There is something truly magical about the Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe that makes it a beloved favorite in many kitchens. This dish perfectly balances creamy, cheesy goodness with the rich, tangy pop of sun-dried tomatoes, creating a flavor profile that feels both luxurious and comforting. The slow cooker takes all the hard work out of cooking while allowing the chicken to soak up every bit of that delicious sauce. If you’re looking for a meal that’s fuss-free but looks and tastes like a million bucks, this recipe is exactly what you need.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple, accessible ingredients that each play an essential role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From fragrant herbs to rich cream and sharp Parmesan, every component works harmoniously to create that unforgettable taste.
- 2 tbsp butter: Adds a smooth richness and helps develop a flavorful sear on the chicken.
- 1 tbsp oil (preferably from sun-dried tomatoes): Boosts the depth of flavor and helps crisp the chicken’s exterior.
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs: Brings classic Mediterranean aromas and brightens the dish.
- ½ tsp garlic powder: Provides a subtle garlic undertone without overpowering.
- ½ tsp paprika: Adds warmth and a hint of smoky sweetness.
- ½ tsp salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing natural flavors.
- ¼ tsp black pepper: Gives a mild kick and balances the creaminess.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The hearty main protein that soaks up all the luscious sauce.
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: Offers a tangy, intense burst of umami and color.
- ½ cup white wine or chicken broth: Adds acidity and moisture to keep the chicken tender.
- ½ cup heavy cream or sour cream: Creates that velvety, luxurious sauce everyone loves.
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Brings sharp, savory richness that binds the sauce beautifully.
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp cold water (optional): Perfect for thickening the sauce to the ideal consistency.
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped: A fresh herbal touch to brighten and finish the dish.
- Extra Parmesan cheese: For garnishing and adding a final cheesy flourish.
How to Make Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels—this helps the seasoning stick and the chicken to sear nicely. Next, give both sides a generous sprinkle of salt, pepper, dried Italian herbs, garlic powder, and paprika. This seasoning mix is the foundation of flavor, so don’t be shy!
Step 2: Sear for Flavor
Heat up the butter and oil together in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted and sizzling, gently place the chicken breasts in and sear them for 2 to 3 minutes per side. You’re aiming for a golden-brown crust that will lock in juices and add an irresistible depth to the final dish.
Step 3: Layer in the Slow Cooker
Transfer the seared chicken to your slow cooker and sprinkle chopped sun-dried tomatoes all over the top. These tomatoes will release their intense flavor as the chicken cooks, infusing the dish with their signature tangy sweetness.
Step 4: Add Liquids and Cook
Pour the white wine or chicken broth over the chicken and tomatoes. This liquid will help keep everything moist and tender during the slow cooking process. Set your slow cooker to LOW and cook for 1.5 to 2 hours—or HIGH for 45 minutes to 1 hour—until the chicken is cooked through and reaches a safe temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Step 5: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and set it aside. Stir the heavy cream or sour cream into the cooking liquid and let it warm through. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry and stir it in, cooking on HIGH for an additional 10 minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.
Step 6: Finish with Parmesan and Herbs
Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley or basil. This step transforms the sauce from mild and creamy to rich, cheesy, and herbaceous. Return the chicken breasts to the slow cooker, coating them thoroughly with this heavenly sauce.
How to Serve Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs like parsley or basil adds a beautiful pop of color and flavor at the end. It’s an elegant touch that makes your Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe feel restaurant-worthy, even if you just whipped it up on a Tuesday night.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or even pasta to soak up every last bit of that luscious sauce. A crisp green salad or steamed veggies add freshness and balance out the richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, plate a chicken breast atop a nest of herbed risotto or buttery polenta. Drizzle extra sauce over the top and sprinkle with toasted pine nuts or a few sun-dried tomatoes for added texture and visual appeal. Serving it family-style in the slow cooker at the table also makes for a cozy, inviting experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making your leftovers even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this dish freezes well. Place portions in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just be mindful that the texture of the cream sauce may change slightly, but the flavor will still be fantastic.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to redistribute the sauce and prevent curdling. Adding a splash of broth or cream can help revive the creamy texture if it thickens too much during storage.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually a great choice as they tend to stay juicy and tender during slow cooking. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed and enjoy the extra flavor.
What if I don’t have white wine?
No worries at all. You can substitute white wine with chicken broth or even vegetable broth. The wine adds acidity and depth, but broth will still keep your chicken moist and tasty.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap out the heavy cream for coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative and use a dairy-free Parmesan substitute or nutritional yeast for that cheesy element. The flavors won’t be exactly the same, but it will still be delicious.
How can I thicken the sauce without cornstarch?
If you prefer not to use cornstarch, you can simmer the sauce uncovered for a bit longer to reduce and thicken it naturally. Alternatively, a small amount of flour mixed with water can do the trick as a thickening agent.
Is this recipe good for meal prepping?
Definitely! Because it stores well in the fridge and freezes nicely, the Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe is perfect for making ahead. Just portion it out with your favorite sides for quick, flavorful meals throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with the Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe. It’s like a little culinary love letter that cooks itself, leaving you with tender chicken and a rich, dreamy sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply want a comforting weeknight meal, this recipe should be at the top of your list. Trust me, once you try it, this slow cooker gem will become a go-to favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
Print
Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1.5 to 2 hours (slow cooker LOW) or 45 minutes to 1 hour (slow cooker HIGH)
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is a comforting slow-cooked dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a creamy, flavorful sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, white wine, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for an easy yet elegant meal, it is delicious served over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
Cooking Fats
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp oil (sun-dried tomato oil preferred for extra flavor)
Sauce
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- ½ cup white wine (or chicken broth)
- ½ cup heavy cream (or sour cream)
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp cold water (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish and flavor)
- Extra Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, dried Italian herbs, garlic powder, and paprika to build a flavorful base.
- Heat fats and sear chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add the oil. Once hot, sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust to lock in juices.
- Transfer chicken to slow cooker: Place the seared chicken pieces into the slow cooker to prepare for the slow cooking process.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and liquid: Sprinkle the chopped sun-dried tomatoes evenly over the chicken, then pour the white wine or chicken broth to add moisture and depth of flavor.
- Slow cook the chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 1.5 to 2 hours, or on HIGH for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is tender.
- Prepare the sauce: Remove the chicken and set aside. Stir in the heavy cream or sour cream into the slow cooker, mixing well and warming through to create a rich base for the sauce.
- Thicken the sauce (optional): If desired, add the cornstarch slurry to the sauce for thickening, then cook on HIGH for an additional 10 minutes until the sauce has thickened to your preference.
- Add cheese and herbs: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese along with chopped fresh parsley or basil for added flavor and freshness.
- Combine chicken with sauce: Return the chicken breasts to the slow cooker, gently coating them with the creamy sauce to marry all flavors.
- Serve: Serve the chicken warm, spooning the luscious sauce over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
- Garnish: Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs if desired to enhance presentation and flavor.
Notes
- Using sun-dried tomato oil instead of regular oil adds an extra layer of flavor to the dish.
- White wine can be substituted with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version without losing richness.
- To ensure the sauce is creamy but not too thick, add the cornstarch slurry gradually and adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Make sure to sear the chicken well to lock in juices and add texture before slow cooking.
- This recipe pairs wonderfully with pasta, steamed rice, or mashed potatoes, but can also be served alongside steamed vegetables for a lighter meal.
- For a lower fat version, substitute sour cream for heavy cream and reduce the butter amount.
