This Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is a rich, creamy, and irresistible dish that lives up to its romantic name. With tender chicken breasts slow-cooked in a luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce, it’s the kind of meal that can win anyone’s heart after the first bite. The sauce combines heavy cream, garlic, Italian herbs, and parmesan cheese, creating an elegant yet simple comfort food experience.
Unlike traditional stovetop versions, the crock pot does all the work here. As it simmers low and slow, the chicken becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender while the sauce thickens beautifully. Whether you serve it over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice, every bite delivers that perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and savory flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken
This dish is effortless to prepare but tastes like something from a fine dining restaurant. The slow-cooking process deepens the flavors and creates a rich sauce that coats every piece of chicken perfectly. You’ll love how the sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet-tart pop that balances the creamy parmesan base.
It’s perfect for date nights, dinner parties, or weeknights when you want something indulgent without standing over the stove. One pot, minimal prep, and stunning results every time.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
If you love creamy Tuscan-style chicken dishes, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites. The name “Marry Me Chicken” comes from how irresistibly delicious it is — after one bite, everyone’s bound to fall in love. The sauce pairs beautifully with nearly anything, from pasta to roasted vegetables.
It’s also versatile, forgiving, and easy to customize with different herbs, cheeses, or even a splash of white wine for added richness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and sliced
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh basil or parsley
- Extra grated parmesan
- Crushed red pepper
How to Make Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken (Step-by-Step)
1. Prepare the Crock Pot
Lightly grease your crock pot with non-stick spray or olive oil. This will prevent the creamy sauce from sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Sear the Chicken (Optional but Recommended)
Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika, then sear for 2–3 minutes on each side until lightly golden. Searing locks in moisture and builds flavor, though you can skip this step if pressed for time.
3. Layer the Ingredients
Place the seared chicken into the crock pot. Scatter the minced garlic and sliced sun-dried tomatoes over the top. This layering helps the chicken absorb the garlic and tomato flavor evenly.
4. Create the Sauce Base
In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream, chicken broth, parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Pour this creamy mixture over the chicken, making sure everything is well coated.
5. Cook on Low and Slow
Cover the crock pot and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, depending on your schedule. The chicken will become fork-tender, and the sauce will thicken naturally as it simmers. Try not to open the lid often — maintaining consistent heat is key to creamy texture.
6. Adjust the Sauce
Once cooked, stir the sauce well to combine the melted cheese and cream. If it’s too thick, add a splash of broth. For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of butter just before serving.
7. Serve and Garnish
Spoon the creamy chicken and sauce over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice. Garnish with chopped basil, extra parmesan, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a beautiful finish.
10 Tips for the Best Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken
- Use chicken thighs for maximum tenderness and juiciness.
- Sear the chicken first to add depth and caramelized flavor.
- Always grate parmesan from a block — it melts more smoothly than pre-shredded.
- Don’t add the cream too early; make sure the heat stays low to avoid curdling.
- Stir the sauce gently before serving to reincorporate any separated cream.
- Adjust consistency with small splashes of broth or milk if needed.
- Add spinach in the last 15 minutes for a Tuscan-inspired twist.
- Use low-sodium broth to control the saltiness.
- Avoid overcooking — chicken should shred easily but remain moist.
- Serve immediately for the freshest flavor and texture.
10 Variations & Substitutions
- Tuscan Marry Me Chicken: Add baby spinach and roasted red peppers.
- Mushroom Version: Include sautéed mushrooms for extra earthiness.
- Bacon Lovers’ Style: Add crisp bacon pieces before serving.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Mix in mozzarella or provolone for a gooier sauce.
- Lemon Cream Version: Add 1 tablespoon lemon juice for a fresh, tangy flavor.
- White Wine Variation: Replace half the broth with dry white wine for richness.
- Spicy Kick: Add more red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
- Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure the broth and parmesan are gluten-free certified.
What to Serve With Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken (Step-by-Step)
- Start by pairing it with a starch that soaks up the sauce, such as pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice.
- Add a bright, fresh side salad with vinaigrette to balance the creaminess.
- Serve with roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans.
- Include garlic bread or warm dinner rolls for dipping.
- Sprinkle the finished dish with fresh basil and grated parmesan for presentation.
- Offer a glass of white wine such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the creamy sauce.
- End the meal with something light — lemon sorbet or fresh fruit to cleanse the palate.
Storage & Reheating Tips (Step-by-Step)
To Store
Let the chicken cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to four days.
To Freeze
Spoon cooled chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers, leaving room for expansion. Label and freeze for up to two months.
To Reheat (From Refrigerator)
Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a bit of broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much.
To Reheat (From Frozen)
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat in a covered pot over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Add extra liquid to maintain a creamy texture.
Recipe FAQs
- Why is it called “Marry Me Chicken”? Because it’s so delicious, people joke that it could inspire marriage proposals.
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, they stay juicy and flavorful.
- Can I make this dairy-free? Substitute coconut cream and vegan parmesan.
- Can I use half-and-half instead of cream? Yes, though the sauce will be lighter.
- Can I add spinach? Yes, stir it in during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- Can I cook on HIGH the whole time? Yes, for about 3–4 hours.
- Can I use pre-grated parmesan? It’s better to use freshly grated for smooth melting.
- Can I add mushrooms? Absolutely, they complement the sauce perfectly.
- Can I double the recipe? Yes, use an 8-quart slow cooker.
- Can I use frozen chicken? Thaw it first for even cooking.
- Can I make it spicy? Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
- How do I thicken the sauce? Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes or add more cheese.
- Can I use milk instead of cream? You can, but it will be less rich.
- Can I prepare it ahead? Yes, assemble ingredients and refrigerate overnight before cooking.
- What’s the best side dish? Garlic mashed potatoes or fettuccine noodles.
- Does it reheat well? Yes, the flavor improves overnight.
- Can I make it keto? Yes, serve with cauliflower mash or zoodles.
- What can I do if it’s too salty? Add more cream or unsalted broth to balance.
- Can I add bacon? Definitely — it adds smoky richness.
- Can I use sun-dried tomato paste instead? Yes, about 2 tablespoons works great.