Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is a creamy, flavorful dish with tender slow-cooked chicken in a rich garlic parmesan sun-dried tomato sauce. Inspired by the viral “Marry Me Chicken” recipe, this crock pot version makes it even easier to enjoy a comforting, restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort. Serve it over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a delicious dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy, hands-off cooking – The slow cooker does all the work!
- Rich, creamy, and flavorful – A dreamy garlic parmesan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes.
- Perfect for meal prep – Stores and reheats beautifully.
- Versatile – Serve over pasta, rice, or vegetables.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- Garlic, minced
- Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Italian seasoning
- Red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
- Salt and pepper
- Butter
- Cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh basil (for garnish)
Directions
- Season and Sear the Chicken (Optional): Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat and sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side (optional for added flavor).
- Add Ingredients to the Crock Pot: Place the chicken in the slow cooker. Add garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender.
- Make it Creamy: Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. If a thicker sauce is desired, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water and stir in. Cook for another 15-20 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh basil and serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes – 6 hours 10 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Mushroom Twist: Stir in sautéed mushrooms for extra depth.
- Low-Carb/Keto: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
- Extra Cheesy: Mix in shredded mozzarella or Gouda for more richness.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze without the cream for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and stir in the cream when reheating.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours on low.
What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?
Use cornstarch mixed with water or let it simmer uncovered for 20 minutes.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use coconut cream and dairy-free Parmesan.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried?
Yes, but sun-dried tomatoes add a richer flavor.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then do a natural release for 10 minutes.
What sides go best with this dish?
Pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or roasted vegetables pair beautifully.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Use chicken thighs instead of breasts and cook on low for best results.
Can I add spinach?
Yes! Stir in fresh spinach in the last 10 minutes of cooking.
What type of Parmesan is best?
Freshly grated Parmesan melts best and adds the richest flavor.
Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be slightly thinner.
Conclusion
Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is a creamy, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for busy nights or special occasions. With its rich garlic parmesan sauce and tender chicken, this dish is sure to impress. Try different variations, pair it with your favorite sides, and enjoy a comforting, homemade meal with minimal effort!
Print
Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
- Total Time: 4-6 hours
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Description
This Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken features tender, slow-cooked chicken in a creamy sun-dried tomato parmesan sauce with garlic, herbs, and a hint of spice. It’s so delicious that it just might lead to a proposal! Serve over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice for a romantic and comforting meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 6 chicken thighs)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped, drained if packed in oil)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (for thickening, optional)
For Garnish:
- 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
-
Season the chicken:
- Pat the chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika.
-
Sear the chicken (optional but recommended):
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown (it doesn’t need to be fully cooked).
-
Assemble in the slow cooker:
- Place the chicken in the crock pot.
- Add garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper flakes, and chicken broth.
-
Slow cook:
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until chicken is tender.
-
Make it creamy:
- Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, basil, and oregano.
- If you want a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch and water, then stir it in and let cook for another 15 minutes.
-
Serve & enjoy:
- Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan.
- Serve over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice.
Notes
- Lighter Option: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Extra Flavor: Add a splash of white wine for depth.
- Spicy Version: Increase red pepper flakes or add cayenne.
- Make Ahead: Store leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for 3 months.