Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

This indulgent Crockpot Marry Me Chicken has become my signature dish for special occasions or when I want to impress dinner guests with minimal effort. The name speaks for itself—one bite of this creamy, Parmesan-infused chicken with sun-dried tomatoes might just inspire a proposal!

I first made this for my boyfriend on our anniversary when I was running behind on dinner plans. The slow cooker saved the day, and he was so impressed he asked for the recipe to share with his mother—the ultimate compliment in my book.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: forms the tender foundation of this dish
• Chicken broth: creates a flavorful base for the sauce
• Heavy cream: provides that luxurious richness that makes this dish special
• Grated Parmesan cheese: adds nutty depth and thickens the sauce beautifully
• Cornstarch: helps create the perfect sauce consistency without flour
• Minced garlic: infuses the dish with aromatic flavor
• Dried oregano and thyme: classic Italian herbs that complement the other flavors
• Red pepper flakes: adds a subtle warmth that balances the creaminess
• Sun dried tomatoes: brings tangy sweetness and gorgeous color contrast
• Butter: adds silky richness to finish the sauce
• Fresh basil or parsley: brightens the dish with color and fresh flavor

Step-by-Step Instructions

Season the Chicken:

Generously sprinkle both sides of your chicken breasts with salt and pepper. This simple step is crucial for building flavor from the ground up. I like to be a bit more generous with the pepper for a nice contrast to the creamy sauce.

Create the Sauce Base:

Whisk the chicken broth and cornstarch together until completely smooth with no lumps. This creates a slurry that will thicken your sauce perfectly without clumping. The cornstarch is much more effective than flour in a slow cooker environment.

Build the Flavor Profile:

Add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic, herbs, and red pepper flakes to your slurry. Whisk until everything is fully incorporated. The sauce will look thin at this point, but the slow cooking process will transform it into something magical.

Layer in the Crockpot:

Place your seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer on the bottom of your crockpot. Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken, making sure each piece is well-coated. This ensures even cooking and flavor distribution.

Add the Sun Dried Tomatoes:

Scatter your chopped sun dried tomatoes over the top. Do not stir them in completely. As the dish cooks, they will gradually release their intense flavor and oils into the sauce, creating beautiful red flecks throughout.

Slow Cook to Perfection:

Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours. The low and slow method yields the most tender results, but either will work. The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F and can be easily shredded with a fork.

Finish with Butter:

In the final 30 minutes of cooking, add butter to the pot and gently stir as it melts into the sauce. This finishing touch adds a glossy sheen and rounds out all the flavors. It transforms a good sauce into an exceptional one.

Garnish and Serve:

Transfer the chicken to plates, generously spoon the sauce over top, and finish with fresh herbs. The bright green against the creamy sauce creates a restaurant worthy presentation.

Save

My absolute favorite part of this recipe is the sun dried tomatoes. I discovered their magic in this dish quite by accident when I was out of fresh tomatoes one day. Their concentrated sweet tanginess creates these little bursts of flavor that perfectly cut through the richness of the cream sauce.

Perfect Pairings

This Marry Me Chicken practically begs for something to soak up its incredible sauce. Serve it over pasta, particularly fettuccine or pappardelle, for a complete meal. Alternatively, creamy mashed potatoes make an excellent base, or go with crusty Italian bread for dipping. For a lighter option, zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice work beautifully while letting the chicken remain the star.

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe actually improves with time as the flavors continue to meld. You can prepare it up to two days ahead and refrigerate in an airtight container. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. For freezing, cool completely then store in freezer safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating on the stovetop or microwave.

Recipe Variations

While this recipe is perfect as written, it welcomes adaptations based on what you have on hand. For a vegetable boost, add spinach, mushrooms, or artichoke hearts during the last hour of cooking. If you prefer dark meat, boneless chicken thighs work beautifully and stay even more tender. For a dairy free version, substitute coconut cream for the heavy cream and nutritional yeast for the Parmesan. The flavor profile will change slightly but remain delicious.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your sauce seems too thin after cooking, remove the chicken and turn the slow cooker to high with the lid off for 15 20 minutes to reduce the sauce. For a sauce that is too thick, simply stir in additional warm cream or broth until you reach your desired consistency. If your chicken seems dry, it may have been overcooked. Next time, check for doneness earlier, especially if your slow cooker runs hot.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this dish?

Yes, chicken thighs work excellently in this recipe and often result in even more tender, flavorful results. The cooking time remains approximately the same, but thighs are more forgiving if cooked a bit longer.

→ How can I make this dish dairy-free?

For a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. The flavor profile will change slightly, but you'll still achieve a creamy, delicious sauce.

→ Can I freeze leftovers of this chicken dish?

Yes, you can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months in an airtight container. However, cream-based sauces can sometimes separate when thawed and reheated. Reheat gently on low heat, stirring occasionally to help recombine the sauce.

→ What sides pair well with Marry Me Chicken?

This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice to soak up the delicious sauce. For a lighter option, serve with roasted vegetables, a simple green salad, or steamed asparagus.

→ Why is it called 'Marry Me Chicken'?

The name comes from the idea that this dish is so delicious, someone might propose marriage after tasting it! It's a playful nod to the impressive yet simple nature of the dish that makes it perfect for special occasions or romantic dinners.

→ Can I make this without a slow cooker?

Absolutely. You can adapt this to an oven-baked version by searing the chicken in an oven-safe skillet, adding the sauce ingredients, and baking at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes until chicken is cooked through.