Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is an easy, creamy, and flavorful dish that’s sure to impress. With tender chicken breasts cooked in a slow cooker and surrounded by a rich sauce made with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan, this recipe offers all the delicious flavors of a gourmet meal with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
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½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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½ teaspoon paprika
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½ cup heavy cream
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
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Sear the Chicken (Optional): Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. If desired, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. This step adds flavor, but you can skip it if you prefer to save time.
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Prepare the Slow Cooker: In the slow cooker, add the chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, and paprika. Stir to combine.
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Add Chicken to Slow Cooker: Place the chicken breasts into the slow cooker, ensuring they are mostly submerged in the broth mixture.
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Cook: Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
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Add Cream and Cheese: Once the chicken is done, remove it from the slow cooker and set aside. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese into the sauce until smooth.
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Serve: Return the chicken to the sauce, coating it well. Garnish with freshly chopped basil. Serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep Time: 10 minutes (if you sear the chicken)
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Cook Time: 3-4 hours on low
Variations
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Chicken Thighs: Swap chicken breasts for boneless, skinless thighs for a juicier, more flavorful result.
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Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk or almond milk and dairy-free cheese to make this dish dairy-free.
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Thickened Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir into the sauce. Let it cook for an additional 15-20 minutes on low.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove over low heat. Add a little extra broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much upon storage.
FAQs
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is no longer pink in the center.
Can I make this recipe with frozen chicken?
Yes, you can cook frozen chicken breasts in the slow cooker, but it will take longer. Cook for 4-6 hours on low.
What can I serve with Marry Me Chicken?
This dish is great served with rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes. It also pairs well with steamed vegetables or a side salad.
Can I skip searing the chicken?
Yes, searing the chicken is optional. It adds flavor but isn’t necessary for the recipe to work.
Can I use heavy cream alternatives?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, milk, or even a dairy-free option like coconut cream.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, this recipe isn’t spicy, but you can add red pepper flakes for a bit of heat if you prefer.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Can I use other types of cheese?
Parmesan cheese is key to the flavor, but you can experiment with other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano if you like.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
You can make the sauce thicker by adding a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of water) and cooking on low for an additional 15-20 minutes.
Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
To lighten up this dish, use light cream or substitute half the heavy cream with chicken broth or a dairy-free option.
Conclusion
Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is a mouthwatering dish that combines rich, creamy flavors with tender chicken. The slow cooking method ensures the chicken stays juicy and absorbs all the delicious flavors from the sauce. Whether you’re preparing a comforting meal for the family or impressing guests, this easy-to-make dish is sure to be a new favorite. Enjoy it with your favorite side dishes for a satisfying and unforgettable meal!
PrintCrockpot Marry Me Chicken
This Crockpot Marry Me Chicken recipe is a creamy, flavorful dish that’s effortlessly elegant and incredibly easy to make. Juicy chicken breasts are slow-cooked in a rich sauce of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan, creating a meal that’s perfect for weeknights or special occasions. This slow cooker chicken dish is so good, it just might earn you a marriage proposal! Serve it over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice for a satisfying, restaurant-worthy dinner at home.
- Prep Time: 10min
- Cook Time: 3–4 hours on low
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes – 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for searing)
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon paprika
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
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Season Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
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Optional Sear: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sear chicken 2–3 minutes per side (optional).
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Prepare Base: In the crockpot, mix together chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and paprika.
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Cook Chicken: Place chicken into the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 3–4 hours, or until tender and cooked through.
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Add Cream & Cheese: Remove chicken; stir in heavy cream and Parmesan into the sauce until smooth.
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Combine & Serve: Return chicken to sauce and coat well. Garnish with chopped basil. Serve with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Notes
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Searing adds flavor but can be skipped to save time.
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Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra juiciness.
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To thicken sauce, stir in a cornstarch slurry and cook an extra 15–20 minutes on low.
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Garnish with fresh basil for a pop of color and flavor.
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Leftovers reheat well and can be frozen for later.