The best crockpot Marry Me Chicken isn’t just a dinner—it’s a whole mood. If you’ve ever wanted to throw something in the slow cooker, forget about it for a few hours, and then come back to a creamy, cheesy, wildly flavorful meal that makes your whole kitchen smell like a five-star Italian bistro… this is your moment.
This recipe got its name because it’s allegedly good enough to trigger a marriage proposal, and honestly? We believe it. With its rich parmesan cream sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and juicy chicken breasts, it’s the kind of dish that makes a regular Tuesday feel like a celebration. Whether you’re feeding your family, impressing guests, or just want something easy and delicious that doesn’t take all day to make, this one’s a keeper. And yes—it’s crockpot friendly, so the hardest part might just be waiting while it cooks.
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What is Best Crockpot Marry Me Chicken?
Best Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is the kind of recipe that checks all the boxes: it’s easy, comforting, loaded with flavor, and always a crowd-pleaser. At its core, it’s tender chicken breasts slow-cooked in a luscious, creamy sauce made with heavy cream, parmesan, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes. A sprinkle of Italian seasoning brings in those herby vibes, and a hint of red pepper flakes adds just the right amount of kick.
The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting here, so you can go about your day and come back to a warm, hearty dinner that tastes like you’ve been slaving over the stove for hours (spoiler: you haven’t). It’s also incredibly versatile—serve it over mashed potatoes, pasta, or rice, and boom, dinner is done. You can even meal prep it ahead of time or toss in veggies to bulk it up. It’s one of those magical meals that feels fancy but fits into even the busiest schedules.
Reasons to Try Best Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
First of all, can we talk about how low-effort this is? The best crockpot Marry Me Chicken is a weeknight hero in disguise. It requires minimal prep—just a bit of seasoning, a quick sauce mix, and your slow cooker does the rest. You’ll spend five minutes getting it ready, and then it just… happens. That’s a win. Second, it’s wildly flavorful. Like, “lick-the-plate” kind of good. The creamy parmesan and garlic sauce gets kissed with tangy sun-dried tomatoes and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes. It’s the kind of flavor combo that feels like comfort food but also dinner-party worthy.
Another reason? Everyone loves it. Whether you’ve got picky eaters or folks with “refined” palates, this chicken wins hearts across the board. And let’s not forget leftovers—this reheats like a dream and somehow tastes even better the next day. Last but not least, it’s customizable. Don’t eat dairy? Try coconut cream and nutritional yeast. Want more veggies? Add spinach or mushrooms. This dish plays nice with whatever you throw at it.
Ingredients Needed to Make Best Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this swoon-worthy dinner to life:
- 4–6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet Italian seasoning mix
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
That’s it. No fancy ingredients, just good, solid staples that turn into something truly irresistible when slow-cooked together.
Instructions to Make Best Crockpot Marry Me Chicken – Step by Step
Step 1: Season the Chicken Like You Mean It
Start by giving your chicken breasts a little love—sprinkle them evenly with salt, black pepper, and paprika. This trio creates a flavorful base and adds a gentle smokiness that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce. Lay the seasoned chicken in a single layer at the bottom of your slow cooker. Try not to stack them on top of each other so they cook evenly and stay juicy. If you’re using larger pieces, you can even lightly pound them so they’re all about the same thickness. This step may seem simple, but it’s where the flavor party begins.
Step 2: Mix Up the Creamy Dream Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together your heavy cream, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. This is the heart of the recipe—rich, savory, slightly spicy, and infused with herby depth. The garlic adds warmth and that oh-so-good aroma that fills the kitchen as it simmers. Once mixed, the sauce should be smooth and pourable—don’t overthink it, just whisk until everything’s nicely blended. If you’re dairy-free or just out of cream, feel free to substitute with coconut cream or even a blend of oat milk and a cornstarch slurry, though you’ll lose a little richness. Not the end of the world, still tasty!
Step 3: Layer on the Flavor
Pour the cream mixture evenly over the chicken, making sure each piece is well-coated. Then, scatter the chopped sun-dried tomatoes on top. They’re the secret weapon here—sweet, tangy, and packed with umami. When they cook down into the sauce, it becomes velvety and deeply flavored. If your sun-dried tomatoes are packed in oil, drain them first. Or, if they’re dry-packed, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes to soften. Want to go bolder? Add a handful of sliced mushrooms or chopped spinach at this point for some extra veggie power.
Step 4: Let the Crockpot Work Its Magic
Pop the lid on your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 3–4 hours. That’s it. Walk away, go do something fun (or laundry, let’s be real). You’ll come back to chicken that’s fork-tender and practically melts in your mouth. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer—it should hit 165°F. If your chicken breasts are on the smaller side, check them at the 3-hour mark. If they’re thicker, give them the full 4. Resist the urge to lift the lid too often—every peek adds time to the cooking process.
Step 5: Add the Parmesan and Watch the Magic Happen
About 30 minutes before serving, lift the lid and stir in your grated parmesan cheese. It’ll melt into the sauce, thickening it slightly and adding a salty, nutty richness that ties everything together. Stir gently, then replace the lid and let it finish cooking. By the time you’re ready to plate, the sauce will be creamy, dreamy, and ready to coat every bite. Don’t have parmesan? Try pecorino or even shredded mozzarella, but know that parmesan is the classic choice for that signature flavor.
Step 6: Finish with Fresh Basil and Serve it Up
Right before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped basil over the top. This little green touch adds freshness and balance to all that creamy goodness. Serve your Marry Me Chicken over fluffy mashed potatoes, buttery pasta, or even rice to soak up every drop of sauce. Crusty bread on the side? Yes, please. If you’re feeling fancy (or just hungry), try it with this Creamy Ranch Chicken or a side of Olive Garden Copycat Pasta Salad for a total comfort food spread. And yes—leftovers are phenomenal.
What to Serve with Best Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
This dish is rich and creamy, so pairing it with something that complements that luxurious sauce is key. Mashed potatoes are a classic choice—they soak up the sauce like a sponge. You can also serve it over pasta (penne or fettuccine are perfect), rice, or even cauliflower mash if you’re going low-carb. On the veggie side, roasted green beans or a crisp garden salad add freshness and balance. For something heartier, try a side of Homestyle Chicken and Gravy or Lemon Basil Pasta Salad. And if you’ve got extra sauce? Don’t be shy—mop it up with some warm, crusty bread.
Key Tips for Making Best Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
Use chicken breasts that are similar in size so they cook evenly. Don’t overcrowd your slow cooker—lay them flat and don’t stack. Want an extra flavor boost? Sear the chicken for a few minutes per side in a hot skillet before adding it to the crockpot. It’s not required, but it adds a golden crust and deeper flavor. Make sure your cream is full-fat—low-fat versions can separate or curdle. Don’t skip the parmesan! It thickens the sauce and gives it that crave-worthy richness. Add it toward the end for the best texture. And always taste before serving—sometimes a pinch more salt or a squeeze of lemon can take the flavor to the next level.
Storage and Reheating Tips Best Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Let the chicken cool, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When it’s time to reheat, you can microwave it in 1-minute bursts, stirring between each round. Or reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce. This dish also freezes well. Just place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as usual. The sauce may need a little help coming back together—just give it a good stir.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Thighs stay extra juicy and are more forgiving in the crockpot.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, but make sure your crockpot is big enough and don’t overcrowd the chicken.
Is there a dairy-free version?
Yes! Try full-fat coconut milk and nutritional yeast instead of cream and parmesan.
Can I make it spicier?
Definitely. Add more red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried?
You could, but sun-dried tomatoes add a deep, sweet tang that fresh ones can’t fully match.
Does it really cause marriage proposals?
We can’t legally promise that, but it has happened, and it’s that good. Let’s just say… cook at your own risk.
Final Thoughts
The best crockpot Marry Me Chicken is one of those magical meals that manages to feel both indulgent and effortless. It’s creamy, flavorful, and so easy to make—exactly the kind of recipe that becomes a weeknight regular and a special occasion go-to. Whether you’re cooking for family, impressing a date, or just want something comforting and delicious, this dish delivers every time. And hey, if it leads to a proposal? Bonus. Looking for more slow cooker magic? Check out our Slow Cooker Greek Chicken or Crockpot Butter Chicken for even more cozy dinner inspiration. However you serve it, this is one of those recipes you’ll want to bookmark, share, and make again and again. Now go make dinner that’s worthy of “I do.”
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Best Crockpot Marry Me Chicken That’s Creamy, Dreamy, and Easy
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Description
This amazing crockpot Marry Me Chicken is so delicious that it got its name because people say it’s good enough to make someone propose! The chicken comes out incredibly tender and flavorful, swimming in a creamy parmesan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes. It’s the kind of dinner that makes any day feel special and always gets rave reviews from everyone who tries it.
Ingredients
- 4–6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet Italian seasoning mix
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
1. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika, then place them in the bottom of your crockpot in a single layer for even cooking.
2. In a bowl, whisk together heavy cream, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes until well combined and smooth.
3. Pour the cream mixture over the chicken, then sprinkle chopped sun-dried tomatoes evenly over the top for maximum flavor distribution.
4. Cover and cook on low for 3–4 hours until chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer.
5. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in parmesan cheese and let it melt into the sauce, creating a rich and creamy coating.
6. Garnish with fresh basil before serving over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes to soak up all that incredible sauce!
Notes
For even richer flavor, use freshly grated parmesan and high-quality sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
