Imagine a dish so irresistible, so rich and creamy, that it could inspire a marriage proposal. That’s the magic of Crockpot Marry Me Chicken! This slow cooker version of the viral sensation delivers tender, juicy chicken bathed in a luscious sauce of sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and fresh herbs. With minimal effort, you’ll create a meal that feels like it came from a five-star restaurant. Whether you’re cooking for a romantic dinner, a busy weeknight, or a crowd, this recipe is your ticket to a meal that’s equal parts easy and extraordinary.
The lore behind “Marry Me Chicken” is as delicious as the dish itself. Legend has it that this creamy, Tuscan-inspired chicken is so unforgettable, it’s prompted love-struck diners to pop the question. Our crockpot version takes this classic to new heights: the slow cooker infuses every bite with deep, savory flavors while keeping your kitchen time to a minimum. Ready to make your taste buds (and maybe someone special) fall in love? Let’s dive into this foolproof recipe, complete with expert tips, variations, and everything you need to make it the dish everyone talks about.
Try: Crockpot Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes.
Why This Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Is “The One”
What makes this slow cooker version stand out? Here’s why it’s a game-changer:
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Unbeatable Flavor: The slow cooker melds sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Parmesan, and cream into a sauce that’s rich, tangy, and downright addictive.
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Effortless Elegance: It tastes like you slaved away for hours, but the crockpot does all the heavy lifting.
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Tender & Juicy Chicken: Slow cooking ensures chicken that’s fall-apart tender, never dry.
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Versatile for Any Occasion: Perfect for a cozy date night, a family dinner, or meal prep for the week.
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Minimal Cleanup: Mostly a one-pot wonder, so you can spend more time enjoying the meal than washing dishes.
Key Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this show-stopping dish, along with tips for choosing the best ingredients and substitutions:
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Chicken (4 boneless, skinless breasts or thighs, about 1.5-2 lbs): Breasts are leaner and slice beautifully for presentation; thighs are juicier and more forgiving if overcooked. Use what you love or have on hand.
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Heavy Cream (1 cup): The backbone of the creamy sauce. For a lighter option, half-and-half works but may thin the sauce slightly.
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Chicken Broth (½ cup, low-sodium): Adds depth without overpowering. Low-sodium lets you control the saltiness.
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Cream Cheese (4 oz, softened): Brings extra creaminess and a slight tang. Full-fat melts best; low-fat is okay but may alter texture.
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Sun-Dried Tomatoes (½ cup, oil-packed, drained, and chopped): Oil-packed tomatoes add richer flavor than dry-packed. Reserve a tablespoon of the oil for extra depth if searing.
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Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Freshly minced garlic is non-negotiable for bold flavor. Pre-minced lacks the same punch.
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Parmesan Cheese (¾ cup, freshly grated): Freshly grated melts smoothly and tastes better than pre-shredded, which can be grainy due to anti-caking agents.
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Italian Seasoning (1 tbsp): A blend of oregano, basil, and thyme for that Tuscan vibe. Or use 1 tsp each of dried oregano and basil.
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Red Pepper Flakes (½ tsp, optional): Adds a subtle kick. Adjust to taste or skip for a milder dish.
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Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Season lightly at first; you can adjust after cooking.
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Fresh Spinach (2 cups, optional): Adds color and nutrition. Stir in at the end to avoid overcooking.
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Fresh Basil (for garnish, optional): A few leaves add a bright, aromatic finish.
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Olive Oil or Butter (2 tbsp, optional for searing): Enhances flavor if you choose to sear the chicken first.
Substitutions:
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Swap heavy cream for coconut cream for dairy-free.
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Use gluten-free flour for dusting if searing for a GF version.
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Replace spinach with kale or arugula for a different green.
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
Follow these clear, foolproof steps to create your Crockpot Marry Me Chicken:
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Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts or thighs dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and black pepper. If searing, dust lightly with flour for a golden crust.
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Sear the Chicken (Optional but Recommended): Heat 2 tbsp olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. This step locks in flavor and improves texture but can be skipped for simplicity. Transfer seared chicken to the slow cooker.
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Assemble the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together heavy cream, chicken broth, cream cheese, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and minced garlic until smooth. This ensures even distribution of flavors.
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Layer in the Crockpot: Place the chicken in the slow cooker. Scatter chopped sun-dried tomatoes over the chicken. Pour the cream mixture evenly over everything. No need to stir; the slow cooker will blend it beautifully.
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Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or HIGH for 2.5-4 hours. Check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Avoid lifting the lid too often to maintain consistent heat.
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Add Parmesan and Spinach: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the grated Parmesan until melted. Add fresh spinach (if using) and stir gently. Cover and cook for an additional 15-30 minutes until the spinach wilts and the sauce is creamy.
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Rest and Serve: Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly. Garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve hot over your favorite side.
Expert Tips for “Marriage-Worthy” Results
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Don’t Skip the Sear (if you have time): Searing caramelizes the chicken, adding depth that elevates the dish.
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Use Fresh Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese can make the sauce grainy. Grate it yourself for a smooth melt.
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Choose Quality Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Oil-packed tomatoes are more flavorful and tender. Chop them finely for even distribution.
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Avoid Overcooking: Check the chicken at the lower end of the cooking time to prevent it from becoming rubbery.
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Keep the Lid On: Lifting the lid releases heat and can add 15-30 minutes to the cooking time.
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Thicken the Sauce (if needed): If the sauce is too thin, mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp water and stir it in during the last 15 minutes.
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Finish with Freshness: A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley adds a pop of color and aroma that screams gourmet.
Creative Variations & Customizations
Make this recipe your own with these fun twists:
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Spicy Marry Me Chicken: Double the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce for a fiery kick.
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Mushroom Lover’s Version: Sauté 8 oz of sliced mushrooms and add them with the sun-dried tomatoes.
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Pesto Marry Me Chicken: Stir in 1-2 tbsp of basil pesto during the last 10 minutes for an herby boost.
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Healthier Option: Use low-fat cream cheese and half-and-half, and add extra spinach or zucchini.
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Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap cream for coconut cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.
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Chicken Thighs Instead: Thighs may need slightly less time (check at 4 hours on LOW). They’re juicier and more forgiving.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
This dish shines with these sides:
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Pasta: Linguine, tagliatelle, or penne soak up the creamy sauce beautifully. Toss with a little reserved sauce for extra flavor.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: A comforting, rich pairing that complements the sauce.
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Rice: White, brown, or wild rice for a simple, hearty base.
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Crusty Bread: Perfect for mopping up every last drop of sauce.
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Veggies: Steamed green beans, asparagus, or roasted broccoli for a fresh contrast.
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Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
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Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
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Freezing: The dish freezes well, though the sauce may separate slightly upon reheating. Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring in a splash of broth or milk to restore creaminess. Microwave in short bursts, stirring between.
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
Per serving (based on 4 servings, without sides):
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Calories: ~600 kcal
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Protein: 40g
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Fat: 45g
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Carbs: 10g
Note: Values vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. For precise nutrition, calculate with your exact ingredients.
AuthorCrockpot Chicken RecipesDifficultyIntermediateInstructions:
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Season chicken with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
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Heat a skillet with olive oil and butter, sear chicken until golden, then set aside.
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Whisk chicken broth with cornstarch, then add heavy cream, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and paprika.
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Place seared chicken in an 8-quart slow cooker, pour sauce over, and top with sun-dried tomatoes.
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Cook on low for 6-7 hours.
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Remove chicken, whisk parmesan into the sauce, return chicken, and garnish with basil.
Ingredients
Directions
Instructions:
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Season chicken with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
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Heat a skillet with olive oil and butter, sear chicken until golden, then set aside.
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Whisk chicken broth with cornstarch, then add heavy cream, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and paprika.
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Place seared chicken in an 8-quart slow cooker, pour sauce over, and top with sun-dried tomatoes.
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Cook on low for 6-7 hours.
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Remove chicken, whisk parmesan into the sauce, return chicken, and garnish with basil.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is it called Marry Me Chicken?
The dish earned its name from its irresistible flavor, rumored to be so good it could inspire a marriage proposal! It’s a modern take on creamy, Tuscan-inspired chicken dishes.
Can I use frozen chicken in the crockpot?
It’s not recommended due to food safety concerns. Thaw chicken completely in the fridge before cooking to ensure even cooking and safe temperatures.
Do I have to sear the chicken first?
No, but searing adds a deeper flavor and better texture. For the easiest version, skip it and place raw chicken directly in the crockpot.
How can I make the sauce thicker/thinner?
To thicken, add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water) in the last 15 minutes. To thin, stir in extra chicken broth or cream.
Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce may be slightly less rich and more prone to curdling. Add it in the last 30 minutes to minimize this risk.
Is Marry Me Chicken healthy?
It’s indulgent due to the cream and cheese but can be lightened with low-fat ingredients or extra veggies. Balance it with a healthy side like a salad.
Can I cook this on HIGH heat?
Yes, cook on HIGH for 2.5-4 hours. Check for doneness at 165°F (74°C) to avoid overcooking