Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe

Irresistible Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe for Date Night

Culinary magic happens when marry me chicken simmers slowly in a crock pot, creating an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen.

Tender chicken breasts nestle in a creamy sauce packed with robust flavors.

Herbs and spices dance together, promising a meal that sparks conversation and connection.

Rich parmesan cheese melts into a luxurious coating, making each bite utterly memorable.

Busy home cooks appreciate how simple ingredients can produce such a spectacular dish.

Minimal effort yields maximum deliciousness with this foolproof recipe that might just earn you some serious kitchen compliments.

What’s Needed for Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

Main Ingredients:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that serves as the main star of this comforting dish.
  • Chicken Broth: Provides liquid base and enhances the overall flavor of the sauce.
  • Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creates a creamy, luxurious texture to the sauce.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Parmesan Cheese, Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Bring depth and tangy, savory notes to the dish.
  • Garlic, Oregano, Thyme, Red Pepper Flakes: Provide aromatic and spicy undertones that elevate the chicken's taste.
Seasoning and Garnish:
  • Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the chicken.
  • Fresh Basil, Fresh Parsley: Optional garnishes that add a pop of color and fresh herb flavor.

How to Cook Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

How to Cook Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

Step 1: Prep Chicken Breasts

Grab your chicken breasts and sprinkle them generously with salt and pepper.

Place the seasoned chicken directly into the crock pot, ensuring they are spread out evenly.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:
  • Chicken broth
  • Heavy cream
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Sun-dried tomatoes
  • Minced garlic
  • Dried oregano
  • Dried thyme
  • Red pepper flakes

Whisk everything together until the ingredients are well blended and smooth.

Step 3: Pour and Cover

Carefully pour the sauce mixture over the chicken breasts in the crock pot.

Make sure the sauce covers the chicken completely for maximum flavor infusion.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the crock pot and set it to low heat.

Let the chicken cook for 4-5 hours.

The chicken is ready when it becomes tender and fully cooked through.

Step 5: Final Touches

Before serving, give the sauce a gentle stir.

Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Sprinkle some freshly chopped basil or parsley on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Plate your delicious Marry Me Chicken over rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or your favorite pasta.

The tender chicken and rich sauce will have everyone asking for seconds!

Tips for Best Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

  • Pat chicken breasts dry before seasoning to help spices stick and create a better sear.
  • Use room temperature heavy cream to prevent curdling and ensure a smooth, silky sauce.
  • Toast dried herbs briefly before adding to intensify their aromatic qualities and enhance overall taste.
  • Add salt in layers during cooking to build complex flavor profiles throughout the dish.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to match your spice tolerance, creating a personalized meal experience.

Flavor Variations for Marry Me Chicken

  • Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan cheese for a lactose-free version.
  • Vegetarian Transformation: Swap chicken breasts with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives, maintaining the same sauce and cooking method.
  • Low-Carb Option: Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate intake while keeping the rich, creamy sauce.
  • Spicy Kick Variation: Increase red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños to amplify the heat level for those who enjoy a more intense flavor profile.

Serving Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

  • Creamy Comfort Companion: Pair this rich, flavorful chicken with soft, buttery mashed potatoes to soak up the luxurious sauce.
  • Rustic Italian Plate: Serve over al dente linguine or spaghetti, garnishing with extra parmesan and fresh basil for an authentic Mediterranean feel.
  • Green Garden Balance: Add a crisp side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to cut through the dish's creamy intensity.
  • Wine Lover's Delight: Complement the chicken's robust flavors with a chilled glass of crisp white wine like pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc.

Storing Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Correctly

  • Seal leftover chicken in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep sauce and chicken together to maintain moisture and flavor.
  • Transfer cooled chicken and sauce to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for maximum 2-3 months. Label container with date for easy tracking.
  • Place chicken and sauce in microwave-safe dish. Cover with microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in baking dish with reserved sauce. Cover with foil to prevent drying.

FAQs

  • Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work great in this recipe. They tend to be more flavorful and remain juicy during slow cooking.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat, but you can reduce or omit them if you prefer a milder dish. Adjust the amount to suit your taste preferences.

  • Do I need to sear the chicken before putting it in the crock pot?

No, searing is not necessary for this recipe. Simply season the chicken and place it directly in the crock pot with the sauce.

  • Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

While challenging, you could try substituting heavy cream with coconut cream and using a dairy-free parmesan alternative to maintain the creamy texture and flavor profile.

Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken for Busy Days

  • Simplify Meal Prep: Dump all ingredients into the crock pot and let it work its magic, creating a hands-off cooking experience that saves precious time and energy.
  • Flavor Explosion: Packed with rich ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan, and herbs, this dish delivers a gourmet taste without complicated cooking techniques.
  • Comfort Food Champion: Tender chicken swimming in a creamy, aromatic sauce makes this recipe a ultimate crowd-pleaser that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
  • Versatile Serving Options: Easily pair with rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta, making it adaptable for different preferences and ensuring everyone at the table gets a satisfying meal.
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Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe

Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe


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4.6 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Marry Me Chicken brings Italian-inspired romance to dinner tables with creamy sun-dried tomato sauce and tender chicken breasts. Succulent, herb-infused protein nestled in a luxurious sauce promises delightful comfort you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Dairy and Cream:

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Herbs, Seasonings, and Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Generously coat chicken breasts with salt and pepper, positioning them evenly inside the crock pot.
  2. Whisk together chicken broth, heavy cream, parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes in a separate mixing bowl.
  3. Carefully cascade the aromatic sauce over the seasoned chicken, ensuring complete coverage.
  4. Secure the crock pot lid and slow cook on low temperature for 4-5 hours, allowing flavors to meld and chicken to become exceptionally tender.
  5. Once cooking completes, gently stir the surrounding sauce, tasting and adjusting seasonings as desired for balanced flavor profile.
  6. Delicately sprinkle fresh chopped basil or parsley across the surface for vibrant garnish.
  7. Present the succulent chicken alongside preferred accompaniments like fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or al dente pasta, allowing the rich sauce to cascade elegantly over the chosen base.

Notes

  • Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and make the dish heart-friendly.
  • Opt for Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream for a lighter, protein-rich alternative that maintains creamy texture.
  • Swap chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for deeper flavor and more tender meat that stays juicy during slow cooking.
  • Add spinach or kale during the last hour of cooking to boost nutritional value and create a complete one-pot meal with extra greens.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 hours
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 125 mg
Lucas Bennett

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Developing single-serving recipes with a rustic, seasonal twist.
  • Crafting engaging food insights that connect with readers.
  • Developing content that educates readers on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Integrating local ingredients into accessible home cooking.​

Education

Blue Ridge Community College – Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on seasonal cooking, sustainable kitchen practices, and farm-to-table techniques.

Appalachian State University – B.A. in English
Built critical thinking and analysis through diverse texts. Guided by faculty, it prepares graduates for publishing and more.


Growing up in the rolling hills of North Carolina, Lucas learned early that some of life’s best memories start around a kitchen table. After studying English at Appalachian State University and honing his culinary skills at Blue Ridge Community College, he dreamed of blending storytelling with rustic, seasonal cooking, and The Scrumptious Pumpkin was born.
Lucas focuses on easy, single-serving recipes that turn fresh, local ingredients into something special. His style is simple, heartfelt, and rooted in the beauty of the seasons. When he’s not testing a new dish, you’ll probably find him hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, browsing farmers’ markets, or scribbling food stories in a notebook.

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