Dreamy Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe

Enchanting Slow-Cooked “Marry Me” Chicken Recipe For Lovebirds

Tender chicken simmering in a creamy marry me chicken sauce promises to steal hearts at the dinner table.

This irresistible dish blends rich parmesan with sun-dried tomatoes for an explosion of flavor.

Weeknight dinners never looked so elegant or tasted so good.

The secret lies in slow-cooking each ingredient to perfection.

Aromatic herbs and velvety cream create a sauce that could charm even the pickiest eaters.

Simple yet sophisticated, this recipe transforms ordinary chicken into a culinary love letter.

Cook with confidence and watch as every bite tells a delicious story.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 4-6 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)

Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 550 kcal

Servings: 4

Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Ingredient Lineup

For Chicken and Seasonings:
  • Chicken Breasts: Choose plump, fresh cuts for tender, juicy results.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile and tenderizes meat.
  • Black Pepper: Adds warm, subtle spiciness and depth.
  • Garlic Powder: Delivers concentrated, aromatic garlic essence.
  • Onion Powder: Provides sweet, mellow underlying flavor.
  • Italian Seasoning: Blends herbal Mediterranean notes for complexity.
  • Smoked Paprika: Introduces smoky, rich undertone with subtle heat.
For Cooking Base:
  • Olive Oil: Creates golden sear and prevents sticking.
  • Garlic: Infuses robust, pungent flavor throughout dish.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Adds concentrated, tangy sweetness.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Contributes gentle, warming spiciness.
  • Chicken Broth: Ensures moisture and deepens overall taste.
For Creamy Finishing Elements:
  • Heavy Cream: Transforms sauce into luxurious, silky texture.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Brings nutty, sharp, salty complexity.
  • Fresh Basil: Offers bright, aromatic herb freshness.
  • Oregano: Provides earthy, slightly bitter Mediterranean touch.
  • Cornstarch: Optional thickening agent for desired sauce consistency.

Tools to Slow Cook Marry Me Chicken with Ease

  • Large Skillet: Essential for searing chicken to golden perfection before slow cooking.
  • Crock Pot/Slow Cooker: Main cooking vessel for tender, flavorful chicken.
  • Cutting Board: For preparing ingredients and seasoning chicken.
  • Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for chopping herbs and preparing ingredients.
  • Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure seasonings and spices.
  • Measuring Cup: For precise liquid measurements like chicken broth and cream.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring and mixing ingredients in the slow cooker.
  • Paper Towels: To pat chicken dry before seasoning.

How to Cook Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken to Perfection

  • Prep The Chicken

Grab your chicken and give it a quick pat down with paper towels. Sprinkle on a magical blend of seasonings that’ll make your taste buds dance.

  • Create Golden Goodness

Warm up a skillet with a splash of olive oil. Sear those chicken pieces until they’re beautifully golden and tempting, creating a flavor foundation that’ll make everyone swoon.

  • Slow Cooker Magic

Transfer your seared chicken into the crock pot. Toss in garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for some excitement. Pour in chicken broth to keep everything juicy and delicious.

  • Let It Simmer

Cover and let your crock pot work its transformation. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours until the chicken is falling-apart tender and bursting with flavor.

  • Creamy Finale

Stir in heavy cream, sprinkle Parmesan cheese, and add a handful of fresh herbs. If you want a thicker sauce, mix a bit of cornstarch with water and let it mingle for an extra 15 minutes.

  • Serve With Love

Shower your creation with fresh basil and extra Parmesan. Nestle this dreamy chicken over pasta, creamy mashed potatoes, or fluffy rice and get ready for dinner magic.

Tips to Enhance Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

  • Flavor-Boosting Hack: Toast your sun-dried tomatoes in a dry skillet for 1-2 minutes before adding to the crock pot to intensify their rich, tangy flavor.
  • Low-Carb Twist: Replace pasta or rice with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to create a keto-friendly version of this delicious chicken dish.
  • Dairy-Free Modification: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to make the recipe suitable for lactose-intolerant or vegan diners.
  • Spice Level Control: Adjust red pepper flakes based on personal heat preference – use just a pinch for mild flavor or increase for a spicier kick that'll warm your taste buds.
  • Meal Prep Magic: This recipe freezes beautifully – store in airtight containers for up to 3 months, making it perfect for busy weeknights or quick lunch options.

Serving Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken for Dinner Nights

  • Pasta Paradise: Ladle the creamy chicken over al dente linguine or fettuccine for a restaurant-worthy meal that feels luxurious and comforting.
  • Rustic Rice Bowl: Spoon the tender chicken and rich sauce over fluffy white or brown rice, letting the flavors soak into every grain for a hearty dinner.
  • Green Side Companion: Pair the dish with roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or a crisp garden salad to add fresh, light contrast to the creamy chicken.
  • Bread Dipping Delight: Serve with crusty garlic bread or toasted French baguette slices to soak up the delicious sauce, making every bite irresistible.

Best Ways to Store Leftovers for Later Meals

  • Smart Portion Management: Divide the cooked chicken into individual meal-sized containers for quick grab-and-go lunches or dinners throughout the week. Perfect for busy professionals or meal preppers wanting convenient options.
  • Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover chicken in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Keep the sauce separate to maintain the chicken's original texture and prevent soggy results when reheating.
  • Freezing Technique: Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe bags or containers, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen chicken stays fresh for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently to maintain moisture.
  • Reheating Magic: Warm chicken slowly in the microwave with a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture. Alternatively, use a covered skillet on low heat, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly and prevent drying out the meat.
Print
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Dreamy Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe

Dreamy Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe


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4.8 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Rich marry me chicken creates a creamy, irresistible dinner sensation from Italian-inspired ingredients. Slow cookers simplify this romantic meal that promises to enchant dinner companions with minimal preparation effort.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless) or 6 chicken thighs
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
  • 1 tsp dried basil (or 1 tbsp fresh)
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 2 tbsps olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped, drained if packed in oil)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsps water (for thickening, optional)
  • ¼ cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped
  • Extra Parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions

  1. Seasoning Preparation: Meticulously dry the poultry and coat with a vibrant blend of seasonings, ensuring a flavor-packed exterior that promises culinary excellence.
  2. Searing Technique: Heat olive oil in a skillet and create a golden-brown crust on the chicken, sealing in moisture and developing a rich caramelized foundation.
  3. Slow Cooker Assembly: Layer the seared chicken in the crock pot with minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and red pepper flakes, establishing a complex flavor profile that will intensify during cooking.
  4. Liquid Infusion: Generously pour chicken broth around the meat, providing essential moisture and tenderizing the protein throughout the cooking process.
  5. Flavor Development: Allow the slow cooker to transform the chicken on low heat, gradually breaking down the meat until it reaches a melt-in-your-mouth tenderness while developing deep, rich flavors.
  6. Sauce Enrichment: Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, creating a velvety sauce that envelops the chicken with luxurious, creamy complexity and introduces herbaceous notes from fresh basil and oregano.
  7. Sauce Refinement: If desired, prepare a cornstarch slurry to adjust the sauce’s consistency, simmering until it reaches the perfect thickness and glossy texture.
  8. Serving Presentation: Plate the chicken over your preferred base – pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice – ensuring each portion is lavishly topped with the sumptuous sauce and garnished with additional fresh basil and Parmesan for a final burst of flavor and visual appeal.

Notes

  • Manage Moisture Levels: Pat chicken completely dry before seasoning to prevent excess water, ensuring a perfect golden sear and preventing soggy texture.
  • Optimize Searing Technique: Use high heat and avoid overcrowding the skillet to achieve a deep caramelized crust that locks in flavor and creates a rich exterior.
  • Control Cream Integration: Add heavy cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent curdling and maintain a smooth, luxurious sauce consistency.
  • Customize Spice Profile: Adjust red pepper flakes based on personal heat tolerance, allowing flexibility for mild or spicier versions without compromising the dish’s core flavors.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4-6 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 600
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 45 g
  • Saturated Fat: 20 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 40 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg
William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

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