I absolutely love this Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Recipe because it’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but couldn’t be easier to pull together. When I first tried it, I was amazed at how the slow cooker transformed simple chicken breasts into tender, creamy perfection with just a handful of ingredients. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want to come home to something comforting but without much hassle.
You’ll find that this recipe strikes the perfect balance between rich, garlicky flavors and a bit of heat from the red pepper flakes. The sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs add vibrant brightness that elevates the whole dish. If you’ve been searching for a crowd-pleaser that doesn’t require standing over the stove, this Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Recipe is definitely worth a try.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hands-Off Cooking: Just prep, set your slow cooker, and let it work its magic while you go about your day.
- Rich, Creamy Sauce: The blend of heavy cream, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes gives it a restaurant-quality taste.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Makes tender chicken that reheats beautifully for lunches or quick dinners.
- Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this, and it’s become a staple in our dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together effortlessly to create a creamy, savory dish that’s full of flavor. I always recommend using fresh garlic and good-quality sun-dried tomatoes to really boost the taste.
- Chicken breast: I prefer boneless, skinless for easy cooking and shredding; it stays juicy in the crockpot.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
- Pepper: Freshly ground adds the best bite.
- Olive oil: For searing the chicken before slow cooking, which adds depth of flavor.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic gives an aromatic punch you’ll love.
- Chicken broth: Adds moisture and richness to the sauce base.
- Heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy.
- Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Choose oil-packed for best flavor and chewiness.
- Fresh thyme: Its earthy, subtle flavor brightens up the dish beautifully.
- Red pepper flakes: Just enough heat to make it exciting without overpowering.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated delivers that nutty, salty finish.
- Basil leaves: Julienned fresh at the end adds a fresh herbaceous touch.
Variations
I love how versatile this Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Recipe is — you can really tweak it to match your mood or dietary preferences. Feel free to experiment with different herbs or swap cream for a lighter option if you want.
- Make it spicy: I once added a splash of hot sauce for extra kick, and it was a hit with friends who like their food with a bit more heat.
- Dairy-free version: Try using coconut cream instead of heavy cream and leave out the Parmesan — still creamy and delicious!
- Vegetable boost: Toss in sliced mushrooms or baby spinach in the last hour of cooking for extra veggies without extra effort.
How to Make Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear Your Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper—don’t be shy! Then heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for about 4 minutes on each side until it’s golden brown. This step locks in flavor and improves the texture, so it’s worth the extra minute or two before adding it to the crockpot.
Step 2: Build Your Sauce in the Skillet
After removing the chicken, toss minced garlic into the skillet and sauté for just a minute until fragrant—trust me, you don’t want to burn it. Next, pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up those delicious browned bits. Meanwhile, whisk together the heavy cream and cornstarch in a small bowl to create a smooth slurry. Stir this into the skillet and let it simmer for a couple of minutes until it thickens slightly. This sauce is where all that cozy, creamy flavor comes from!
Step 3: Assemble in the Crockpot and Cook Low and Slow
Place the seared chicken in the crockpot, then pour over the creamy sauce. Stir in the sliced sun-dried tomatoes, fresh thyme sprigs, and red pepper flakes. Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours (or if you’re short on time, cook on high for 3 to 4 hours). You’ll want your chicken to be tender enough to easily shred with a fork but still hold together nicely for serving.
Step 4: Finish it Off with Parmesan and Basil
About 10 minutes before serving, stir in grated Parmesan cheese so it melts into the sauce, making it even richer. Then sprinkle julienned fresh basil on top just before plating for a burst of fresh, peppery flavor. This final touch really takes the dish from good to unforgettable.
Pro Tips for Making Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Recipe
- Don’t Skip Searing: It adds a depth of flavor and a nice texture contrast that elevates the final dish.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme and basil really make the flavors pop—dried just doesn’t compare here.
- Keep an Eye on Thickening: Stir the slurry well to avoid lumps and simmer the sauce gently for a smoother texture.
- Avoid Overcooking: Stick to the timing to keep chicken juicy; overcooked poultry becomes dry even in a crockpot.
How to Serve Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
I love garnishing this dish with freshly julienned basil because it adds that perfect herbal brightness and pretty color right before serving. Sometimes I also sprinkle a little extra Parmesan on top for an extra cheesy finish that my family totally appreciates.
Side Dishes
My go-to sides with this Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Recipe are creamy mashed potatoes or buttery garlic noodles — something to soak up all that luscious sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or green beans also add a nice crisp contrast that balances the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like serving the chicken over a bed of sautéed spinach or even polenta for a comforting, elegant twist. You can also plate it family-style right from the crockpot for a cozy, casual dinner with friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I usually keep the sauce and chicken together so each bite stays moist and flavorful without drying out.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this recipe a couple of times with great results. Just let it cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. When thawed, the sauce may thicken a bit, so a quick stir with a splash of chicken broth while reheating helps bring back that creamy consistency.
Reheating
I typically reheat leftovers gently in a covered skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave on medium power. Adding a little chicken broth or water can help keep the sauce silky and prevent the chicken from drying out.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great here and tend to stay even more tender and flavorful. Just note that they may cook a little faster, so check for doneness a bit earlier to avoid overcooking.
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Is it okay to skip the searing step?
You can skip searing if you’re really pressed for time, but keep in mind that searing adds a deeper flavor and appealing color. If you skip it, the dish will still be delicious, just slightly less complex.
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Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the heavy cream with coconut milk or a non-dairy creamer, and either omit the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. The sauce might be slightly different in texture but still tasty.
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How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin after slow cooking?
If the sauce isn’t as thick as you’d like, you can mix a little cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the crockpot. Turn the heat to high and cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes until it thickens.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Recipe has become my secret weapon for easy, impress-your-guests dinners that feel truly special. I love coming home to the amazing aroma and knowing dinner practically made itself while I was out. Give it a try like you’re cooking for someone who matters — I promise, it’ll be a winner in your kitchen too!
Print
Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A creamy and flavorful crockpot chicken dish combining tender chicken breasts with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs, all simmered in a rich Parmesan and cream sauce. Perfect for an easy, comforting meal that requires minimal prep and delivers maximum taste.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1.5 pounds chicken breast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce and Flavorings
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 8 basil leaves, julienned
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and pepper to enhance the overall flavor before cooking.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for 4 minutes on each side to get a golden-brown crust, then transfer them to the crockpot.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Deglaze Pan: Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom to add depth to the sauce.
- Prepare Cream Slurry: Whisk the heavy cream and cornstarch together in a small bowl until smooth, then stir this mixture into the skillet and let it simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine in Crockpot: Pour the creamy mixture into the crockpot with the chicken. Add sun-dried tomatoes, fresh thyme sprigs, and red pepper flakes for added flavor and aroma.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, sprinkle julienned basil leaves on top, then serve immediately for a delicious, creamy dish.
Notes
- Use skinless, boneless chicken breasts for even cooking and easy shredding if desired.
- Sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy sweetness; rehydrate them slightly if too dry for better texture.
- If you prefer thicker sauce, you can add extra cornstarch slurry during the simmering step.
- Fresh herbs like thyme and basil are key to balancing the richness of the cream and cheese.
- Serve over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1 chicken breast with sauce)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
