Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Recipe

There’s a reason Crockpot Marry Me Chicken has made its way into so many hearts (and kitchens)! Imagine meltingly tender chicken simmered in a creamy, dreamy sauce packed with flavors of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and warm seasonings—all made foolproof with a slow cooker. This dish is that magical balance: elegant enough to wow dinner guests, yet simple and comforting enough for a cozy weeknight dinner. If you’re ready for a recipe that practically guarantees compliments, this is the one you’ll want on repeat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh favorites, you’ll be amazed how these simple ingredients come together to create something utterly irresistible. Each one adds its own twist—depth, creaminess, color, or an extra boost of flavor—to make Crockpot Marry Me Chicken totally unforgettable.

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The sturdy, lean protein soaks up the sauce and turns incredibly tender during slow cooking.
• Olive oil: Just a little for browning adds richness and helps develop extra flavor in the skillet.
• Chicken stock: Lends savory depth and a juicy base for the luxurious sauce to develop.
• Cornstarch: The secret to that silky, thick sauce that clings beautifully to every bite.
• Heavy cream: For lush creaminess and that melt-in-your-mouth finish.
• Garlic (minced): Fresh cloves add bold, irresistible flavor to every spoonful.
• Italian seasoning: Classic dried herbs bring warmth and an herby bouquet to tie everything together.
• Onion powder: A dash for subtle sweetness without any chopping required!
• Black pepper (to taste): Gives the dish just enough bite and complexity.
• Paprika: Adds gentle warmth and beautiful color to the sauce.
• Salt (to taste): Essential for bringing all the flavors into focus.
• Sun-dried tomatoes (drained): These punchy, tangy gems provide bright color and bold Mediterranean flavor.
• Butter (cut into 4 pats): A finishing flourish for richness and gloss in every spoonful.
• Fresh basil (optional garnish): Sliced on top just before serving for a burst of color and freshness.

How to Make Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

Step 1: Sear the Chicken for Extra Flavor

Start this dish off right by quickly browning your chicken breasts in a hot skillet with a splash of olive oil. Don’t worry about cooking them through—just aim for lovely golden color on both sides. This little step adds a subtle layer of roasted flavor and locks in moisture, making Crockpot Marry Me Chicken even more delicious.

Step 2: Layer the Chicken in the Crockpot

Once the chicken is browned, nestle each piece snugly in the bottom of your slow cooker. They’ll finish cooking gently and soak up all that creamy, garlicky sauce as they simmer together.

Step 3: Mix Up the Creamy Sauce

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk the chicken stock and cornstarch until completely smooth—no lumps allowed! Stir in the heavy cream, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, onion powder, black pepper, paprika, and salt. It’ll look and smell like deliciousness already, but it gets even better as it cooks!

Step 4: Pour Sauce Over the Chicken

Carefully pour the creamy mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker, making sure every piece gets coated. This is where the magic of Crockpot Marry Me Chicken happens: as it simmers, the sauce transforms into a thick, luscious blanket of flavor.

Step 5: Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Butter

Sprinkle the drained sun-dried tomatoes right over the top, then dot the surface with pats of butter. The tomatoes infuse their tangy, sweet flavor as the dish cooks, while the butter melts in for a glossy, velvety finish.

Step 6: Slow Cook to Perfection

Pop the lid on your slow cooker and let it work its magic. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is fall-apart tender and the sauce is thick and bubbly. Just wait for the aroma to fill your kitchen!

Step 7: Garnish and Serve with Love

When you’re ready to eat, garnish with plenty of fresh basil for a hit of color and fresh flavor. Serve warm, invite everyone to the table, and watch how quickly Crockpot Marry Me Chicken disappears.

How to Serve Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh basil (or even parsley if you prefer) brings a burst of vibrant green and garden-fresh aroma to your plate. For extra richness, try adding a generous dusting of freshly grated parmesan cheese just before serving. These little touches elevate the dish and make each serving feel extra special.

Side Dishes

The saucy, savory profile of Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is perfect over a bed of pasta—think linguine or fettuccine to soak up every drop. Mashed potatoes or creamy polenta make equally comforting companions, and even a scoop of fluffy rice will do the trick. Don’t forget a simple green salad or roasted veggies to balance all that creamy goodness!

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to take things up a notch, try serving this dish family-style in a big shallow bowl, sauce generously poured over sliced chicken. Or make individual pasta bowls, twirling noodles with the chicken and spooning the sauce all around. Leftovers? Chop the chicken and fold the mixture into a wrap or pile onto toasted bread for a dreamy open-faced sandwich.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Have leftovers? Lucky you! Just let the Crockpot Marry Me Chicken cool a bit, then transfer to an airtight container. Pop it into the fridge, where it will keep beautifully for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, so don’t be surprised if it tastes even better the next day.

Freezing

If you want to make a big batch ahead of time, this recipe freezes well. Spoon portions of cooled chicken and sauce into freezer-safe bags or containers, squeezing out excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months—just remember to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The creamy sauce may appear separated at first, but it will smooth out again when warmed.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the chicken and sauce together in a saucepan over low heat, stirring gently until hot throughout. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally. If the sauce is too thick after chilling, splash in a bit of extra stock or cream to loosen it until it’s just right.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work beautifully in Crockpot Marry Me Chicken. They’re naturally juicy and flavorful, and they become just as tender after hours in the slow cooker.

Is it necessary to brown the chicken before slow cooking?

Browning adds extra flavor and color, but if you’re in a rush, you can skip it. The dish will still be delicious thanks to the robust sauce and long simmer.

Does this recipe work with dairy-free cream alternatives?

You can swap in coconut cream or your favorite unsweetened non-dairy heavy cream alternative for a different (but still creamy!) result. Keep in mind the flavor and consistency will change, so choose an option you love.

Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?

Definitely! Try tossing in sliced mushrooms, spinach, or even artichoke hearts along with the chicken for an even heartier Crockpot Marry Me Chicken dinner. Just remember some veggies will soften quite a bit after several hours of slow cooking.

Is this recipe gluten free?

Yes—it uses cornstarch instead of flour, so Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is naturally gluten free. Just double-check your chicken stock and seasonings if you’re cooking for anyone with sensitivities.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been hunting for that one show-stopper slow cooker meal, Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is the answer. It’s spectacularly simple, deeply satisfying, and endlessly versatile—perfect to impress or just treat yourself. Whip up a batch, share it with friends, and watch everyone fall head over heels for this truly special chicken dinner.

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