Welcome to your new favorite weeknight meal! This crockpot marry me chicken recipe brings the viral sensation to your slow cooker, making it incredibly simple. You’ll love the rich, creamy sauce that perfectly coats juicy, tender chicken. It’s a delicious and hassle-free dinner, ideal for busy parents and beginner cooks looking for ultimate convenience.

Why You’ll Love Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

This slow cooker version of a beloved classic is a game-changer for your dinner routine. It transforms minimal effort into maximum flavor.

Effortless Cooking: Simply prep a few ingredients, then let your slow cooker do all the hard work.
Irresistible Flavor: Enjoy a rich, savory, and incredibly creamy sauce that tastes gourmet.
Versatile Dish: This chicken pairs perfectly with a variety of sides, from pasta to roasted vegetables.
Weeknight Winner: Spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying a satisfying meal.
Beginner-Friendly: Clear steps ensure success, even for those new to cooking.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients for this flavorful crockpot marry me chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds), for tender results.
1 teaspoon kosher salt and ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, for seasoning.
1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, for searing.
1 cup chicken stock and 1 tablespoon cornstarch, to create the sauce base.
4 cloves garlic, minced, for aromatic depth.
¾ teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional), to add a gentle warmth.
½ teaspoon dried oregano and ¼ teaspoon dried thyme, for classic Italian herb flavor.
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, chopped), for tangy sweetness.
1 cup heavy cream (warmed slightly), for ultimate creaminess.
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, for savory, nutty notes.
1 tablespoon fresh basil leaves, chopped, for a vibrant garnish.

Notes & Substitutions

You have flexibility with many ingredients when making this marry me chicken recipe.

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great alternative; they stay incredibly moist. Adjust cooking time slightly if using larger cuts.
Stock: Vegetable broth works well if you don’t have chicken stock on hand. You can also use unsalted stock.
Garlic: Feel free to adjust the amount of minced garlic to your preference; more garlic means more flavor.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for the best flavor. If using dry, rehydrate them first.
Seasoning: Customize the spice level by adjusting the crushed red pepper. Add a pinch of onion powder for extra savory notes.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, use half-and-half, but note the sauce might be less rich. You could also try full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free twist.

Equipment

You’ll need just a few basic kitchen tools to prepare your marry me chicken in the slow cooker.

6-quart slow cooker or Crockpot: Essential for slow cooking the chicken to perfection.
Large skillet (optional): For searing the chicken before slow cooking, which adds depth of flavor.
Whisk or stirring spoon: To combine sauce ingredients smoothly.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create delicious Crockpot Marry Me Chicken.

Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken breasts evenly with kosher salt and ground black pepper.
Sear (Optional but Recommended): Heat olive oil and unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the seasoned chicken for 2-3 minutes per side, just until lightly golden. This step builds flavor. Transfer the seared chicken to your slow cooker, along with any leftover butter and juices from the skillet.
Make the Sauce Base: In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken stock and cornstarch until smooth. Add the minced garlic, crushed red pepper (if using), dried oregano, and dried thyme. Whisk again to combine thoroughly.
Combine in Crockpot: Pour the prepared sauce mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Arrange the chopped sun-dried tomatoes over each chicken breast.
Cook: Cover your slow cooker and cook on the “low” setting for 3-4 hours, or on the “high” setting for 1.5-2 hours. Cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer. According to the USDA, cooking chicken to 165°F (74°C) ensures it is safe to eat.
Finish the Sauce: Carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts to a plate and keep them warm. Stir the warmed heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese into the hot liquid remaining in the slow cooker until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Thicken and Rest: Return the chicken to the thickened sauce, spooning some of the rich sauce over the top of each piece. Let the Crockpot Marry Me Chicken rest on the “warm” setting for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to fully coat the chicken.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish generously with fresh chopped basil leaves just before serving.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Elevate your marry me chicken and ensure perfect results every time.

Searing Benefits: Don’t skip searing the chicken if you have time. It creates a beautiful golden crust and locks in moisture, adding significant depth to the final flavor.
Spice Level: Adjust the crushed red pepper to your liking. For more heat, add an extra pinch; for less, omit it entirely.
Smooth Sauce: Whisk the cornstarch into cold chicken stock thoroughly before adding it to the slow cooker to prevent lumps in your creamy sauce.
Added Greens: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking. The residual heat will wilt it perfectly into the sauce.
Heavy Cream Handling: Warming the heavy cream slightly before adding it to the hot sauce helps prevent it from curdling and ensures a silky smooth finish.
Tender Chicken: Avoid overcooking the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C), then remove it.

Serving, Storage, & Variations

Your delicious crockpot marry me chicken offers many possibilities for serving and storage.

Serving Suggestions: This creamy chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Serve it over hot pasta, fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. Crusty bread is also fantastic for soaking up every last drop of the rich sauce.
Refrigeration: Store any leftover creamy marry me chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure it cools completely before storing.
Reheating: Gently reheat the chicken and sauce on the stovetop over low heat, or in the microwave. Add a splash of chicken stock or cream if the sauce seems too thick.
Freezing: You can freeze cooked marry me chicken and its sauce. Place it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Variations: Add sliced mushrooms to the slow cooker with the chicken for an earthy flavor. Experiment with different herbs like fresh parsley or tarragon for a unique twist. You can also add artichoke hearts for extra tang.

Nutrition

Here is the approximate nutritional information per serving for this creamy chicken dish.

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	339 kcal
Carbohydrates	10 g
Protein	23 g
Fat	23 g
Saturated Fat	13 g
Polyunsaturated Fat	2 g
Monounsaturated Fat	7 g
Trans Fat	0.1 g
Cholesterol	105 mg
Sodium	691 mg
Potassium	700 mg
Fiber	1 g
Sugar	5 g
Vitamin A	908 IU
Vitamin C	6 mg
Calcium	150 mg
Iron	2 mg

FAQ

Got questions about this delicious slow cooker recipe? We have answers!

Can I use chicken thighs? Yes, absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and often stay even more moist in the slow cooker.
How long does it last in the fridge? Leftover Crockpot Marry Me Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can I freeze Crockpot Marry Me Chicken? Yes, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Just ensure it’s in a freezer-safe container.
Why add cornstarch to the sauce? Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent, giving the sauce its rich, creamy consistency. It helps create that luxurious texture.
What causes creamy sauces to curdle? Extreme temperature changes or boiling the cream too vigorously can cause curdling. Warming the cream slightly before adding helps prevent this.

Conclusion

This crockpot marry me chicken truly makes weeknight dinners simple and incredibly delicious. With tender chicken swimming in a rich, creamy, and flavorful sauce, it’s a dish the whole family will adore. It’s perfect for busy schedules, offering gourmet taste with minimal fuss. Give this easy recipe a try tonight and discover your new favorite comfort food! Share your creations and feedback in the comments below!