If you're looking for a dish that’s packed with flavor, easy to prepare, and promises to impress, then this Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken recipe is for you. With tender, slow-cooked chicken breasts in a creamy, flavorful sauce, it’s no wonder people are saying, “Marry me!” after just one bite. Whether you're cooking for a date night or family dinner, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Read on for a detailed guide, from ingredients to cooking tips, and discover how to create a dish that’s both comforting and elegant.
What is Marry Me Chicken?
Marry Me Chicken is a creamy, savory dish known for its richness and bold flavors. The name is said to come from how irresistible the dish is—some say it’s so good that if you make it for someone, they might just propose! Typically made with chicken breasts, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream, the dish combines the best of hearty and indulgent flavors. This Crock Pot version brings even more convenience to an already simple recipe by allowing the chicken to slow-cook, making it tender and allowing the sauce to develop deep flavors over time.
Ingredients List for Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken
To create the best Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup of sun-dried tomatoes (in oil, drained)
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
These ingredients create a creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy dish that’s full of depth. Each component complements the others perfectly, making this dish rich without being too heavy.
Additional Ingredients for Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken
In addition to the essentials listed above, here are some optional ingredients you can add to make the dish even more flavorful or to suit your personal preferences:
- ½ cup of sliced mushrooms for an earthy taste
- ½ cup of spinach for added greens
- 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard for a subtle tang
- ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika for a deeper, smokier flavor
- ¼ cup of white wine to deglaze the pan and add complexity to the sauce
These ingredients are completely optional but can add interesting twists to the classic version of the recipe. Feel free to experiment based on what you have available or what flavors you enjoy.
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re looking to customize this Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken recipe to suit dietary needs or personal preferences, here are a few common substitutions:
- Chicken thighs instead of breasts: Thighs are fattier and stay juicier, even with extended cooking times.
- Dairy-free version: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.
- Gluten-free: This dish is naturally gluten-free as long as your Parmesan and chicken broth are certified gluten-free.
- Vegetables: You can swap or add vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or artichoke hearts for extra variety and nutrition.
- Protein alternatives: While chicken is the star of this dish, you can also try it with pork tenderloin or turkey breasts for a different spin.
Feel free to adapt the recipe to suit your taste or dietary requirements. The base ingredients—chicken, creamy sauce, and sun-dried tomatoes—provide a fantastic canvas for experimentation.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is incredibly simple, especially since the slow cooker does most of the work. Here’s a breakdown of each step:
- Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown. This step helps lock in the juices and adds a delicious depth of flavor.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Deglaze the pan with the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Add in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and sun-dried tomatoes. Stir until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
- Transfer to the Crock Pot: Place the seared chicken breasts in the bottom of the Crock Pot. Pour the sauce over the chicken, making sure it’s fully submerged. Add the red pepper flakes if you want a bit of heat.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1.5-2 hours. The chicken should be tender and cooked through, with the internal temperature reaching at least 165°F (74°C).
- Finish and serve: Once done, garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. The dish is now ready to serve!
How to Cook Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt and pepper. This simple step is essential to ensuring your chicken has plenty of flavor. Sear the chicken for a couple of minutes on each side to lock in moisture and add flavor to the meat. - Step 2: Make the Sauce
In the same pan, sauté garlic until it’s fragrant. Add chicken broth to deglaze the pan, followed by heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Let this simmer until smooth. Add sun-dried tomatoes for an extra burst of flavor. This sauce will soak into the chicken during the slow-cooking process, creating a tender and flavorful meal. - Step 3: Transfer to the Crock Pot
After preparing the sauce, place the seared chicken into the Crock Pot. Pour the sauce over the chicken, ensuring every piece is well-coated. This will allow the flavors to meld as the chicken cooks. - Step 4: Cook Low and Slow
Set the Crock Pot on low for 3-4 hours or on high for about 1.5-2 hours. The slow, steady cooking process will make your chicken tender and juicy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While this recipe is relatively foolproof, there are a few common mistakes you should avoid:
- Overcooking the chicken: Slow cooking is great, but leaving the chicken in the Crock Pot too long can make it dry and tough. Check it after 3 hours on low to ensure it doesn’t overcook.
- Skipping the searing step: Searing the chicken before adding it to the Crock Pot adds a lot of flavor. Don’t skip this step if you want the best possible result.
- Using too much liquid: The sauce will thicken as it cooks, but adding too much liquid upfront can result in a watery sauce. Stick to the measurements given for the best texture.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Once your Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is ready, you’ll want to present it beautifully. Here are a few tips for serving and presentation:
- Serve the chicken over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
- For a lower-carb option, serve it over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese for a pop of color and flavor.
How to Serve Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken
The creamy, savory sauce of Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- Pasta: A bed of fettuccine or penne is perfect for soaking up the sauce.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes add an extra level of comfort to this dish.
- Rice: Fluffy white rice or even wild rice can be a great accompaniment.
- Bread: Serve with crusty bread to mop up the sauce.
Presentation Ideas for Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken
When it comes to presentation, simple garnishes can make a big difference. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil over the top of each serving. You can also add a few extra sun-dried tomatoes on top for a vibrant pop of color. For a rustic, homestyle look, serve the chicken in the Crock Pot with a serving spoon, allowing guests to help themselves.
Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe Tips
Here are a few tips to help you make the perfect Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken:
- For a thicker sauce, you can remove the lid in the last 30 minutes of cooking to let some of the liquid evaporate.
- If you prefer a crispy topping, transfer the chicken to a baking dish, sprinkle with additional Parmesan, and broil for 2-3 minutes before serving.
- Make extra sauce if you’re serving with pasta—it’s so good, people will want to spoon it over everything!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the sauce and sear the chicken a day in advance. Store them in the fridge, and when ready to cook, just transfer everything to the Crock Pot. - Can I freeze Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken?
Yes, this dish freezes well. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in a skillet or microwave. - What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes?
If you’re not a fan of sun-dried tomatoes, you can substitute them with cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers. - Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add even more flavor and stay moist during the cooking process.
Conclusion
Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is a rich, flavorful dish that’s both easy to make and guaranteed to impress. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and simple preparation, it’s a perfect recipe for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Whether you stick to the classic version or add your own variations, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try—you might just hear someone say, "Marry me!" after the first bite!
PrintCrock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe
This Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken recipe is a flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights or a romantic dinner. Juicy chicken breasts are slow-cooked in a creamy, herb-infused sauce that will make anyone fall in love with your cooking. This easy recipe requires minimal prep time and delivers maximum flavor, making it ideal for any 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: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts
- Garlic
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Italian seasoning
- Red pepper flakes
- Fresh basil
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- In a crockpot, add chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
- Place seasoned chicken in the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 3-4 hours or until chicken is cooked through.
- Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil.
- Let it cook for an additional 15-20 minutes to thicken the sauce.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
- Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
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