If you’ve been on the lookout for a truly indulgent, crowd-pleasing recipe, let me introduce you to the magic of Crockpot Marry Me Chicken. This dish is the perfect balance of creamy, savory goodness with just the right amount of herbs and a touch of heat that makes it so unforgettable. Imagine tender chicken breasts simmered all day in a rich sauce filled with Parmesan cheese, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and a splash of cream, making every bite feel special and full of flavor. It’s the kind of meal that feels fancy but comes together effortlessly in your crockpot, giving you plenty of time to relax while it works its charm.

Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this recipe is a breeze, and each one plays an important role in building layers of flavor, richness, and texture. From the creamy Parmesan to the zesty sun-dried tomatoes, you’ll be amazed how simple components come together to create something so elegant.

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: These create the juicy, tender base of the dish, soaking up all the wonderful flavors.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning the chicken perfectly before cooking.
1 cup chicken broth: Adds savory depth and helps balance the creaminess of the sauce.
1 cup heavy cream: Gives the sauce its silky, luxurious texture.
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a sharp, nutty flavor that elevates the entire dish.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth and a bit of punch.
1 tsp dried oregano: Adds a subtle herbal earthiness that pairs beautifully with chicken.
½ tsp dried thyme: Provides a gentle floral note that complements the other herbs.
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional): For a little hint of heat that spices things up without overpowering.
½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (in oil, drained): These bring a sweet-tart tang and vibrant color to the dish.
2 tbsp butter: Stirred in at the end for richness and a glossy finish.
Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish: Adds a fresh, herbaceous burst right before serving.

How to Make Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

Step 1: Season and Prepare the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. This simple seasoning is key to enhancing the natural flavors of the chicken and ensuring each bite is perfectly savory. Once seasoned, place the chicken at the bottom of your crockpot so it can soak up all the delicious sauce you’ll prepare next.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. This mixture is the heart of your Crockpot Marry Me Chicken, creating an irresistibly creamy and flavorful base that will slowly infuse every piece of chicken as it cooks low and slow.

Step 3: Add Sauce and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Pour the luscious sauce evenly over the chicken in the crockpot, making sure each breast is bathed in this delicious blend. Next, sprinkle the drained chopped sun-dried tomatoes over the top. These little bursts of intense flavor add a delightful tang and a beautiful pop of color to your dish.

Step 4: Slow Cook the Chicken

Cover your crockpot and cook on LOW for about 4 hours or on HIGH for 2 hours. The chicken will turn tender and juicy, soaking up all the wonderful flavors of the sauce and spices. Patience here truly pays off because the long, gentle cooking allows the creaminess to deepen and the herbs to become perfectly balanced.

Step 5: Finish with Butter and Stir

About 30 minutes before the cooking time ends, add 2 tablespoons of butter to the crockpot. Stir it gently into the sauce to melt with the heat. This final touch enriches the sauce, making it silky smooth and giving it a decadent sheen that’s simply irresistible.

How to Serve Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like basil or parsley sprinkled over the top add not only a vibrant green color but also a fresh, aromatic note that cuts through the richness beautifully. Don’t skip this step as it elevates the dish and adds that restaurant-quality touch right at home.

Side Dishes

This Crockpot Marry Me Chicken pairs wonderfully with simple sides like fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or a fragrant pasta. Any of these will soak up the luscious sauce perfectly. You can also serve it alongside some roasted veggies or a crisp green salad for balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the chicken over a bed of creamy polenta or alongside cheesy garlic bread to mop up every last bit of the sauce. It’s also fantastic spooned over steamed greens or tucked into a warm pita for a quick and satisfying meal. The possibilities are endless when your sauce is this flavorful and versatile.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers (and sometimes that’s the hardest part!), keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually continue to meld after resting, making the second-day meal even better in many cases.

Freezing

You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Portion the chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. When freezing, try to remove as much air as possible to keep the sauce tasting fresh and creamy when you thaw it.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring often. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream while reheating can help bring the sauce back to its original luscious consistency. Be careful not to overheat to avoid curdling the cream.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great option if you want a slightly richer taste and more juicy texture. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, and your Crockpot Marry Me Chicken will be delightful either way.

Is this dish spicy?

The recipe has a gentle kick thanks to the optional red pepper flakes. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can leave them out and still enjoy a flavorful, creamy dish that is mild yet full of depth.

Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can adapt the recipe for an Instant Pot using the slow cook function or the pressure cook setting with some timing adjustments. Just be sure to brown the chicken first if using the pressure function for added flavor.

What can I do with the leftover sauce?

The sauce is a gem! You can drizzle it over roasted vegetables, toss it with pasta, or even use it as a dip for crusty bread. It’s packed with flavor and too good to waste.

Is this recipe dairy-free or gluten-free?

This recipe contains dairy from the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, so it’s not dairy-free as is. However, you could experiment with dairy-free substitutes. It’s naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and tasty option for gluten-sensitive diets.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about a meal that feels elegant but comes together without any fuss, and that’s exactly why I adore making Crockpot Marry Me Chicken. It’s a recipe that turns simple ingredients into a show-stopping dinner, perfect for any day when you want to impress without stress. Give it a try, and I guarantee it will become one of your go-to dishes that friends and family keep asking for again and again.

Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 17 reviews

Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is a creamy, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts slow-cooked in a rich sauce of heavy cream, Parmesan, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes. This comforting recipe is easy to prepare, making it perfect for a hassle-free meal that tastes like a special occasion dinner.

Author: Marco
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 2 to 4 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes (high) to 4 hours 10 minutes (low)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Crockpot/Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Lactose

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tbsp butter

Sauce

1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp dried thyme
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (in oil, drained)

Garnish

Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Season the chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor of the meat.
Prepare the sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes until well combined.
Assemble in the crockpot: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the crockpot. Pour the prepared creamy sauce evenly over the chicken breasts.
Add sun-dried tomatoes: Sprinkle the drained chopped sun-dried tomatoes evenly on top of the chicken and sauce for added texture and flavor.
Slow cook the chicken: Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Add butter and stir: About 30 minutes before the cooking time ends, add the butter to the crockpot. Stir gently to melt the butter and combine it into the sauce, enriching its flavor and texture.
Garnish and serve: Once cooked, garnish the dish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve the creamy Marry Me Chicken with your choice of rice, pasta, or bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Notes

You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but it may be less rich.
Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder flavor.
Using sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil gives more flavor; if using dry ones, rehydrate in warm water before adding.
Make sure the chicken is fully cooked by checking it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently to preserve creaminess.