This comforting crock pot marry me chicken recipe creates tender chicken in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce that’s rich, flavorful, and easy to make. Perfect for busy nights, family dinners, or anyone craving a cozy, slow-cooked meal full of comfort and flavor.
If you’re craving a meal that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day, then you’re in the right place. This crock pot marry me chicken is one of those slow cooker recipes that earns a permanent spot in your weeknight rotation. It’s creamy, comforting, and full of flavors that taste like you spent hours in the kitchen even though the slow cooker did all the work.
As a home cook who’s been feeding hungry kids for years, I’ve learned that some dishes win hearts without much fuss. This is one of those dishes. And if you’re in the mood for more cozy slow cooker meals, you might enjoy my crockpot chicken tortellini, another creamy family favorite.
And honestly, who doesn’t love a slow cooker meal that practically cooks itself? You just set it, forget it, and let the magic unfold.
Table of contents
Main Ingredients for Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken
Before we dive into the full step-by-step process, let’s talk ingredients. Each one plays a special role in building flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need to make your crock pot marry me chicken shine.
- Chicken Breast Fillets
Tender, juicy, and perfect for slow cooking. You can use skinless or skin-on. - Dried Italian Herb Blend
A lovely shortcut to layers of flavor. - Salt and Black Pepper
Simple, but key for balance. - Unsalted Butter and Olive Oil
Browning the chicken helps create a rich, golden crust. - White Wine and Water or Chicken Broth
Your flavorful base. Broth makes the sauce extra savory. - Sun-Dried Tomatoes
These add tangy sweetness and depth. - Sweet Paprika and Garlic Powder
They bring color and gentle warmth. - Parmesan Cheese
Freshly grated is best for a silky finish. - Sour Cream or Heavy Cream
The foundation of that luscious sauce.
If you love creamy chicken dinners served over rice, you’ll also enjoy my comforting marry me chicken and rice recipe.
Additional Ingredients and Substitutes
Cooking should feel flexible, warm, and comforting, just like this dish. Here are some great additions or substitutes if you want to make things your own.
- Fresh Basil or Flat Leaf Parsley
Adds brightness to the sauce. - Chicken Thighs
A wonderful swap if you prefer richer, more tender meat. In fact, if thighs are your style, you might also love my crockpot chicken thighs and rice. - Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
Adds a hint of heat. - Vegetable or Beef Broth
A fine substitute if you don’t have chicken broth. - Cream Cheese
For a thicker, even creamier sauce. - Spinach
Toss it in during the final 10 minutes.
Small adjustments like these can help you tailor the recipe to your mood and pantry.
Expert Tips for Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken
Let’s talk secrets. Every home cook picks up little tricks along the way, and after feeding a family for decades, I’ve collected quite a few. Here’s how to get the very best results from your crock pot marry me chicken.
- Brown the Chicken First
Even though it’s tempting to skip, browning adds flavor and texture you don’t want to miss. - Use Heavy Cream for Maximum Richness
Sour cream works beautifully, but heavy cream creates that velvety finish everyone loves. - Fresh Parmesan Makes a Difference
It melts smoother and tastes better than pre-shredded varieties. - Let the Sauce Thicken at the End
Add your cornstarch slurry near the end for proper thickening. - Don’t Overcook the Chicken
Chicken breasts can dry quickly. Start checking at 90 minutes. - Taste and Adjust Seasoning
Slow cooking softens flavors. A final pinch of salt or herbs brings everything back to life. - Use the Sauce for Other Meals
The leftover sauce is gold. Stir it into pasta or spoon it over veggies. If you enjoy creamy chicken-and-rice meals, check out my hearty chicken and rice crockpot recipe for another easy favorite.
And if you’re planning a party or family gathering anytime soon, my buffalo chicken dip crockpot is another slow cooker crowd-pleaser that pairs beautifully with cozy dishes like this.
These small steps make a big difference in elevating a simple slow cooker meal into something special.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Step 1:
Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. This helps the chicken sear properly. - Step 2:
Heat butter and olive oil in a pan or use your crockpot’s browning setting. Brown each side of the chicken for 2 to 3 minutes. - Step 3:
Transfer the chicken to your slow cooker. Pour in the wine-and-water mixture or chicken broth. Add paprika, garlic powder, and bouillon if using wine. - Step 4:
Scatter the chopped sun-dried tomatoes around the chicken. - Step 5:
Cover and cook on low for 90 minutes to 2 hours, until the chicken reaches 165°F. - Step 6:
Add the cornstarch slurry during the last 10 minutes if you want a thicker sauce. - Step 7:
Push the chicken aside and gently stir in the cream. Add Parmesan and fresh herbs. - Step 8:
Serve over rice, pasta, or potatoes.
Additional Guide: Variations and Techniques
There are so many fun ways to customize this crock pot marry me chicken. If you want something a little different, you can shred the chicken once it’s cooked and stir it back into the sauce. Toss in cooked pasta and let it sit for a couple minutes. It transforms into an irresistible one-pot pasta.
If you’re in the mood for a spicy twist, add a spoonful of Calabrian chili paste or crushed red pepper flakes.
For extra heartiness, mushrooms are a fantastic addition. Add them in during the last hour.
You can also lighten things up by swapping heavy cream for Greek yogurt. Just stir it in right at the end to avoid curdling.
And if you love cozy bowl meals, you’ll probably enjoy my warm and flavorful white chicken chili recipe. It’s another slow-cooked comfort you can come back to again and again.
Why is the dish called “Marry Me Chicken”?
The name comes from the idea that this dish is so delicious, it could inspire a marriage proposal. The rich, creamy sauce and perfectly tender chicken make it a crowd-pleasing meal that impresses anyone who tastes it, hence the playful, romantic name.
FAQs About Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken
Can you do Marry Me Chicken in a slow cooker?
Yes! Marry Me Chicken turns out incredibly tender and flavorful in a slow cooker. The low heat allows the chicken to soak up the creamy parmesan and sun-dried tomato sauce, making it even richer than the stovetop version. Just add everything to the crock pot and let it cook until the chicken is soft and pull-apart tender.
Is Marry Me Chicken really good?
Absolutely. Marry Me Chicken is famous for a reason, it’s creamy, savory, slightly tangy from the sun-dried tomatoes, and deeply comforting. It tastes like a restaurant-quality meal but requires almost no effort. Many people consider it one of the best chicken dishes for family dinners and date nights.
How long will a chicken take in a slow cooker?
In a slow cooker, chicken breasts usually take 4–5 hours on LOW or 2–3 hours on HIGH. They’re done when they’re tender and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. For this recipe, the longer you cook on low, the more melt-in-your-mouth the chicken becomes.
Conclusion
Cooking good food doesn’t have to be complicated. That’s something I’ve learned after years of feeding my three wonderful kids and juggling life here in sunny Florida. This crock pot marry me chicken is one of those meals that turns an ordinary evening into something special without adding stress.
It’s creamy, comforting, and wonderfully simple. The kind of dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day. Best of all, it brings people together around the table, which is my favorite thing about cooking.
Try it, share it, make it your own, and come back for more comforting kitchen inspiration.
With love,
Angela from Florida
Home cook, traveler at heart, proud mom of three.
Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken
Equipment
- Crock Pot / Slow Cooker
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes drained and chopped
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic minced
Seasonings
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crock pot.
- In a bowl, whisk together heavy cream, chicken broth, garlic, parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and all seasonings.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours, or on HIGH for 2–3 hours, until chicken is tender.
- Shred gently or serve whole, spooning creamy sauce over the top. Serve with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.