There are meals that leave a lasting impression, and Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is one of them. This dish brings together the convenience of slow cooking and the comfort of creamy, savory flavors that feel both luxurious and effortless. Tender chicken simmers in a luscious sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Parmesan, and herbs, creating a meal that feels special without requiring much time in the kitchen.
In a world of complicated dinners, this one keeps things simple and heartwarming. Whether you’re feeding family, planning a cozy night in, or want to impress someone special, this recipe offers everything you need for a truly satisfying meal.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The charm of this dish lies in its simplicity and flavor. It starts with basic ingredients, most of which you probably already have, and ends with a creamy, dreamy result that feels gourmet. The chicken becomes incredibly tender as it cooks slowly in a savory sauce, and the sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of sweetness that balances everything out.
Another reason to love it is its flexibility. Serve it over noodles, mashed potatoes, or rice. It even works beautifully with low-carb options like steamed vegetables or cauliflower mash. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s a favorite in so many kitchens.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each item plays a key part in bringing together the comforting richness of this recipe.
Chicken Breasts (4): Choose either skin-on or skinless based on your preference. Slow cooking makes the meat soft and flavorful.
Italian Seasoning (2 teaspoons): A mix of dried herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme gives the dish an aromatic foundation.
Salt and Black Pepper: These are essential for seasoning the chicken and bringing out all the other flavors.
Unsalted Butter (1 tablespoon): Used for searing the chicken, this adds richness right from the beginning.
Olive Oil (1 teaspoon, optional): Helps brown the chicken evenly and prevents sticking during the searing step.
White Wine and Water (½ cup each) or Chicken Broth (1 cup): Acts as the liquid base, giving the chicken moisture and a depth of flavor. Wine adds a touch of elegance, while broth keeps it family-friendly.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes (4 tablespoons, chopped): Offer a sweet and slightly tangy contrast to the creamy sauce.
Sweet Paprika (1 teaspoon): Brings a gentle warmth and color to the dish.
Garlic Granules (1 teaspoon): Provide a mellow garlic flavor throughout the sauce. Fresh garlic works too if preferred.
Chicken Bouillon (1 teaspoon): Boosts the savory quality of the dish, especially if you’re using wine instead of broth.
Heavy Cream or Sour Cream (1 cup): This is what makes the sauce rich and smooth. Sour cream adds a bit of tang, while heavy cream keeps it milder.
Cornstarch + Cold Water (1 tablespoon + 2 tablespoons, optional): This slurry helps to thicken the sauce near the end of cooking if needed.
Grated Parmesan Cheese (2 to 3 tablespoons): Enhances the flavor with a salty, nutty kick.
Fresh Parsley or Basil (2 tablespoons): Finishes the dish with a fresh, herby touch and brightens the overall flavor.
How to Make Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken
Making this dish is surprisingly easy and mostly hands-off. It begins with searing the chicken for a bit of golden color and flavor, followed by letting the slow cooker do the rest of the work. The end result is a dish that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
- Step 1: Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry and generously season both sides with salt, black pepper, and Italian herbs. This step is key to building flavor from the start. - Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Melt butter and a touch of olive oil in a pan or directly in the slow cooker if it has that function. Sear the chicken, skin side down if applicable, until golden. This adds both flavor and color. - Step 3: Add Liquids and Seasonings
Flip the chicken and pour in the wine and water or broth. Sprinkle in the paprika, garlic granules, bouillon, and sun-dried tomatoes. These ingredients start infusing the chicken as it slowly cooks. - Step 4: Cook Low and Slow
Secure the lid and set your Crock Pot to LOW. Let the chicken cook gently for 90 minutes to 2 hours. It should be fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F. - Step 5: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
If you want a thicker consistency, stir a mixture of cornstarch and cold water into the sauce about 10 minutes before the cooking time ends. Let it heat to activate the thickening effect. - Step 6: Finish with Cream and Cheese
Gently move the chicken to the side. Stir in the sour cream or heavy cream until smooth, then fold in the grated Parmesan. Let it all melt into a creamy, rich sauce. - Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Top with fresh parsley or basil just before serving. This final step adds freshness and a pop of color. Pair the chicken with your side of choice and enjoy.
Helpful Tips
Use the LOW setting for the best texture. Cooking the chicken too quickly on high can make it dry or rubbery. Go with full-fat cream or sour cream to ensure the sauce turns out rich and doesn’t separate. If you want a dairy-free option, use a plant-based cream and adjust the seasoning accordingly. And for even more flavor, don’t skip the sun-dried tomatoes. They make a noticeable difference in both sweetness and complexity.
Details
Flavor: Creamy, savory, and slightly tangy with herby undertones
Texture: Tender chicken covered in smooth, velvety sauce
Occasion: Great for weekday dinners or intimate weekend meals
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Notes (Optional Variations or Substitutions)
If you’re avoiding dairy, try using unsweetened coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative that can handle heat. Boneless chicken thighs are a great swap for breasts if you prefer darker meat. For a spicier version, add a pinch of crushed red pepper or a diced chili. Want to sneak in some greens? Stir in fresh spinach during the last 15 minutes of cooking. It wilts nicely and adds color and nutrition.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 455 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 8 g |
| Protein | 51 g |
| Fat | 24 g |
| Saturated Fat | 10 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 1061 mg |
| Cholesterol | 189 mg |
| Potassium | 1185 mg |
| Calcium | 121 mg |
| Iron | 2 mg |
These values are estimates and can vary depending on specific brands and portion sizes used.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you make Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken with frozen chicken?
It’s best to thaw the chicken fully before using it in a slow cooker. Cooking from frozen can lead to uneven cooking and food safety issues.
How long does Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken need to cook?
Set your slow cooker to LOW and let it cook for about 90 minutes to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
Do you need to sear the chicken before slow cooking?
Searing adds flavor and helps with the texture, but the dish will still turn out tasty if you skip this step due to time constraints.
What can I use instead of heavy cream in Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken?
Sour cream is a good substitute that adds tang. You can also try dairy-free cream alternatives, but they may change the texture slightly.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce thickens too much, add a little broth or cream to thin it out. You can also freeze this dish in single-serving containers for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Print
Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken | Tender, Easy & Irresistible
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is a creamy, slow-cooked chicken recipe in a sun-dried tomato sauce that’s rich, comforting, and full of flavor. Perfect for weeknights, date nights, or anytime you need an easy yet impressive dish.
Ingredients
4 chicken breasts (skin-on or skinless)
2 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tsp olive oil (optional)
½ cup white wine + ½ cup water OR 1 cup chicken broth
4 tbsp diced sun-dried tomatoes, drained
1 tsp sweet paprika
1 tsp garlic granules
1 tsp chicken bouillon (if using wine)
1 cup sour cream or heavy cream
1 tbsp cornstarch diluted in 2 tbsp cold water (optional)
2–3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp flat leaf parsley or fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
1. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
2. Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet or browning slow cooker. Sear chicken until golden on one side.
3. Flip the chicken and add wine/water or broth, paprika, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and bouillon.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 90 minutes to 2 hours until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5. Optional: Mix cornstarch with cold water and stir in 10 minutes before the end to thicken the sauce.
6. Move chicken aside, stir in cream, Parmesan, and fresh herbs until fully combined.
7. Serve hot over rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or your favorite side.
Notes
Use full-fat sour cream or cream for the best texture.
Do not cook on HIGH to avoid drying out the chicken.
Sun-dried tomatoes add depth, but you can sub with fresh in a pinch.
For low-carb, serve with cauliflower mash or sautéed greens.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 455
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 1061mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0.1g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 51g
- Cholesterol: 189mg
Conclusion
Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is the kind of meal that wins hearts and satisfies cravings. It brings together the ease of slow cooking with bold, comforting flavors that everyone can enjoy. Whether you’re making it for guests or for yourself, it’s a reliable, delicious choice that’s sure to be a hit. Give it a try and enjoy the creamy goodness that makes this dish unforgettable.