Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe

The Most Tender Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe Ever

Marry me chicken has become a viral sensation that promises culinary magic in every bite.

Home cooks everywhere whisper about its irresistible combination of tender chicken and creamy sauce.

Restaurants have started featuring this delectable dish on their menus.

Parmesan cheese and sun-dried tomatoes create a luxurious backdrop for succulent chicken breasts.

Skeptical diners quickly become believers after experiencing its incredible flavor profile.

Simple ingredients come together in a crock pot to deliver restaurant-quality results.

Dive into this recipe and watch as dinner becomes an unforgettable experience that might just spark a proposal.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but thaw them first for even cooking and to prevent bacteria growth.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat, but you can adjust or omit them for a milder flavor.

  • Can I substitute heavy cream?

Try using half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, though the sauce won’t be as rich and creamy.

  • Do I need to pre-cook the chicken before putting it in the crock pot?

No, searing the chicken in a skillet first adds flavor, but you can skip this step if you’re short on time.

Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken: One-Pot Wonder

  • Simplify Meal Prep: Toss ingredients into the crock pot and let it work its magic, creating a delicious dinner with minimal hands-on cooking.
  • Burst with Flavor Combinations: Enjoy the rich blend of creamy Parmesan, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and aromatic herbs that make this dish irresistibly delectable.
  • Versatile Serving Options: Pair with pasta, rice, or crusty bread, making it adaptable for different tastes and meal preferences.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or when you want a satisfying meal that'll have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients for Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender meat that serves as the main protein of the dish.
Dairy and Cream:
  • Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Rich and creamy ingredients that provide a luxurious sauce texture and deep flavor.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Garlic, Salt, Pepper, Oregano, Thyme: Aromatic herbs and spices that enhance the overall taste profile of the chicken.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a subtle heat and mild spiciness to the dish.
Liquid and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Chicken Broth: Provides additional moisture and depth of flavor to the chicken.
  • Olive Oil: Used for searing the chicken and adding a subtle richness.
Garnish and Texture:
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Adds a tangy and slightly sweet element to the dish.
  • Fresh Basil Leaves: Provides a fresh, herbaceous finishing touch.

Step-by-Step Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

Step 1: Spice Up the Chicken

Create a flavorful seasoning blend by generously coating chicken breasts with salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme.

Make sure each piece is evenly covered to lock in maximum taste.

Step 2: Sizzle and Brown

Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Carefully place chicken breasts in the pan, allowing each side to develop a golden-brown crust for 2-3 minutes.

This step builds incredible depth of flavor.

Step 3: Transfer to Slow Cooker

Gently move the seared chicken pieces into the crock pot, creating a perfect base for the upcoming creamy sauce.

Step 4: Whip Up the Dreamy Sauce

Combine these delicious ingredients in a mixing bowl:
  • Heavy cream
  • Chicken broth
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Minced garlic
  • Red pepper flakes

Whisk everything together until smooth and pour the luxurious mixture over the chicken.

Step 5: Add Sunshine Tomatoes

Sprinkle sun-dried tomatoes across the top of the chicken, bringing a burst of tangy brightness to the dish.

Step 6: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the crock pot and let magic happen.

Cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until chicken becomes fork-tender and fully cooked.

Step 7: Finish with Fresh Flair

Scatter fresh basil leaves over the top just before serving.

Plate alongside pasta, fluffy rice, or crusty bread for a complete meal that’ll make everyone fall in love.

Pro Tips for Marry Me Chicken

  • Pat chicken breasts dry before seasoning to ensure a golden-brown crust that locks in flavor and prevents steaming.
  • Stir Parmesan cheese gradually into the cream mixture to create a smooth, creamy sauce without clumping.
  • Reduce or eliminate red pepper flakes for a milder version, or add extra for those who love a spicy kick.
  • Let chicken rest in the crock pot sauce for 10-15 minutes after cooking to allow it to absorb more delicious seasonings.
  • Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative that maintains the recipe's rich, creamy texture.

Variations on Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

  • Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and nutritional yeast for a creamy, lactose-free version that maintains rich flavor.
  • Herb Garden Swap: Substitute oregano and thyme with rosemary and sage for an earthy, aromatic alternative that brings new depth to the dish.
  • Low-Carb Conversion: Skip pasta or rice and serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate intake while keeping the meal satisfying.
  • Vegetarian Transformation: Replace chicken with firm tofu or portobello mushrooms, using vegetable broth and maintaining the same seasoning profile for a plant-based protein option.

Serving Suggestions for Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

  • Romantic Date Night Plating: Arrange the creamy chicken over a bed of twirled fettuccine, creating an elegant restaurant-style presentation that sparks intimate dining moments.
  • Rustic Comfort Combo: Serve alongside roasted garlic mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a hearty, wholesome meal that feels like a warm culinary hug.
  • Herb-Infused Bread Companion: Pair with toasted garlic-rubbed sourdough or herbed focaccia bread to soak up the rich, creamy sauce and enhance the overall flavor profile.
  • Mediterranean-Inspired Side: Complement the dish with a light Greek salad featuring crisp cucumbers, kalamata olives, and tangy feta cheese to balance the chicken's rich, creamy texture.

Storage Tips for Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping chicken and sauce together. Refrigerated chicken stays fresh for 3-4 days.
  • Transfer chicken and sauce to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Seal tightly, removing excess air. Frozen chicken maintains quality for up to 3 months.
  • Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring gently between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Stop when internal temperature reaches 165°F.
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Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe

Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe


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4.5 from 22 reviews

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

Description

Crock pot marry me chicken brings together creamy parmesan sauce and tender chicken for an irresistible meal. Simple ingredients create a comforting dinner promising to win hearts with minimal kitchen effort.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Dairy and Cream:

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

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup (30 grams) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

  1. Liberally coat chicken breasts with a blend of aromatic herbs, creating a flavor-rich exterior that will enhance the overall taste profile.
  2. Utilize a heavy-bottomed skillet to caramelize chicken surfaces at medium-high temperature, developing a golden-brown crust that locks in moisture (approximately 2-3 minutes per side).
  3. Transfer expertly seared chicken into the slow cooker, positioning pieces to ensure even heat distribution.
  4. Craft a luxurious sauce by whisking together creamy dairy elements, savory broth, pungent cheese, aromatic garlic, and a hint of spicy red pepper flakes.
  5. Cascade the velvety sauce directly over the chicken, ensuring complete coverage and maximum flavor infusion.
  6. Artfully scatter sun-dried tomatoes across the surface, providing bursts of concentrated, tangy sweetness.
  7. Secure the crock pot lid and allow gentle heat to work its magic – low setting for 4-5 hours or high setting for 2-3 hours until chicken reaches perfect tenderness and internal temperature.
  8. Elevate the dish’s visual appeal and herbaceous notes by delicately garnishing with freshly torn basil leaves just before serving.
  9. Present over your preferred accompaniment such as pasta, fluffy rice, or alongside crusty artisan bread to soak up the decadent sauce.

Notes

  • Ensure chicken breasts are evenly sized for consistent cooking, preventing dry or undercooked sections.
  • Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help spices adhere better and create a more flavorful crust during searing.
  • Reduce spice intensity by cutting back on red pepper flakes for a milder version, perfect for sensitive palates.
  • Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or Greek yogurt for a lighter, dairy-free alternative that maintains creamy texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 hours (on Low) or 3 hours (on High)
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 362 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 360 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 5 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 34 g
  • Cholesterol: 130 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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