiago instead of Parmesan for a different cheesy flavor.
- Veggie boost: Add spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini in the last 30 minutes of cooking for extra greens and texture.
- Spice level: Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne for more heat, perfect for spice lovers.
Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (preferably packed in oil)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil or 2 teaspoons fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for browning)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked white rice or mashed potatoes, for serving
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 10-15 minutes for preparation, especially if you decide to brown the chicken first for extra flavor. Then, slow cook the dish for 4-5 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high in the crockpot. If you want to thicken the sauce, add an extra 15-20 minutes of uncovered cooking at the end.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. (Optional) Brown the Chicken:
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. This step adds flavor but isn’t necessary.
2. Arrange Chicken in Crockpot:
Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot in a single layer.
3. Add Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes:
Sprinkle minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes evenly over the chicken breasts.
4. Prepare Creamy Sauce:
In a bowl, whisk together heavy cream, chicken broth, grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, and basil until well combined.
5. Pour Sauce & Cook:
Pour the creamy sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring the pieces are well covered. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
6. Thicken Sauce (optional):
Once the chicken is cooked, remove the pieces and set them aside. Stir the sauce in the crockpot to combine. For a thicker sauce, cook uncovered on high for 15-20 minutes.
7. Finish & Serve:
Return the chicken to the sauce to coat it well. Serve each piece topped with chopped fresh parsley, accompanied by cooked white rice or mashed potatoes to enjoy all the delicious sauce.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, but make sure the chicken is fully thawed before adding it to the crockpot. Thaw overnight in the fridge or use the cold water method for quicker thawing. This helps ensure even cooking and prevents food safety issues.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and assemble everything in the crockpot insert the night before, then refrigerate. When ready, just set the crockpot to cook. This saves time and enhances flavor as the ingredients meld.
How Do I Store and Reheat Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. If the sauce thickened too much in the fridge, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up.
What Can I Serve with Crockpot Marry Me Chicken?
This dish pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy white rice, or roasted vegetables. These sides soak up the rich, flavorful sauce and round out the meal perfectly.
