Marry Me Chicken Crockpot Style
Hola! If you’ve ever wondered what happens when a Florida girl falls in love with comforting, creamy chicken recipes, here’s your answer: Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken. This dish is tender, juicy, and slow-cooked in a dreamy sauce of cream, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with a cozy aroma and makes your family gather around the table without even calling them. Every bite tastes like comfort, love, and just a hint of indulgence. It’s one of the best crockpot recipes for a romantic dinner or a simple weeknight win.
Quick Recipe Overview
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 6 hours 10 minutes |
| Total Time | 6 hours 25 minutes |
| Servings | 4 |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Cuisine | American |
| Best Season | All year round |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly creamy and comforting: The sauce is rich, smooth, and flavored with garlic, parmesan, and Italian seasoning for a deliciously cozy finish.
- Effortless cooking: A few minutes of prep and the Crock Pot does the rest, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Romantic meal vibes: With its silky sauce and fragrant basil topping, this dish feels fancy enough for date night.
- Family approved: Even picky eaters love the creamy flavor and tender chicken, making it a go-to for everyone at the table.
- Freezer friendly: Make ahead and enjoy later, which makes it one of the best healthy crockpot recipes to keep on hand.
Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken
- Total Time: 6 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Tender, juicy chicken slow-cooked in a creamy garlic parmesan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil. Perfect for busy nights or a cozy romantic dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 3 Tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, drained
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 6–8 fresh basil leaves, chopped
Instructions
1. Mix salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper, then season chicken on both sides.
2. Heat a skillet over medium-high, add olive oil and butter, sear chicken until golden brown on both sides.
3. In a bowl, whisk chicken broth with cornstarch until smooth. Add to slow cooker.
4. Whisk in heavy cream, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and paprika.
5. Place chicken in the slow cooker, pour leftover skillet butter/oil on top, add sun-dried tomatoes.
6. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours until chicken is tender.
7. Remove chicken, whisk parmesan into sauce until melted, return chicken, add basil, and serve warm.
Notes
Do not cook on HIGH to avoid curdled sauce.
If your slow cooker runs hot, add heavy cream during the last 30 minutes.
Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days or freeze up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 688
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 1466mg
- Fat: 44g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 56g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 2 Tablespoons butter
For the sauce:
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 3 Tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ⅓ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, drained
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 6-8 fresh basil leaves, chopped
Ingredient Tips Table
| Ingredient | Tip |
| Chicken breasts | Use even-sized pieces so they cook evenly in the slow cooker. |
| Olive oil & butter | The combo creates a richer sear and deeper flavor. |
| Chicken broth | Low-sodium works best to control the saltiness. |
| Cornstarch | Whisk thoroughly to avoid lumps in your sauce. |
| Heavy cream | Add during the last 30 minutes if your slow cooker runs hot to prevent curdling. |
| Garlic | Freshly minced garlic enhances the sauce better than jarred. |
| Sun-dried tomatoes | Drain well so they don’t water down the sauce. |
| Parmesan | Freshly grated melts smoother compared to pre-shredded. |
| Basil | Add at the end for a bright, fresh finish. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Season chicken breasts on both sides.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and butter, let butter melt, then sear chicken on both sides until golden. Remove from heat. You don’t need to cook it through.
- In a bowl, whisk chicken broth and cornstarch until smooth. Pour into the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Whisk in heavy cream, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and paprika.
- Place chicken breasts into the slow cooker. Pour the leftover butter and oil from the skillet on top.
- Top chicken with sun-dried tomatoes. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours. Resist lifting the lid too often, as it slows cooking.
- Once chicken is tender, remove from the slow cooker. Whisk in parmesan until melted and smooth.
- Return chicken to the sauce, top with chopped basil, cover with sauce, and serve warm.
Helpful Tips
- Don’t cook on HIGH or the sauce may scorch.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for the creamiest results.
- If your slow cooker runs hot, add heavy cream during the last 30 minutes to avoid curdling.
- For extra thickness, let the sauce simmer uncovered for 10 minutes after cooking.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
- Use room-temperature chicken: Helps the meat cook evenly and stay tender.
- Avoid lifting the lid: Every time you open the Crock Pot, heat escapes, adding more cooking time.
- Season well before searing: This locks in flavor and builds a golden crust.
- Serve right away: The creamy sauce thickens as it cools, so it’s best enjoyed hot.
Recipe Variations
- Stovetop version: Cook the chicken through in a skillet, then simmer in the sauce until thick and creamy.
- Add spinach: Stir in fresh spinach during the last 15 minutes for extra greens.
- Make it lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter but still creamy texture.
- Extra cheesy: Add shredded mozzarella or fontina for a richer sauce.
Make Ahead & Freezer Tips
Prepare the sauce and sear the chicken a day ahead, then refrigerate. When ready, place everything in the slow cooker and cook as directed. Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days or frozen up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes to soak up every drop of the sauce. Garnish with extra basil or parmesan for a beautiful finish. A slice of crusty bread makes it even more irresistible.
Pairing Ideas
This creamy chicken pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. For non-alcoholic options, try sparkling water with lemon or sweet iced tea. Sides like roasted vegetables or a fresh salad balance the richness perfectly.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often. In the microwave, heat in short bursts and stir in between to keep the sauce smooth.
Hosting guests? Impress them with our Healthy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, chicken thighs work beautifully and may even stay juicier after long cooking.
Why is my sauce curdled? This usually happens if the cream was added too early in a hot slow cooker. Add cream during the last 30 minutes to prevent this.
Can I double this recipe? Absolutely. Use a larger slow cooker and adjust cooking time slightly, making sure the chicken is tender before serving.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly? Yes, freeze cooled chicken and sauce in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
What can I serve with Marry Me Chicken? It’s fantastic over pasta, rice, or potatoes. A side of roasted veggies or salad makes the meal complete.
Can I cook this on HIGH? It’s not recommended, as the sauce may burn or separate. Stick to LOW for best results.
Can I use jarred sun-dried tomatoes in oil? Yes, just be sure to drain them well before adding to avoid an oily sauce.
Nutrition Info
| Serving Size | 1 chicken breast with sauce |
| Calories | 688 kcal |
| Protein | 56 g |
| Carbohydrates | 17 g |
| Fat | 44 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 1466 mg |
Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Conclusion
Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is the ultimate creamy chicken crockpot recipe that feels both indulgent and effortless. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, date nights, or anytime you want a dish that’s guaranteed to impress. Try it once and it may just become your new family favorite.
