Crockpot Marry Me Chicken: Creamy & Dreamy
Effortless Elegance Chicken.
A creamy, dreamy chicken dish made effortlessly in the crockpot, featuring sun-dried tomatoes and a rich, savory sauce.
I first made this on a gray, drizzly afternoon. The kind of day that just calls for something cozy. I wanted a beautiful dinner but didn't have the energy for a lot of fuss. So, I tossed everything into the crockpot and let it go. Hours later, the whole house smelled like an Italian kitchen. When my husband came home, he took one bite and just said, 'Wow.' It’s become our go-to for those days when we need a little extra comfort without any of the stress.
Why You'll Love This Dish
- •It's a true 'set it and forget it' meal, perfect for busy days.
- •The sauce is incredibly rich and flavorful—absolute comfort food.
- •It makes the whole house smell wonderful while it cooks.
- •The chicken becomes unbelievably tender and juicy.
- •It feels like an elegant, special meal with very little effort.
- •Clean-up is a breeze, which is always a bonus.
I can't believe how simple and delicious this was! My entire family raved about it. The chicken was so tender it just fell apart, and that sauce... oh, that sauce is everything. This is definitely going into our regular rotation. Thank you!
Essential Ingredient Guide
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless breasts work beautifully here. Searing them first builds a lovely layer of flavor that really makes a difference. Don't skip it if you have the time.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: I always use the ones packed in oil. They are tender and bring a sweet, intense tomato flavor that is the heart of this dish. Just drain them and give them a rough chop.
- Heavy Cream: This is what makes the sauce so dreamy and luxurious. Stir it in at the end to keep it from separating. It’s a little touch of indulgence that is so worth it.
- Freshly Grated Parmesan: Please, if you can, grate your own. It melts into the sauce so much more smoothly than the pre-shredded kind and adds a beautiful, nutty saltiness.
Complete Cooking Process
- First, you'll give the chicken a quick sear. This little step just takes a few minutes but creates a beautiful golden crust and adds so much depth to the final dish. It’s a quiet moment of preparation.
- Next, you'll whisk together the base of your sauce—the broth, sun-dried tomatoes, and herbs. This simple mixture is what the chicken will gently simmer in for hours.
- Place the seared chicken in the crockpot and pour that lovely sauce mixture over top. Put the lid on, and that's it. You can walk away and let the slow cooker work its magic. This is my favorite part—the anticipation.
- Hours later, your chicken will be perfectly tender and infused with all those beautiful flavors.
- Right at the end, you'll stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan. Watch as the sauce transforms into something velvety and rich. It happens so quickly.
- Finally, wilt in the fresh spinach. It adds a touch of color and freshness that balances everything perfectly. Then, it's ready to serve.
A Few Common Questions
→Do I absolutely have to sear the chicken first?
Honestly, you don't *have* to. If you're really short on time, you can skip it. But that golden-brown crust adds a layer of flavor that I think is really special. It’s a small step that makes a big difference.
→Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs would be wonderful. They have a bit more fat, so they'll be extra tender and juicy. The cooking time should be about the same.
→What is the best way to serve this?
Oh, it's so versatile. We love it over a bed of fettuccine or with creamy mashed potatoes. It's also lovely with fluffy rice or even just a side of crusty bread for dipping into that incredible sauce.
→Can I make this dairy-free?
You could try using full-fat coconut milk instead of heavy cream and a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. The flavor profile will change, of course, but it could still be a very delicious, creamy dish.
Crockpot Marry Me Chicken: Creamy & Dreamy
Make crockpot marry me chicken! Creamy, rich, and full of flavor, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or a comforting dinner.
Timing
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
4-6 hours
Total Time
4 hours 15 minutes
Recipe Details
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 012 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 021 teaspoon salt
- 031/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 041 teaspoon dried oregano
- 051/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 062 tablespoons olive oil
For the Creamy Sauce
- 011 cup chicken broth
- 021/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
- 034 cloves garlic, minced
- 041 teaspoon dried basil
- 051/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 063/4 cup heavy cream
- 071/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 082 cups fresh spinach
- 09Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
Pat the chicken breasts dry and season them all over with salt, pepper, oregano, and garlic powder.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown. They don't need to be cooked through. Transfer the chicken to the crockpot.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, dried basil, and red pepper flakes.
Pour this mixture over the chicken in the crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender.
About 15 minutes before serving, remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it with two forks or leave it whole. Return it to the crockpot.
Slowly stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Add the fresh spinach and stir until it wilts into the sauce, which should only take a minute or two.
Serve warm over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, garnished with fresh basil. Enjoy the quiet perfection.
Notes & Tips
- 1The sauce will thicken as it cools. If reheating, you may need a little extra chicken broth or milk to bring it back to its original consistency.
- 2Feel free to shred the chicken or leave the breasts whole for serving. Both ways are equally delicious.
- 3If you like a little more texture, you can add some sliced mushrooms to the crockpot along with the sauce.
Tools You'll Need
- •Sear the chicken before slow cooking for maximum flavor.
- •Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for the best texture and taste.
- •Stir in the cream and Parmesan at the very end to prevent curdling and ensure a smooth sauce.
- •Don't lift the crockpot lid while it's cooking! It lets the heat escape and adds to the cooking time.