Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

When you’re craving something creamy, flavorful, and downright comforting, Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is the dish that never disappoints. With tender, golden-seared chicken breasts simmered in a luscious parmesan cream sauce—this recipe almost guarantees a proposal! Whether you’re feeding family on a weeknight or impressing guests at a dinner party, this slow-cooked sensation delivers every time.

In this guide, you’ll discover exactly how to make Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken flawlessly, from essential ingredients to expert tips. Don’t miss our serving suggestions, storage tips, and FAQs to cover every base.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Set it & forget it – The crock pot does all the hard work for you.
• Incredible flavor – Rich, garlicky cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and basil.
• Crowd-pleaser – Perfect for guests, potlucks, or a cozy night in.
• Simple ingredients – All pantry-friendly, nothing fancy or hard to find.
• Make-ahead friendly – Easy to prep the night before.

This Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken stands out because of its ultra-creamy texture, a touch of heat from red pepper flakes, and layers of flavor from golden-seared chicken and slow-cooked aromatics. It’s cozy, decadent, and totally irresistible.

Ingredients Needed

Let’s break it down for a smoother prep:

For the Chicken Base:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
• ½ tsp sea salt
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for searing)
• 2 tbsp butter (unsalted, for added richness)

For the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:

• 1½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 3 tbsp cornstarch (for thickening)
• 1 cup heavy cream (room temperature for best blending)
• 4 garlic cloves, minced (don’t skimp here—big flavor boost)
• 1½ tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp sea salt
• ½ tsp cracked black pepper
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust for heat)
• ½ tsp paprika (adds depth and color)
• ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped and drained
• ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (use the real stuff!)
• 10 fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish and freshness)

How to Make Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

1. Season the Chicken

In a small bowl, combine salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Pat your chicken breasts dry, then coat both sides evenly with the seasoning mix—this helps lock in flavor and moisture.

2. Sear the Chicken (Do Not Skip!)

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and butter. Once melted and shimmering, sear each chicken breast for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Important: You’re not cooking them through—just building flavor.

Why sear? This caramelization adds a deep savory note that elevates the entire dish.

3. Make the Sauce Base

In a separate bowl, whisk together chicken broth and cornstarch until completely smooth (no lumps!). Pour this into the bottom of your 8-quart slow cooker.

Now, stir in the heavy cream, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and paprika. This is your flavor-packed sauce base.

4. Assemble in the Crock Pot

Nestle the seared chicken breasts into the slow cooker sauce. Pour the remaining pan juices (the melted butter and olive oil) over the top. Sprinkle each chicken breast with chopped sun-dried tomatoes.

5. Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours. Do not cook on high, or the sauce may separate or curdle.

Visual cue: The chicken should be fork-tender, and the sauce thick and glossy.

6. Finish with Cheese and Basil

Once done, remove the chicken briefly. Stir in parmesan cheese to melt into the sauce. Then return the chicken, spoon sauce over the top, and scatter fresh chopped basil to finish.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Ideas

• Serve over garlic mashed potatoes, pasta (like penne or fettuccine), or creamy polenta.
• Garnish with extra basil, shaved parmesan, and cracked pepper for a restaurant-quality look.
• Add a side of sautéed green beans or roasted asparagus for balance.

Storing Leftovers

• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of cream or broth if needed.
• Freezing? Not recommended. The cream sauce can separate after thawing, affecting texture.

Helpful Notes

• Heavy Cream Tip: Let it come to room temp before adding to avoid curdling during the slow cook.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Use oil-packed ones for the best flavor—just drain before chopping.
• Slow Cooker Size: Use at least an 8-quart crockpot so the chicken isn’t overcrowded.
• Add Veggies: Add mushrooms or spinach in the last hour for extra nutrition.
• Make It Spicy: Increase red pepper flakes if you want a kick!

Conclusion

If you’re searching for a meal that’s rich, creamy, comforting—and sure to impress—Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken hits every mark. It’s an easy, flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for weeknights or special occasions. The sauce is what dreams are made of, and the crockpot makes it all ridiculously hands-off.

Tried this recipe? Let us know how it turned out! Leave a comment and ⭐️ star rating below.
Love it? Don’t forget to share this creamy delight on Pinterest or Facebook to spread the love.

What twist would you add to make it your own? Tell us below!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can you do marry me chicken in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! In fact, the slow cooker makes the chicken extra tender and allows the sauce flavors to meld beautifully. It’s one of the easiest ways to prepare this dish without losing any of its richness.

Is it okay to put raw chicken in a crock pot?

Yes, it’s perfectly safe to cook raw chicken in a crockpot—as long as it’s cooked on low for the right amount of time (at least 6 hours) and reaches an internal temp of 165°F.

Why is it called “marry me chicken”?

Because it’s that good! Legend has it that this dish is so delicious, it could spark a marriage proposal on the spot. The creamy, cheesy, flavorful sauce is basically love on a plate.

What is the sauce on Marry Me Chicken?

The magic comes from a creamy blend of heavy cream, parmesan cheese, garlic, Italian herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, and a touch of spice. It’s silky, savory, and just slightly tangy—perfect for spooning over chicken, pasta, or veggies.