If you’re ready for a dinner that’s guaranteed to wow, meet your new obsession: Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken. This dish brings together tender chicken, a velvety sauce bursting with sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and fresh basil, all slow-cooked to perfection. The result is a deeply flavorful, impossibly creamy meal that’s equally welcome on a casual weeknight or at your next family gathering. It’s truly the kind of recipe that will have your guests asking for seconds—and maybe, just maybe, your hand in marriage!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because it uses a handful of straightforward, un-fussy ingredients, each one crucial for building the luxurious taste and gorgeous color of Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken. Get ready to fall in love with how these kitchen staples come together!
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: The heart of the dish—juicy and tender after slow cooking.
- Salt: Simple but so important for bringing out every flavor in the dish.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and a touch of earthiness.
- Paprika: Gives a pop of color and a subtle, smoky warmth.
- Olive oil: Helps get that irresistible golden sear on your chicken.
- Garlic: Freshly minced for a beautiful, savory aroma that infuses the entire dish.
- Chicken broth: Forms the savory base of the sauce and helps deglaze your pan.
- Heavy cream: The secret to a dreamy, rich, and silky sauce.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds depth, saltiness, and that classic Italian flair.
- Sun-dried tomatoes (in oil, drained): Little bursts of tangy, sweet flavor and vibrant color.
- Italian seasoning: A handy blend that ties everything together with hints of oregano, basil, and thyme.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For just a kiss of gentle heat to balance the creaminess.
- Fresh basil (chopped, plus more for garnish): Fragrant, bright, and the finishing touch every bowl craves.
How to Make Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Generously season your chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika on both sides. Heat that olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Sear it just until the outside turns golden, about 2 to 3 minutes per side—you’re not cooking it through here, just creating wonderful flavor and color for that Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken.
Step 2: Transfer to the Slow Cooker
Once seared, move the chicken pieces directly into your crock pot. Layer them in a single even layer if possible, but don’t worry if a few overlap—the magic still happens.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Using the same skillet (no need to clean it out!), toss in the minced garlic and cook for just about a minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up those flavorful browned bits from the pan. Next, stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of spice. Gently bring this to a simmer—don’t let it boil—then remove from the heat.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Pour every last drop of that luscious sauce over the chicken in the crock pot, making sure each piece gets some love. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours. When the chicken is tender (it should practically fall apart at a touch), you’re done!
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Just before serving, stir in those vibrant chopped basil leaves to perfume the whole dish. Give it a gentle stir to distribute the herbs into the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed before serving up your Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken masterpiece.
How to Serve Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken
Garnishes
A hearty sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a shower of fresh basil right before serving turns the whole plate into an aromatic, inviting feast. If you really want to impress, add a swirl of extra-virgin olive oil or even a few sun-dried tomato pieces for an extra pop of color.
Side Dishes
Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken’s creamy sauce just begs to be sopped up—think fluffy mashed potatoes, a bowl of buttered pasta, or a mound of steaming rice. For something lighter, a crisp green salad on the side is lovely for added freshness and contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
This dish is stunning left whole and served straight from the crock pot, but you can also shred the chicken and pile it atop toasted ciabatta, stuff it into baked potatoes, or fold it into pasta shells. Don’t hesitate to pile on extra sauce for dramatic, restaurant-worthy plating.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply let the Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen and get even richer on day two!
Freezing
To freeze, allow the chicken and creamy sauce to cool fully, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months—just keep in mind that cream-based sauces can sometimes separate after thawing, but a good stir during reheating will bring it back to life.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at 70 percent power, stirring often to keep the sauce smooth. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore that silky texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are wonderfully juicy and flavorful in Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken. They’re especially forgiving if you tend to cook things a tad longer—either cut works beautifully.
Is there a way to lighten up this dish?
You can swap heavy cream for half-and-half or evaporated milk, and use just a touch less Parmesan. The sauce won’t be quite as decadent, but you’ll still get all the core flavors you love.
Can I make Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prep the sauce and sear the chicken the night before, then let everything chill in the fridge. In the morning, simply pop it all in the crock pot and set it to cook—dinner will be effortless.
What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes?
While sun-dried tomatoes give a unique sweet-tangy punch, you can try roasted red peppers or a few halved cherry tomatoes for a slightly different (but still delicious) flavor.
How can I make the sauce even creamier?
Try stirring in a tablespoon of cream cheese along with the heavy cream—it adds extra body and makes the sauce downright irresistible!
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say: Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is one recipe you’ll want to keep in your dinner rotation forever. It’s pure comfort, endlessly versatile, and always a crowd-pleaser. Go on, give it a try—you just might find your new signature dish!
Print
Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken recipe is a creamy and flavorful dish that is perfect for an easy weeknight meal or a special occasion. Tender chicken cooked in a rich sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil will surely win over your taste buds.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (in oil, drained)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil (chopped, plus more for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Coat the chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Sear the chicken: Brown the chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Prepare the sauce: Saute garlic, add chicken broth, cream, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and seasonings. Pour over chicken in the slow cooker.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours until chicken is tender.
- Finish: Stir in fresh basil before serving. Garnish with more basil and Parmesan.
Notes
- Serve over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice.
- For a richer sauce, add cream cheese.
- Shred chicken and mix back into sauce for a different presentation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
