Creamy Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe

The Best Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe for Dreamy Dinners

My grandmother’s secret crock pot marry me chicken recipe promises pure culinary magic with minimal effort.

Tender chicken breasts slowly simmer in a creamy sauce that melts hearts and sparks conversations.

Each bite delivers rich parmesan and herb-infused flavors that feel like a warm embrace.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary when this simple yet sophisticated dish arrives at the table.

Comfort meets elegance in a meal that requires just a few ingredients and minimal preparation.

Smooth, decadent, and impossibly delicious, you’ll want to share this recipe with everyone you know.

Dive into a dinner that might just convince someone to propose – no promises, but the chicken is that good.

What Makes Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Special

  • Simplify Weeknight Dinners: Toss ingredients into the crock pot and let it work its magic, creating a delicious meal with minimal hands-on preparation.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap side dishes like pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes to match your family's preferences and keep meals exciting.
  • Impress Without Stress: Transform basic chicken breasts into a restaurant-worthy dish that looks and tastes gourmet without complicated cooking techniques.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Combine sun-dried tomatoes, herbs, and creamy Parmesan sauce for a rich, comforting meal that satisfies everyone at the table.

Ingredients That Build Marry Me Chicken

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: A lean and tender protein that serves as the foundation of this hearty slow-cooker dish.
Herbs and Seasonings:
  • Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the natural flavor of the chicken.
  • Oregano, Thyme: Aromatic herbs that add depth and a subtle Mediterranean touch to the dish.
Liquid and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Chicken Broth: A flavorful liquid that helps keep the chicken moist and adds richness to the sauce.
  • Garlic: A pungent ingredient that provides a robust and savory undertone to the recipe.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Concentrated tomatoes that bring a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the dish.
  • Heavy Cream: A rich and creamy ingredient that helps create a luxurious sauce.
  • Parmesan Cheese: A salty and nutty cheese that adds complexity and thickness to the sauce.
Garnish:
  • Fresh Basil: A bright and aromatic herb that provides a fresh finish to the completed dish.

Cooking Instructions for Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

Step 1: Prep The Protein

Place chicken breasts inside the slow cooker. Sprinkle these delicious spices over the meat:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Dried oregano
  • Dried thyme

Ensure each piece is evenly coated for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Build The Flavor Base

Pour these ingredients into the slow cooker:
  • Chicken broth
  • Minced garlic
  • Chopped sun-dried tomatoes

The combination will create a mouthwatering foundation for your dish.

Step 3: Slow Cook To Perfection

Cover and cook the chicken using these settings:
  • Low heat: 4-5 hours
  • High heat: 2-3 hours

The goal is tender, juicy chicken that falls apart effortlessly.

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce

During the final 30 minutes of cooking, add:
  • Heavy cream
  • Grated Parmesan cheese

Gently stir these ingredients to create a luxurious, velvety sauce that will make everyone swoon.

Step 5: Finish And Serve

Sprinkle fresh chopped basil over the top.

Serve this dreamy chicken alongside:
  • Pasta
  • Rice
  • Mashed potatoes

Enjoy your restaurant-quality meal straight from the slow cooker!

Secrets to Marry Me Chicken Success

  • Swap chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer more flavor and moisture in your dish.
  • Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and create a healthier version of the recipe.
  • Prepare sun-dried tomatoes beforehand by rehydrating them in warm water for extra tenderness and rich flavor.
  • Add red pepper flakes for a subtle kick if you enjoy mild spiciness in your creamy chicken dish.
  • Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can elevate the overall taste and presentation of the meal, making it more vibrant and appetizing.

Flavor Boosts That Lift Marry Me Chicken

  • Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a creamy, lactose-free version.
  • Vegetarian Swap: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or portobello mushrooms, adjusting cooking time to prevent overcooking.
  • Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Add red pepper flakes, extra garlic, and a splash of white wine for a bolder, more intense flavor profile.
  • Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate intake while maintaining the dish's delicious essence.

Perfect Complements to Marry Me Chicken

  • Romantic Date Night Delight: Serve this creamy chicken on a candlelit table with soft music, creating an intimate dining experience that feels like a special occasion.
  • Weeknight Family Feast: Pair the tender chicken with buttery garlic bread and a crisp green salad for a comforting meal that pleases both kids and adults.
  • Italian-Inspired Plating: Spread the chicken and rich sauce over a bed of al dente linguine, sprinkle extra Parmesan, and garnish with fresh basil leaves for a restaurant-quality presentation.
  • Meal Prep Champion: Pack individual portions with quinoa or cauliflower rice for easy, delicious lunches that reheat beautifully and keep you excited about your next meal.

Keeping Marry Me Chicken at Its Best

  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Store chicken and sauce separately for better preservation, keeping them in sealed containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
  • Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn, for up to 2 months.
  • Reheat refrigerated chicken in microwave by placing in microwave-safe dish, covering with damp paper towel, and heating in 30-second intervals until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • Restore sauce's creamy consistency by gently warming in saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly and adding splash of chicken broth if needed to prevent separation.

FAQs

  • Is this recipe spicy?

No, the Marry Me Chicken is not spicy. It has a rich, creamy flavor with herbs like oregano and thyme that provide delicious taste without heat.

  • Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work perfectly in this recipe. They tend to be more tender and flavorful, and will cook well in the crock pot with the same seasonings.

  • Do I need to brown the chicken before putting it in the crock pot?

No browning is necessary. You can place the raw chicken directly into the crock pot with seasonings, which makes this recipe super easy and convenient.

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Creamy Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe

Creamy Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe


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4.8 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Marry Me Chicken emerges as a creamy, irresistible dish that promises to win hearts with its rich parmesan and sun-dried tomato sauce. Slow-cooked perfection awaits when you follow this simple recipe that delivers restaurant-quality flavor right from your kitchen.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Dairy and Cream:

  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Herbs, Spices, and Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup (75 grams) sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Layer seasoned chicken breasts in the slow cooker, coating with a blend of aromatic herbs to enhance flavor profiles.
  2. Pour chicken broth over the meat, creating a moisture-rich environment that will infuse the protein with savory undertones.
  3. Scatter minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes across the chicken, distributing ingredients evenly for balanced taste.
  4. Set slow cooker to low temperature and allow contents to simmer for 4-5 hours, ensuring chicken becomes fork-tender and juices are fully absorbed.
  5. During the final 30 minutes of cooking, gently incorporate heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring carefully to develop a luxurious, velvety sauce.
  6. Monitor sauce consistency, letting it thicken naturally while maintaining a smooth, rich texture.
  7. Once cooking completes, delicately sprinkle fresh basil leaves over the dish for a vibrant, aromatic finishing touch.
  8. Serve the succulent chicken and creamy sauce atop your preferred base like pasta, fluffy rice, or creamy mashed potatoes.

Notes

  • Optimize chicken tenderness by pounding breasts to even thickness before seasoning, ensuring uniform cooking and juiciness.
  • Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or Greek yogurt for a lighter, dairy-free alternative that maintains creamy texture.
  • Reduce sodium by using low-sodium chicken broth and controlling salt content during seasoning for heart-healthy adaptation.
  • Enhance flavor complexity by toasting dried herbs briefly before adding to the crock pot, intensifying their aromatic profile.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 hours (on Low) or 2 hours (on High)
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 410 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 580 mg
  • Fat: 27 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 140 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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