Looking for a comforting, flavorful meal that practically makes itself? Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is your answer. This slow cooker version of the viral favorite combines tender chicken breasts with a creamy, garlicky sun-dried tomato sauce—without using any wine, bacon, or pork.
The dish earned its name for a reason: it’s so rich and satisfying, it just might inspire a marriage proposal! Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe offers deep Tuscan-inspired flavor with minimal effort. Let your crock pot do the work while you enjoy a no-fuss meal the whole family will love.
In this post, you’ll learn exactly how to make this easy and elegant dish, including tips, variations, and serving suggestions to make it your own.
Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken
There’s so much to love about Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken. It’s creamy, savory, and simple to make—just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it simmer to perfection. The chicken turns incredibly tender, and the parmesan-garlic sauce is irresistibly good without needing any alcohol or heavy meats.
This dish works for busy weeknights, date nights, or meal prep. It’s versatile too—serve it over pasta, rice, or with a crusty bread for dipping. And yes, leftovers reheat like a dream!
Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or impressing guests, this slow cooker version hits all the right notes: flavorful, family-friendly, and absolutely unforgettable.
What You’ll Need
To make Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken, you’ll need simple ingredients that deliver big flavor. No fancy pantry items here—just rich, wholesome ingredients you probably already have on hand:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth (for depth and moisture)
- 1 cup heavy cream (for that creamy, dreamy sauce)
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese (adds salty, savory richness)
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped, not packed in oil if possible)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1½ teaspoons pre-minced)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for mild heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, for searing
Optional for garnish:
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley
- More grated parmesan
Each ingredient plays a key role in creating a creamy, herby, and tangy sauce that makes the chicken irresistible. Avoid substitutes like bacon or wine—this version keeps it light and family-friendly, without losing any flavor.
How to Make Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken
This recipe is truly set-it-and-forget-it. Here’s how to make Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken in just a few simple steps:
- Sear the chicken (optional but recommended):
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sear for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly golden. Transfer to the crock pot. - Make the sauce:
In a bowl, whisk together:- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated parmesan
- ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Slow cook:
Pour sauce over chicken in the crock pot. Cover and cook:- On low for 4–5 hours, or
- On high for 2½–3 hours
(Chicken should reach 165°F internally.)
- Finish & serve:
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
You Must Know
Before diving into this recipe, here are a few key things you must know to ensure success:
1. Don’t skip the sear (if you have time):
While it’s optional, searing the chicken first locks in flavor and adds a golden, delicious crust. It makes a noticeable difference in both taste and texture.
2. Sun-dried tomatoes matter:
Use dry-packed or lightly drained sun-dried tomatoes—not those drenched in oil. They offer a concentrated flavor that balances the richness of the cream.
3. Go low and slow:
Cooking on low yields the most tender chicken. If you’re short on time, high works too—but don’t overcook or the chicken may dry out.
4. Don’t add cold dairy:
To avoid curdling, let the cream sit at room temperature while prepping. This helps it blend smoothly into the sauce.
5. Don’t overcrowd the pot:
Use a large enough slow cooker so each chicken breast has room. If stacked too tightly, they may cook unevenly or become soggy.
6. Taste before serving:
Once done, always taste the sauce. Add a pinch more salt or parmesan to deepen flavor if needed.
These small but essential tips can elevate a good slow cooker meal into something truly memorable—and help you avoid common pitfalls.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Cooking Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken may be simple, but with just a few extra touches, you can take it from great to unforgettable.
Start with quality chicken:
Use fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breasts that are similar in size so they cook evenly. If using frozen, be sure to fully thaw them before cooking.
Control your cook time:
Even in a crock pot, timing matters. Overcooking leads to dry or stringy chicken. Use a meat thermometer and remove the chicken at exactly 165°F for juicy results.
Layer flavors early:
Searing the chicken first gives you a flavorful foundation. Deglaze your skillet with a splash of chicken broth and add that into the slow cooker to capture every bit of flavor.
Don’t skimp on cheese:
Parmesan is the key to umami in this dish. Grate it fresh if possible for the best melt and depth.
Thicken the sauce (if needed):
Want the sauce a little richer? Remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water) to thicken things up.
Serving tip:
Spoon some of that glorious sauce over your side dish—whether it’s pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. It’s too good to waste!
With these techniques, you’ll create a slow cooker chicken dish that feels gourmet, tastes indulgent, and delivers every time.
Add Your Touch Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken
One of the best things about Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is how easily you can customize it to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Whether you want to tweak the flavors, boost the nutrition, or adapt it for a crowd, this recipe is extremely flexible.
Want more veggies?
Add fresh spinach or kale during the last 30 minutes of cooking. The greens wilt beautifully into the sauce, adding color and a nutrient boost. You can also stir in sautéed mushrooms or steamed broccoli just before serving for texture and depth.
Make it dairy-free:
If you’re avoiding dairy, swap the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or an unsweetened plant-based cream alternative. Use a dairy-free parmesan-style cheese or nutritional yeast to mimic that savory bite.
Control the heat:
The red pepper flakes are optional. Add more if you love a bit of spice, or omit entirely for a milder version that kids will enjoy.
Switch up the protein:
While boneless chicken breasts are classic, you can also use boneless skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor. Just adjust the cook time slightly, as thighs may need a little longer to become tender.
Serve it your way:
This dish is amazing over pasta, but don’t stop there. Try it over creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy white rice, or even polenta for a southern-inspired twist. Garlic bread or warm naan are also great for scooping up the sauce.
Make it gluten-free:
No changes needed—this dish is naturally gluten-free as long as you double-check your chicken broth and parmesan labels.
Your kitchen, your rules! With just a few personal touches, this already-fabulous recipe becomes your own signature comfort food.
Storing & Reheating
Got leftovers? You’re in luck—Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken stores and reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep or next-day lunches.
Make your next dinner stress-free with this easy option.
How to store:
Let the chicken and sauce cool completely before storing. Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The creamy sauce may thicken slightly in the fridge, but that’s totally normal.
Freezing instructions:
Yes, you can freeze it! For best results, freeze the chicken and sauce in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags for up to 2 months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
How to reheat:
- Microwave: Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals until hot. Stir between intervals for even heating.
- Stovetop: Add a splash of milk or broth to a skillet and reheat over low to medium heat, stirring gently.
- Oven (for larger portions): Place in a baking dish, cover with foil, and reheat at 325°F for about 15–20 minutes.
Pro tip:
Reheat slowly to keep the sauce creamy. Avoid high heat, which can cause dairy to separate or become grainy.
With proper storage and gentle reheating, your leftovers will be just as creamy, rich, and satisfying as the day you made them.
Chef’s Helpful Tips for Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken
Want to make your Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken truly shine? These quick pro tips will help you avoid common mistakes and elevate the dish with ease.
Keep the comfort food coming with this crowd-pleasing dish.
1. Sear for flavor:
While optional, searing the chicken for a couple of minutes on each side builds deep flavor. It’s worth the extra few minutes and gives the finished dish a beautiful golden color.
2. Fresh parmesan is best:
Pre-grated cheese can make the sauce grainy. For the smoothest, creamiest texture, grate your parmesan fresh right before using.
3. Don’t overcook:
Even in a slow cooker, chicken can become dry if left too long. Set a timer and use a meat thermometer—165°F is your goal for perfectly juicy results.
4. Stir in greens last:
If adding spinach or kale, toss them in during the final 20–30 minutes so they stay bright and don’t overcook.
5. Sauce too thin?
Remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking to let the sauce naturally reduce. Or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon cold water) to thicken quickly.
6. Cook once, serve twice:
Use leftovers for a creamy chicken pasta, rice bowl, or even a sandwich the next day. The sauce tastes even better after resting overnight.
7. Don’t rush the cream:
For best results, let your cream sit at room temp while you prep. This helps prevent separation and gives a velvety finish.
These helpful chef tips make the difference between a good slow cooker meal and a show-stopping comfort dish your guests will rave about.
FAQ for Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken
Q: Can I use frozen chicken in the crock pot?
A: It’s not recommended. For food safety, always thaw chicken before using in slow cooker recipes to ensure even cooking.
Q: Can I substitute chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs add a richer flavor and stay juicy. Just adjust cook time slightly—about 30 minutes longer on low.
If you love simple, flavorful meals, don’t miss this one.
Q: Is this dish spicy?
A: Not unless you want it to be! The red pepper flakes are optional. Add more if you love heat or skip for a mild, kid-friendly version.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes! You can prep everything the night before and store it in the fridge. Just dump it into the crock pot the next day and cook as directed.
Q: What if my sauce looks too thin after cooking?
A: Let it simmer uncovered for the last 30 minutes or stir in a cornstarch slurry. This will give you a thicker, creamier consistency.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, as long as your chicken broth and parmesan are certified gluten-free, this dish is naturally gluten-free.
Q: What sides pair best with Marry Me Chicken?
A: Pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread are all fantastic options to soak up that delicious sauce.
Conclusion
Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is more than just a clever name—it’s a dish that delivers big on flavor, comfort, and convenience. With its rich, creamy sauce infused with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan, every bite feels like a warm embrace. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, thanks to the slow cooker doing most of the work.
Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, date night, or hosting friends, this recipe checks all the boxes: simple, satisfying, and always impressive. You don’t need wine, bacon, or pork to make it special—just real ingredients, slow cooking, and a little love.
It’s also highly adaptable. You can swap in chicken thighs, stir in veggies, or serve it with whatever sides you love most. Plus, leftovers reheat beautifully, making it great for meal prep or a next-day treat.
So, if you’ve been searching for a foolproof chicken dinner that’s guaranteed to wow, look no further. Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Try it once, and you’ll understand why it lives up to its name.
Let us know in the comments how it turned out for you, and don’t forget to tag your creations on social media—because who knows? You might just inspire someone else to fall in love with this unforgettable dish.
Easy Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe Everyone Will Love
Description
This Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is creamy, savory, and loaded with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan in a rich sauce that slow cooks to perfection. A dreamy one-pot chicken dinner that’s both easy and irresistible!
Ingredients
Instructions
Sear (Optional): Lightly season chicken with salt and pepper. Sear in olive oil for 2–3 mins per side until golden.
Mix Sauce: Whisk broth, cream, parmesan, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and seasoning in a bowl.
Slow Cook: Place chicken in crock pot. Pour sauce over. Cook on low 4–5 hours or high 2.5–3 hours.
Finish & Serve: Garnish with herbs and serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Notes
- Chicken should reach 165°F internally.
To thicken sauce, remove the lid for the final 30 minutes or add a cornstarch slurry.
Use dairy alternatives if needed for a lighter or lactose-free version.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for 2 months.