crockpot marry me chicken

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Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is an easy and tasty meal you can make with little effort. Chicken cooks slowly in a creamy sauce with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. It’s perfect when you want a delicious dinner without spending too much time cooking.

Why We Love This Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Recipe

This recipe stands out because it combines convenience with gourmet taste. The slow cooking process allows the chicken to soak up the bold flavors of garlic and herbs, while the sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet and tangy depth. The creamy sauce, thickened with Parmesan and just a hint of spice, makes every bite melt in your mouth. Plus, this dish can easily become a weeknight staple thanks to its minimal prep and rich taste that impresses everyone at the table.

Ingredients for Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • Salt and pepper (to season the chicken generously)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (jarred in oil)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon thyme or oregano
  • 1/2 to 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 8 fresh basil leaves, sliced into ribbons

How to Make Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Directions

First, if you have a bit of extra time, sear the chicken breasts in a skillet with a little oil. This step is optional but adds a lovely golden crust and helps lock in the juices, making your chicken even more tender after slow cooking. Heat the oil over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for about 2 to 3 minutes per side until lightly browned. Transfer the chicken to your slow cooker.

In a bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, thyme or oregano, red pepper flakes, and cornstarch. Pour this flavorful mixture directly over the chicken in the crockpot, covering the pieces well.

Set the slow cooker to low and let it cook for 5 to 6 hours. The long cooking time ensures the chicken becomes fully tender while soaking in all those delicious flavors. Try not to lift the lid too often to keep the heat consistent.

If you prefer a smoother sauce, once cooking is complete, carefully remove the chicken and blend the sauce using an immersion blender or regular blender until creamy. Return the chicken to the slow cooker and stir to coat it in that velvety sauce.

Next, add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce and let it simmer for about five more minutes to thicken and develop an even richer taste. Finally, garnish with fresh basil ribbons and a little extra Parmesan before serving. Don’t forget to taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper as needed for the perfect balance.

How to Serve Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

Serving this dish is simple but rewarding. You can place the chicken directly on plates and spoon generous amounts of the creamy sauce on top. This dish pairs beautifully with light, fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up all that rich sauce. For a low-carb option, serve it alongside steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. Garnishing with fresh basil adds a bright pop of color and freshness that makes the meal feel complete and inviting.

Expert Tips: Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

For the best flavor, always season your chicken generously with salt and pepper before cooking. If you choose to sear the chicken first, use a high-smoke point oil like avocado or canola to get a nice crust without burning. The cornstarch in the sauce is key for creating that silky, thick texture, so be sure to whisk it well into the cream mixture before pouring it over the chicken.

Don’t skip the Parmesan cheese at the end—this ingredient elevates the sauce with its cheesy, salty richness. If you want a little heat, adjust the red pepper flakes according to your taste, but start with less to avoid overpowering the dish. Fresh basil isn’t just for garnish; adding it at the end preserves its bright herbal notes and adds a fresh aroma that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy sauce.

How to Store Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in your refrigerator. This dish keeps well for up to 3 to 5 days, making it great for meal prep or a quick reheat dinner. When reheating, warm the chicken gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring the sauce occasionally to keep it creamy and prevent separation. If the sauce thickens too much after cooling, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it back up.

Variation of Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

You can easily customize this recipe to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. Swap the chicken breasts for boneless, skinless thighs for an even juicier, more flavorful option. For a touch of green and added nutrition, stir in fresh baby spinach during the last 30 minutes of cooking. You can also experiment with different herbs, such as rosemary or basis,l for a slightly different herbal note.

For a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Another tasty twist is to add mushrooms or olives for more texture and a savory boost. These small changes can give the dish a new personality while keeping the essence of that creamy, comforting sauce intact.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

What makes this dish “Marry Me Chicken”?

The name comes from the rich and irresistible sauce that makes this chicken a standout, often prompting requests to keep it in regular rotation—some say it’s so good it could inspire a proposal!

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work perfectly and often stay moister during slow cooking. The cooking time remains the same.

Is it necessary to sear the chicken before slow cooking?

Searing is optional but recommended. It adds a golden crust and locks in juices, enhancing flavor and texture. If you’re short on time, you can skip it without sacrificing taste.

How can I make the sauce smoother?

After cooking, remove the chicken and blend the sauce using an immersion or regular blender. Then return the chicken to coat it with the creamy sauce.

Can I freeze leftover Crockpot Marry Me Chicken?

Yes, you can freeze leftovers in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to avoid breaking the sauce.

What sides go best with this dish?

Rice, mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a crisp salad all pair wonderfully with Crockpot Marry Me Chicken, helping to balance the rich and creamy flavors.

Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

A delicious slow-cooked chicken dish in a creamy sauce with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 10 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • Salt and pepper (to season generously)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (jarred in oil)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon thyme or oregano
  • ½ to 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 8 leaves fresh basil (sliced into ribbons)

Instructions
 

  • If desired, sear the chicken in a skillet with oil for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly browned. Transfer to the slow cooker.
  • In a bowl, whisk together chicken broth, heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, thyme or oregano, red pepper flakes, and cornstarch. Pour over the chicken.
  • Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 5 to 6 hours, until the chicken is tender.
  • If desired, blend the sauce for a smoother texture, then return the chicken to the slow cooker and stir to coat.
  • Add Parmesan cheese and simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

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Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-5 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave.
Keyword Chicken, Creamy Sauce, Crockpot