Few recipes live up to their names as dramatically as Crockpot Marry Me Chicken. Legend has it, this dish is so irresistibly creamy, flavorful, and comforting, it’s worthy of a marriage proposal. And whether or not it leads to matrimony, it will lead to clean plates and lots of “please make this again” requests.
At its heart, Marry Me Chicken is all about contrast—tender slow-cooked chicken bathed in a rich sun-dried tomato cream sauce, balanced by garlic, herbs, Parmesan, and just the right touch of heat. Traditionally made on the stovetop, this slow cooker version transforms it into a weeknight-friendly wonder that doesn’t compromise a bit on elegance or flavor.
What Exactly Is “Marry Me” Chicken?
The original “Marry Me Chicken” went viral as a skillet meal: seared chicken breasts in a creamy sauce made with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. The slow cooker adaptation offers all the same flavor in a no-fuss, no-skillet-needed format, making it even more accessible for home cooks.
Here, the chicken is cooked low and slow in a decadent sauce that thickens as it simmers, and finishes with a sprinkle of cheese and fresh herbs. It’s rich, cozy, and deeply flavorful.
Best Chicken Cuts for the Slow Cooker Version
When it comes to slow cooking, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the gold standard. They stay juicy and flavorful even after hours of cooking and are forgiving if left in a bit too long.
You can absolutely use chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner protein—they’ll shred easily and absorb all that creamy, cheesy goodness. Just be sure to cook on low and check for doneness a little earlier to avoid dryness.
Want a little variety? This dish also works well with:
- Bone-in skinless thighs (just remove the bones before serving)
- Chicken tenderloins for a more delicate texture
The Sauce: Creamy, Savory, and Perfectly Balanced
This is where the magic happens. The Marry Me Chicken sauce hits all the right notes:
- Garlic and shallot or onion powder for that classic savory base
- Sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet-tart punch that cuts through the cream
- Heavy cream and Parmesan cheese for richness and umami
- Chicken broth for depth and to loosen the sauce
- Crushed red pepper flakes for just a whisper of heat
- Fresh herbs (basil, thyme, or parsley) to brighten it all up
The sauce thickens naturally during the last stretch of cooking, especially after stirring in the Parmesan cheese at the end.
To Sear or Not to Sear?
The traditional version starts with searing chicken for that golden crust—but this is the crockpot version, so no searing required. That said, if you want a richer depth of flavor, a quick sear in a hot skillet before adding to the slow cooker won’t hurt.
But honestly, it’s delicious either way. And skipping the sear saves time, dishes, and cleanup.
Optional Add-Ins and Flavor Twists
Once you’ve mastered the base recipe, it’s easy to make it your own. Try adding:
- Baby spinach in the last 20 minutes for color and freshness
- Mushrooms, sliced and sautéed, stirred in before serving
- White wine instead of part of the chicken broth for acidity and depth
- A squeeze of lemon juice at the end for brightness
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for tang)
- Fresh chopped basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Season the Chicken
Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes. - Assemble in the Crockpot
Place seasoned chicken into the slow cooker. Top with chopped sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning. - Add Cream and Broth
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. If using, stir in the Dijon mustard. Do not add the Parmesan yet. - Cook Low and Slow
Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or high for 2.5–3.5 hours, until chicken is fully cooked and fork-tender. - Finish the Sauce
Remove chicken and set aside briefly. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce begins to thicken slightly. Return chicken to the sauce and spoon sauce over the top. - Serve and Garnish
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve hot over pasta, mashed potatoes, polenta, or rice.
Storage and Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooled chicken and sauce for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm gently in a saucepan or microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
What to Serve With Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
The sauce is rich and indulgent, so it’s begging for something to soak it up. Here are a few winning pairings:
- Mashed potatoes – Classic and cozy
- Pasta – Fettuccine or penne works great
- Polenta – Buttery and elegant
- Steamed rice – A clean canvas for the sauce
- Crusty bread – To mop up every last bit
Round it out with:
- Steamed or roasted veggies (asparagus, green beans, broccoli)
- Simple green salad with vinaigrette to balance the richness
Comparisons and Variations
- Versus Tuscan Chicken: Similar ingredients, but Tuscan chicken often includes spinach and mushrooms. Marry Me Chicken leans more creamy and romantic.
- Versus Alfredo: Marry Me Chicken has more dimension thanks to the tomatoes and herbs, while Alfredo is simpler and cheesier.
- Versus Creamy Garlic Chicken: Both are rich, but Marry Me Chicken is tangier and more aromatic.
Can You Make It Ahead?
Absolutely. In fact, the flavors deepen overnight. Simply store in the fridge and reheat gently with a splash of cream or broth.
Want to meal prep? Portion it with rice or pasta into containers for delicious ready-to-go lunches.
Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is one of those rare dishes that’s both ridiculously easy and seriously impressive. Whether you’re cooking for someone special or just treating yourself, this recipe delivers big comfort and even bigger flavor. And yes—someone might just propose after the first bite.