If you’re looking for a dinner that tastes like pure comfort and is almost embarrassingly easy to put together, you’ll absolutely fall head over heels for this Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken. The dish is pure magic: juicy, tender chicken nestled in a rich, creamy sauce full of sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, Italian herbs, and a whisper of heat. Once it’s simmered away in your slow cooker, you’re left with big, bold flavors in a sauce so good you’ll want to lick your plate clean. Whether it becomes your new easy weeknight favorite or the special occasion stunner, this Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is sure to win the hearts (and bellies!) of everyone at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty here is in the simplicity: every ingredient is essential and comes together to create layers of flavor and a dreamy texture. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken so irresistible, and why each item deserves a spot in your slow cooker.
- Chicken breasts or thighs: Choose whichever you love—thighs for extra juiciness or breasts for a classic lean bite.
- Salt: A basic, but essential, flavor-booster for perfectly seasoned chicken from the start.
- Black pepper: Gives a subtle warmth that plays perfectly off the creamy sauce.
- Paprika: Brings a gentle smokiness and gorgeous color.
- Olive oil: For that golden sear, locking in juices and adding Mediterranean flair.
- Garlic: Sautéed just enough to mellow, it infuses the sauce with aromatic depth.
- Chicken broth: Deglazes the pan and provides a savory backbone for the creamy sauce.
- Heavy cream: The key to that luscious, silky texture you’ll crave spoon after spoon.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty richness and helps thicken the sauce.
- Sun-dried tomatoes (in oil): Their chewy, tangy sweetness brightens the entire dish.
- Italian seasoning: A ready-made blend that ties everything together with herbal flair.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a little extra zip in every bite.
- Fresh basil: A final sprinkle for color and a fragrant pop right before serving.
How to Make Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by giving your chicken a generous shake of salt, pepper, and paprika—a simple blend that makes all the difference. Next, heat olive oil in a skillet until shimmering and sear the chicken on both sides. You’re not cooking it through here, just aiming for a deep golden crust. This little bit of extra effort locks in flavor, ensures the chicken won’t dry out, and means you’ll have those lovely caramelized edges even after hours in the slow cooker.
Step 2: Build the Sauce
Don’t wipe out that skillet yet! In the same pan, toss in your minced garlic and let it cook for about a minute. You want it fragrant but not browned. Then pour in the chicken broth, scraping up every delicious browned bit stuck to the pan—those drippings are kitchen gold, packed with flavor. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and (if you want a little fire) red pepper flakes. Let the mixture just come to a simmer so the cheese melts. The aroma at this stage is already amazing!
Step 3: Slow Cook Everything Together
Arrange your seared chicken snuggly in the bottom of the crock pot and pour the creamy, tomato-flecked sauce all over it. Cover, set your slow cooker to low for 4–5 hours or high for 2–3 hours, and walk away. The rich flavors meld while the chicken turns so tender you can practically cut it with a spoon. This is the moment where Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken turns from a handful of everyday ingredients into something positively swoon-worthy.
Step 4: Finish with Fresh Basil
Just before you’re ready to serve, stir in a handful of chopped fresh basil. That vibrant herb adds a burst of color and lifts the creamy sauce with its signature anise-kissed aroma. Don’t skip it—the pop of green signals freshness and really makes the dish feel special.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Spoon the chicken and plenty of sauce onto your serving dish of choice, then shower everything with extra basil and maybe a flurry of more Parmesan. Whether you present the chicken whole or shred it back into the sauce, Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken never fails to impress at first look—and even more so at first bite.
How to Serve Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken
Garnishes
This dish begs for a finishing flourish. A handful of fresh, torn basil releases an herbal aroma as soon as it hits the hot sauce. A sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan on top brings a salty, creamy bite, and a touch more cracked black pepper or even a few more red pepper flakes can add a little wow-factor if you love a gentle kick.
Side Dishes
You’ll want something that soaks up all that creamy, savory sauce. Serve Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken over a bowl of tender pasta, a mound of buttery mashed potatoes, or fluffy white rice. If you’re craving something lighter, try a crisp green salad or simple roasted vegetables on the side—either way, let the sauce play star of the show!
Creative Ways to Present
This recipe is as versatile as it is delicious. Try shredding the chicken and tossing it with the sauce and pasta for a fuss-free skillet dinner. Or pile it onto toasted ciabatta with extra basil leaves for a hearty sandwich. You could even use the saucy chicken to stuff baked potatoes or serve it in mini ramekins as date-night comfort food. Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is the rare slow-cooker meal that feels as fancy as it does unfussy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Have extra? Lucky you! Let the Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken cool to room temperature, then transfer it (and plenty of sauce!) to an airtight container. Stash in the refrigerator, and it’ll keep beautifully for three to four days, soaking up even more flavor as it sits.
Freezing
To freeze, place fully cooled chicken and sauce in a tightly sealed container or zipper bag and freeze for up to two months. The creamy sauce may separate a touch when thawed, but a good stir while reheating will help bring everything back together into its original creamy harmony.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce looks a bit thick, splash in a little milk, broth, or cream. You can also microwave individual servings in short bursts, stirring in between to keep that luscious texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken in this Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken recipe?
It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken to ensure safe and even cooking. Starting with frozen can leave you with uneven textures or undercooked spots. If you only have frozen, thaw it completely before searing and proceeding with the recipe.
What’s the best way to keep the sauce from curdling?
Go low and slow! Heavy cream is pretty sturdy, but avoid boiling the sauce. Bring it just to a simmer in the skillet before adding it to the slow cooker, and make sure your crock pot doesn’t run too hot. These tips ensure silky-smooth Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken every time.
Can I substitute the sun-dried tomatoes?
If you’re not a fan of sun-dried tomatoes, try swapping in sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers for a different spin. Both keep the sauce interesting while changing up the flavor profile just a little.
Is this Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as written. Just be sure your chicken broth and Parmesan cheese are certified gluten-free if you’re cooking for someone with an allergy or sensitivity.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or even full-fat coconut milk for a lighter but still creamy sauce. If using a lighter liquid, your final sauce may be slightly less thick, but still absolutely delicious!
Final Thoughts
Once you give this Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken a try, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. It’s one of those dishes that turns simple ingredients into a meal worth sharing, whether you’re wooing guests or just needing a no-fuss dinner win. Grab your crock pot, let the magic happen, and get ready for pure comfort—dinner doesn’t get cozier (or more delicious) than this!
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 is a creamy and flavorful dish made with tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich tomato cream sauce. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
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: Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear the chicken until golden. Transfer to the slow cooker.
- Make the sauce: Sauté garlic, then add chicken broth, cream, Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer and pour over chicken.
- 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 to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Add cream cheese for a richer sauce or shred the chicken 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
