Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe

The Lovingly Simmered Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe

Tender chicken breasts simmer in a dreamy marry me chicken recipe that promises to steal hearts at first bite.

This creamy, savory dish brings restaurant-quality flavor straight to your kitchen.

Packed with rich parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and a velvety sauce, the recipe delivers comfort and elegance in every forkful.

The crock pot makes preparation effortless, allowing flavors to meld beautifully throughout the day.

Each bite promises a culinary experience that could seriously spark romance.

Minimal ingredients and simple steps ensure even novice cooks can master this crowd-pleasing meal.

Prepare to fall in love with this irresistible chicken dish that’s sure to become a weeknight favorite.

Marry Me Chicken Crock Pot Edition Highlights

  • This crock pot recipe transforms complex flavors into an easy, hands-off meal that delivers restaurant-quality results without standing over the stove.
  • Adaptable ingredients like chicken breasts and sun-dried tomatoes mean you can swap components based on what's in your kitchen, making it perfect for spontaneous cooking.
  • Rich, creamy sauce combined with tender chicken creates a universally loved dish that appeals to both picky eaters and gourmet food enthusiasts, ensuring everyone at the table will be satisfied.
  • Minimal active cooking time and the convenience of a slow cooker allow busy home cooks to enjoy a delicious, impressive meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients Needed for Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: A tender and lean protein that serves as the star of this delicious slow-cooker dish.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Salt, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Black Pepper: A classic combination of spices that enhances the natural flavor of the chicken and provides a well-rounded seasoning profile.
Cooking Fats:
  • Olive Oil, Butter: These fats help to sear the chicken, creating a golden-brown exterior and adding rich flavor to the dish.
Sauce Components:
  • Chicken Broth, Cornstarch: These ingredients work together to create a smooth and thickened base for the sauce.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds a luxurious and creamy texture to the sauce.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Provides a salty, nutty flavor that enriches the overall taste of the dish.
Aromatics and Herbs:
  • Garlic: Adds a pungent and aromatic flavor that complements the chicken.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Introduces a sweet and tangy element to the sauce.
  • Fresh Basil: Offers a bright, fresh finish to the dish with its distinctive herbal notes.

Tools for Slow Cooker Chicken Magic

  • Large Skillet: Essential for searing chicken to golden-brown perfection and creating flavorful pan drippings.
  • Crock Pot/Slow Cooker: Primary cooking vessel that ensures tender, juicy chicken with minimal effort.
  • Whisk: Perfect for blending cornstarch, creating smooth sauce, and incorporating parmesan at the end.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for preparing ingredients and chopping fresh basil.
  • Measuring Spoons: Crucial for accurately portioning out seasonings and spices.
  • Measuring Cups: Helps precisely measure chicken broth and heavy cream.

Making Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Stepwise

Step 1: Seasoning The Poultry

Combine salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.

Generously coat chicken breasts on both sides with this flavorful spice blend, ensuring every inch gets some love.

Step 2: Sizzling The Protein

Melt olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Carefully place chicken breasts into the hot pan, creating a beautiful golden-brown exterior on both sides.

This step isn’t about fully cooking the chicken, but developing a rich, caramelized surface.

Set aside the delicious pan drippings for extra flavor.

Step 3: Creating The Silky Sauce Base

In your slow cooker, whisk together:
  • Chicken broth
  • Cornstarch
  • Heavy cream
  • Minced garlic
  • Italian herbs
  • Red pepper flakes

Blend these ingredients until smooth and perfectly combined.

Step 4: Slow Cooking Magic

Transfer the seared chicken into the slow cooker.

Add:
  • Reserved pan drippings
  • Sun-dried tomatoes
  • Fresh cracked pepper

Cover and cook on low setting for 6-7 hours, allowing flavors to meld and chicken to become incredibly tender.

Step 5: Final Flavor Boost

Carefully remove chicken from the slow cooker.

Whisk parmesan cheese into the sauce until fully incorporated and gloriously creamy.

Return chicken to the sauce, coating each piece generously.

Garnish with fresh chopped basil leaves for a burst of bright flavor before serving.

Chicken Tips for Creamy, Tender Results

  • Pat chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear and lock in moisture.
  • Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a more tender and juicy result that holds up better during slow cooking.
  • Toast dried herbs briefly in the pan before adding to the sauce to intensify their aromatic qualities and release deeper flavors.
  • If sauce is too thin, mix a small amount of cornstarch with cold water and whisk into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a silky consistency.
  • Choose low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels, especially if using parmesan cheese which already adds saltiness to the dish.

Flavor Twists for Marry Me Chicken Fans

  • Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan cheese for a lactose-free version.
  • Herb Garden Remix: Swap sun-dried tomatoes with roasted red peppers and add fresh thyme and rosemary for an aromatic Mediterranean-inspired dish.
  • Vegetarian Transformation: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or portobello mushrooms, adjusting cooking time to prevent overcooking.
  • Keto-Friendly Option: Use chicken thighs with higher fat content, skip cornstarch, and add extra butter to increase fat percentage while maintaining creamy sauce texture.

Serving Suggestions for Crock Pot Chicken Nights

  • Romantic Date Night Delight: Serve this creamy chicken alongside soft, fluffy risotto for an elegant dinner experience.
  • Rustic Comfort Platter: Pair with roasted garlic mashed potatoes and steamed green beans for a hearty, satisfying meal.
  • Mediterranean Inspired Spread: Accompany with warm crusty bread, mixed green salad, and a light lemon vinaigrette to complement the sun-dried tomato flavors.
  • Wine Pairing Magic: Enhance the dish with a crisp chardonnay or pinot grigio that balances the rich, creamy sauce perfectly.

Crock Pot Chicken Storage Solutions

  • Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Transfer cooled chicken and sauce to freezer-safe containers. Freeze up to 3 months. Seal tightly to prevent freezer burn.
  • Place chicken in microwave-safe dish, add splash of broth to prevent drying. Heat on 50% power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in baking dish, cover with foil. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Add extra sauce to maintain moisture.

FAQs

  • Why should I sear the chicken before slow cooking?

Searing creates a golden-brown crust that locks in flavor and adds depth to the overall taste of the dish. It also helps develop rich, caramelized notes that enhance the chicken’s appearance and taste.

  • Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

No, always use thawed chicken breasts. Frozen chicken can lead to uneven cooking and potential food safety risks in a slow cooker. Thawed chicken ensures proper cooking temperature and consistent texture.

  • What if I don't have sun-dried tomatoes?

You can substitute with fresh cherry tomatoes or omit them entirely. The recipe will still be delicious, though sun-dried tomatoes add a unique tangy and concentrated flavor to the dish.

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Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe

Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe


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4.6 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 7 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Marry Me Chicken promises irresistible flavors that blend Italian-inspired ingredients with creamy, tender chicken. Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and herbs create a romantic meal you’ll want to share with someone special.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Spices:

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Additional Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
  • 10 fresh basil leaves, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare a zesty seasoning blend using salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Thoroughly coat chicken breasts on both surfaces with this aromatic mixture.
  2. Create a golden sear by heating olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Brown chicken on each side until a rich caramel color develops, ensuring only partial cooking. Carefully preserve the flavorful pan drippings.
  3. Craft a silky sauce foundation by whisking chicken broth and cornstarch until completely smooth. Transfer this mixture to the slow cooker, incorporating heavy cream, minced garlic, and a harmonious blend of seasonings.
  4. Nestle the partially seared chicken into the slow cooker, generously drizzling reserved pan drippings and scattering sun-dried tomatoes. Allow to simmer on low temperature for 6-7 hours, enabling deep flavor infusion.
  5. Complete the culinary journey by extracting the chicken from the slow cooker. Vigorously whisk parmesan into the sauce, creating a luxurious texture. Reintroduce chicken, thoroughly coating with the creamy sauce, and garnish with freshly torn basil leaves before presenting.

Notes

  • Adjust Seasoning: Personalize the salt and pepper levels to match your taste preferences, ensuring a perfectly balanced flavor profile.
  • Avoid Overcrowding: When searing chicken, leave space between pieces to achieve a golden-brown crust and prevent steaming.
  • Cream Alternatives: Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut cream for lighter versions or dairy-free options.
  • Herb Flexibility: Fresh basil can be replaced with dried herbs like oregano or thyme if fresh isn’t available, maintaining the dish’s aromatic essence.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 7 hours
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 675
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 845 mg
  • Fat: 50 g
  • Saturated Fat: 24 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 46 g
  • Cholesterol: 165 mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Food Educator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipe development, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and workshop facilitation, Content writing with a focus on healthy living​

Education

Diploma in Culinary Arts, Mt. San Jacinto College, CA
Focus: Comprehensive culinary training with an emphasis on sustainable cooking practices.

Certificate in Nutrition and Healthy Living, Cornell University (Online Program)
Focus: Understanding the principles of nutrition to create balanced and health-conscious recipes.


Clara lives where fresh ideas and fresh ingredients meet. She pairs her culinary know-how with her passion for healthy, planet-friendly cooking.
For Clara, good food should taste great, nourish your body, and feel easy to make. Her recipes highlight whole foods, colorful produce, and a deep respect for seasonal eating.

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