Easy Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Recipe
Effortless Weeknight Dinner Slow Cooker.
Tender chicken breasts slow-cooked in a creamy, sun-dried tomato and Parmesan sauce. A set-it-and-forget-it meal perfect for busy weeknights.
I’ll admit, the name 'Marry Me Chicken' always made me smile. It felt a little dramatic. But after making it, I understood. That creamy, savory sauce with bits of sun-dried tomato is truly something special. My challenge was to capture that magic without being tied to the stove. So, I adapted it for my trusty slow cooker. It’s become my go-to for those days I know will be long. Coming home to this feels like a little gift I gave myself hours earlier.
Why This Recipe is a Keeper
- •It’s a true 'set it and forget it' meal.
- •The chicken becomes incredibly tender and flavorful.
- •That creamy, savory sauce is just divine.
- •Minimal prep work for a dish that tastes so luxurious.
- •It makes your entire home smell wonderful.
- •Perfect for busy weeknights when you still want a special dinner.
This is, without a doubt, one of the best crockpot recipes I have ever made. My husband couldn't stop raving about it! The chicken was so juicy and the sauce was absolutely heavenly over pasta. It’s officially in our regular dinner rotation.
Essential Ingredient Guide
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Use the kind packed in oil. They are softer and more flavorful than the dry-packed ones. Don't be shy with them; they are a key part of the flavor.
- Freshly Grated Parmesan: It really does make a difference. Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can make your sauce a bit grainy. Grating it yourself ensures a silky smooth sauce.
- Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its rich, luxurious texture. For the best result, don't substitute it with milk, as the sauce won't be as thick or creamy.
Complete Cooking Process
- First, gather all your ingredients. I always find it calming to have everything laid out on the counter.
- Pat your chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. This little step helps the seasonings stick.
- Season the chicken on all sides. Don't be afraid to use your hands to rub it in.
- Place the seasoned chicken in your slow cooker. Add the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, then pour in the broth.
- Put the lid on and let it do its thing. Go read a book, run an errand... this is your time back.
- The chicken is done when it's tender enough to easily pull apart with a fork.
- Once the chicken is cooked, take it out and set it aside.
- Now for the best part. Whisk the cream, Parmesan, and cornstarch slurry into the crockpot. This is where the magic happens.
- Let it cook on high just for a bit to thicken up into a beautiful, creamy sauce.
- Stir in the fresh basil at the very end to keep its bright flavor.
- Return the chicken to the pot and coat it in that gorgeous sauce.
- Let it rest for a moment.
- Serve it warm and watch everyone's faces light up. It’s the best feeling.
Frequently Asked Questions
→Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs would be wonderful. They have a bit more fat, so they'll be even more tender and juicy. The cooking time should remain about the same.
→Do I need to sear the chicken before putting it in the crockpot?
You don't have to, and this recipe is designed to be a simple dump-and-go meal. However, if you have an extra 5-10 minutes, searing the chicken in a hot pan with a little olive oil will add another layer of deep, savory flavor.
→My sauce isn't thickening. What did I do wrong?
No worries! It happens. Make sure your cornstarch was fully dissolved in cold water before adding it. If it's still thin, you can make another small slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch to 1 tablespoon water) and whisk it in. Keep it on high for a few more minutes.
→What should I serve with Marry Me Chicken?
It’s perfect over something that can soak up all that incredible sauce. I love it with fettuccine, mashed potatoes, or even just some crusty bread. A simple green salad or steamed asparagus on the side is a lovely, fresh contrast.
Easy Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Recipe
Easy crockpot marry me chicken recipe uses simple ingredients for busy weeknights. Slow cooker chicken with creamy sauce is effortless and delicious!
Timing
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
4-6 hours on Low
Total Time
4 hours 10 minutes
Recipe Details
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 012 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 021 teaspoon salt
- 031/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 041 teaspoon garlic powder
- 051 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 061 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 071/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
- 084 cloves garlic, minced
For the Creamy Sauce
- 011 cup heavy cream
- 023/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 031 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (slurry)
- 041/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 051/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
Pat the chicken breasts dry and season them all over with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Place them in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
Scatter the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and minced garlic over the chicken.
Pour the chicken broth around the chicken. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and set them aside on a plate. You can leave them whole or shred them with two forks.
Whisk the cornstarch slurry into the liquid remaining in the slow cooker. Then, slowly whisk in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Cover and cook on HIGH for another 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
Turn off the slow cooker. Stir in the fresh basil. Return the chicken to the slow cooker and spoon the sauce over it.
Let it sit for a few minutes for the flavors to meld. Serve warm over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Notes & Tips
- 1All slow cookers heat differently. Your chicken might be done sooner or later than the time suggested, so it's always good to check for tenderness.
- 2Feel free to shred the chicken before returning it to the sauce if you prefer it that way over pasta.
Tools You'll Need
- •Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the smoothest sauce.
- •Don't skip the sun-dried tomatoes; they provide a sweet and tangy flavor that is essential to the dish.
- •If your chicken releases a lot of liquid, you can pour some out before adding the cream to ensure a thick sauce.
- •Fresh basil at the end makes a huge difference. Dried basil can be used in a pinch, but fresh is best.