Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

If you’re looking for your next favorite chicken dinner, Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is absolutely dreamy—creamy, savory, and bursting with rich Italian-inspired flavors. Each bite of tender slow-cooked chicken is drenched in a sun-dried tomato cream sauce that’s basically love at first taste!

This slow cooker version makes dinner extra easy, with just a few minutes of prep before you walk away and let your Crockpot do all the magic. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or whenever you want a meal that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds.

Inspired by an internet-famous classic, this version dials up the flavor while keeping things fuss-free. You’ll love how it tastes restaurant-worthy, yet comes together with wholesome, simple ingredients.

This dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—serve it over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a comforting meal you’ll want to make again and again!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Incredible flavor payoff with minimal effort: Let your Crockpot do the work while you go about your day.
• Creamy, dreamy sauce: The sun-dried tomato and parmesan cream sauce is out-of-this-world delicious.
• Versatile for meal prepping or entertaining: Feeds a crowd or makes amazing leftovers.
• Family-friendly and utterly comforting: Even picky eaters ask for seconds!

Key Ingredients for Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts

These are the heart of the recipe, soaking up every drop of that silky, savory sauce while turning perfectly fork-tender in the slow cooker. For best results, choose breasts of even thickness. Chicken thighs can be swapped in for a richer, juicier dish—just trim excess fat for the best texture.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Sun-dried tomatoes infuse the sauce with a deep, tangy sweetness that elevates this dish from simple to spectacular. Oil-packed varieties offer extra moisture and rich flavor, but you can also use dry-packed (just rehydrate briefly in hot water). If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers are a tasty substitute.

Heavy Cream

The heavy cream is the backbone of the sauce, making it velvety and luxurious. For a lighter version, you could use half-and-half or even unsweetened evaporated milk, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich.

Parmesan Cheese

Freshly grated parmesan melts into the sauce, adding depth and a salty, nutty kick. Pre-grated parmesan works in a pinch, but shredding your own gives the smoothest, boldest flavor. Pecorino Romano can also be used for a sharper bite.

Garlic

The garlic brings everything together, adding aromatic, savory notes that are essential to that “marry me” flavor. Mince fresh for the brightest taste, or use garlic paste if you’re in a hurry.

Instructions for Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Season the Chicken

Pat chicken breasts dry. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder for deep flavor. This step ensures your chicken is perfectly seasoned all the way through.

Sear for Extra Flavor

(Optional but recommended) Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and sear 2 minutes per side, just until golden. It locks in juices and adds a tasty crust, but you can skip this step for maximum convenience.

Layer in the Crockpot

Arrange chicken in the bottom of your slow cooker. Sprinkle minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using) over the chicken for that flavor-packed base.

Make the Sauce

Pour chicken broth and heavy cream evenly over the top. Sprinkle parmesan cheese over everything—don’t stir, the magic happens as it cooks! Cover with the lid.

Slow Cook to Perfection

Cook on low for 3.5-4 hours, or until chicken is just cooked through and fork-tender (internal temp should reach 165°F). Avoid overcooking for the juiciest meat.

Thicken the Sauce

If you want a thicker sauce, whisk 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water to make a slurry. Stir into the sauce during the last 20 minutes of cooking, then return lid.

Finish with Fresh Basil

When done, carefully remove the chicken and slice or shred if desired. Stir in chopped basil and spoon sauce generously over the chicken. Top with more parmesan and basil for serving.

Recipe Variations

Swap in Chicken Thighs

Prefer darker meat? Substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra richness and juiciness. Cooking time remains the same, and you’ll get even more flavor in every bite.

Spice It Up

For a bold kick, double the crushed red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce to the sauce. It brings out the savory notes and adds an irresistible zing.

Make It Dairy-Free

Want to go dairy-free? Use canned coconut cream in place of heavy cream and your favorite vegan parmesan. The sauce will be just as creamy and a bit more tropical.

Gluten-Free Option

This dish is naturally gluten-free—just be sure your chicken broth and parmesan have no gluten-containing additives, and skip the cornstarch or use a gluten-free variety.

Add Veggies

Give your meal an extra nutrition boost by adding fresh spinach, sliced mushrooms, or baby tomatoes in the last 30-60 minutes of cooking. They'll soak up the sauce while keeping things colorful.

Serving Suggestions

Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is divine over creamy mashed potatoes, tender pasta like fettuccine, or fluffy white rice—the savory sauce ties it all together. Don’t forget to scatter extra fresh basil and parmesan on top for a pop of color and flavor. Pair with a simple green salad and crusty bread to soak up every drop of that delicious sauce!

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much. For longer storage, freeze chicken and sauce in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot Marry Me Chicken (FAQ)

Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?
A: For food safety, it’s best to thaw chicken breasts fully before slow cooking. Using frozen chicken can result in uneven cooking.

Q: What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes?
A: If you’re out of sun-dried tomatoes, try roasted red peppers or even sautéed mushrooms for a different flavor twist.

Q: Is Marry Me Chicken spicy?
A: It’s mildly spicy from the optional red pepper flakes, but you can easily adjust the heat or leave them out for a milder dish.

Ready to impress your loved ones with the easiest, most irresistible chicken dinner ever? Give this Crockpot Marry Me Chicken a try—your family will fall for it at first bite! Don’t forget to leave a comment and rating to let me know how it turned out for you.