If you’re looking for an easy, delicious, and romantic dinner idea that’s guaranteed to impress, then this Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken recipe is the perfect choice. It's a creamy, flavorful dish that’s loaded with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich sauce that practically begs to be served over pasta or rice. Best of all, it’s made in a crock pot, so it's practically foolproof and incredibly easy. Keep reading to find out why this dish has earned its romantic name and learn how to make it yourself with detailed instructions, tips, and more!
What Is “Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken”?
The name "Marry Me Chicken" comes from the joke that this dish is so delicious that anyone you serve it to will instantly want to propose! While this claim might be a little exaggerated, the flavor certainly isn't. Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is a savory and creamy chicken dish, typically made with boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, heavy cream, chicken broth, and various seasonings. The combination of these ingredients creates a luxurious, rich sauce that makes the chicken incredibly tender and flavorful.
What makes this recipe even better is the crock pot! Slow cooking allows the chicken to absorb all the flavors over time, making it juicy and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. This easy crock pot version requires minimal hands-on time, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a romantic weekend dinner. Stick around to get the full recipe and tips on making it flawless every time!
Ingredients List for Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken
Here's what you'll need to make this delectable dish:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or chicken thighs for a juicier texture)
- 1 cup of chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil and drained)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated for the best flavor)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing the chicken)
- Fresh basil (for garnish)
Optional Ingredients:
- Pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice (for serving)
- Crusty bread (to soak up the delicious sauce)
Substitutions and Variations for Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken
Cooking is all about personalization, so feel free to adapt this recipe to your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some ideas for substitutions and variations:
1. Chicken Substitutes:
- Chicken Thighs: If you prefer darker meat, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a fantastic option. They tend to be juicier and more flavorful than chicken breasts.
- Bone-in Chicken: You can also use bone-in chicken if you like, but the cooking time might be slightly longer.
2. Cream Substitute:
- Coconut Cream: If you’re looking for a dairy-free version, coconut cream can be used instead of heavy cream. This will add a slight coconut flavor, but it complements the other ingredients nicely.
- Cream Cheese: For a tangier twist, try swapping out half of the heavy cream for cream cheese.
3. Sun-Dried Tomatoes Alternatives:
- Fresh Cherry Tomatoes: If you're not a fan of sun-dried tomatoes, roasted cherry tomatoes can be a sweeter and less intense option.
- Canned Diced Tomatoes: If you don't have sun-dried tomatoes on hand, a can of diced tomatoes works well in a pinch.
4. Flavor Variations:
- Add Mushrooms: For an earthy flavor, add sliced mushrooms into the crock pot at the beginning of the cooking process.
- Spinach or Kale: Stir in some fresh spinach or kale about 30 minutes before serving for an extra boost of greens.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

How to Cook Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create a perfect Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken:
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
- Season the chicken: Generously season both sides of your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, sear the chicken breasts for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. This step locks in the flavors and gives the chicken a beautiful crust.
Step 2: Prepare the Crock Pot
- Add the chicken: Place the seared chicken breasts into the crock pot.
- Create the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, heavy cream, minced garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Pour this creamy mixture over the chicken.
- Add the tomatoes: Scatter the sun-dried tomatoes over the chicken in the crock pot. If you're using red pepper flakes for some heat, sprinkle them in at this point as well.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Slow cook: Cover the crock pot with a lid and set it to cook on LOW for 4-5 hours, or on HIGH for 2-3 hours. The chicken should be tender and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Step 4: Final Touches
- Adjust seasoning: Once the chicken is cooked, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or even more Parmesan if you like.
- Garnish: Right before serving, garnish with freshly chopped basil for a pop of color and added freshness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
To make sure your Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken turns out perfect every time, here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Overcooking the Chicken: While slow cooking is forgiving, leaving the chicken in the crock pot for too long can lead to dry, overcooked meat. Stick to the recommended cooking times and check the internal temperature of the chicken for doneness.
- Skipping the Sear: Searing the chicken before placing it in the crock pot adds a ton of flavor. Don’t skip this step, even if it adds a few extra minutes.
- Not Adjusting the Sauce: Depending on your crock pot, the sauce may be too thick or thin. If it’s too thick, add a bit more chicken broth to thin it out. If it’s too thin, let the sauce simmer uncovered for a few minutes before serving to thicken it up.
- Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Since the sauce is so simple, using high-quality Parmesan cheese, fresh garlic, and good sun-dried tomatoes makes a big difference in flavor.
Serving and Presentation Tips
How to Serve Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken
- With Pasta: This creamy dish pairs beautifully with pasta. Fettuccine, linguine, or penne are all great options for soaking up the rich sauce.
- Over Rice: For a gluten-free option, serve this dish over steamed white rice, brown rice, or even wild rice for added texture and flavor.
- Mashed Potatoes: Another excellent side is mashed potatoes. The creamy chicken sauce is perfect for spooning over fluffy mashed potatoes.
- With Crusty Bread: Don’t forget to serve some crusty bread on the side. You’ll want to mop up every last drop of the luscious sauce.
Presentation Ideas for Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken
- Family Style: Serve the chicken in a large shallow dish with the sauce poured over the top. Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan for a rustic, inviting look.
- Individual Plates: For a more formal presentation, plate the chicken individually over pasta or rice, with a spoonful of sauce drizzled on top and garnished with basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe Tips
- Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish reheats well, and the flavors even deepen the next day!
- Freezing: You can also freeze this dish. Once cooled, transfer it to a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
- Thickening the Sauce: If the sauce isn’t thick enough to your liking, you can stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water) during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time slightly. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving.
2. Can I cook this on the stovetop instead of a crock pot?
Yes! Simply follow the same steps but cook the chicken on the stovetop in a large skillet or Dutch oven. Simmer on low for about 25-30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce thickens.
3. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat leftovers in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce as it may thicken when cooled.
4. Can I make this recipe low-carb or keto-friendly?
Yes! Serve the chicken over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to keep the dish low-carb or keto-friendly.
Conclusion
Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is a foolproof, flavorful, and romantic dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a special dinner with loved ones. Its creamy, rich sauce and tender chicken are sure to win anyone over, and best of all, it’s incredibly easy to make! Whether you serve it over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, this dish is sure to become a household favorite. Give this recipe a try, and who knows—maybe someone will propose after tasting your delicious creation!
PrintCrock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe
This Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts slow-cooked in a rich, creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan. It's a delicious, comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights or romantic dinners. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this dish will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (on low)
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- In the crock pot, combine chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Stir to mix.
- Place the chicken breasts in the crock pot and spoon some of the sauce over them.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- If you'd like a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water, stir into the sauce, and let it cook for an additional 10 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Notes
- You can add spinach or mushrooms for extra vegetables.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes depending on your spice preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
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