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Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is a deliciously rich and creamy dish that is bursting with flavor. This slow cooker Marry Me Chicken is made with tender chicken simmers in a sauce made with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan, creating a savory blend of tangy, herby, and cheesy goodness. The creamy sauce, with hints of sweetness from the sun-dried tomatoes and a touch of spice, coats every bite, making it irresistible.
If you’re looking for a slow cooker meal thatโs both simple to prepare and packed with flavor, look no further than Crockpot Marry Me Chicken. With tender, juicy chicken simmered in a creamy, savory sauce featuring sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and herbs, itโs no wonder this dish has become a viral sensation. This recipe is easy to follow and sure to impress, whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a special occasion!
Oh you may already know how I feel about Marry Me Chicken. I shared this popular recipe back in 2019 and it is still receiving rave reviews! It is such an easy skillet chicken dinner and we love this recipe in our home!
My son is in college and I recently bought him his very own crockpot. Since he is so busy, I told him that he would love it because he could just throw a bunch of ingredients into the crockpot in the morning and have dinner done by the time he gets home from school and work. Gotta love crockpot meals!
He recently called me and asked how to make Marry Me Chicken in a crockpot. I realized that I didn’t even have the recipe and instructions on how to make it in a slow cooker so I got right on it and am sharing this easy crockpot chicken recipe with you!
Ingredients:
- Chicken Breast (or thighs): Use chicken breast or boneless skinless chicken thighs in this recipe.
- Salt and Pepper: Generously sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Garlic: Add more garlic if you love the garlic flavor.
- Sundried Tomatoes: Use jarred sundried tomatoes in oil. May cut into small pieces to infuse flavor into every bite.
- Heavy Cream: I suggest using heavy cream for the creamiest sauce but you may substitute half-n-half.
- Chicken Broth: This adds a depth of flavor to the sauce.
- Spices: Thyme or Oregano, Fresh Basil, Red Pepper Flakes
- Parmesan Cheese: Add parmesan cheese into the sauce and then also garnish the marry me chicken with it when serving.
- Cornstarch: This is used to thicken the sauce.
Do I have to add cornstarch to the sauce to thicken it?
This is an optional step but it does help to thicken the sauce to make it more like a gravy. If you don’t use cornstarch, you may just have a thinner sauce.
How to make Slow Cooker Crockpot Marry Me Chicken:
Here are the steps of how to Make Crockpot Marry Me Chicken in a Slow Cooker. It is so easy to make!
1. Sear the Chicken (Optional)
While not mandatory, searing the chicken breasts in a pan before adding them to the slow cooker gives the chicken a golden brown crust and locks in moisture. Heat 1-2 Tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly browned. Then, transfer the chicken to your slow cooker.
2. Prepare the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together chicken broth, heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, thyme, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and cornstarch. Pour the mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
3. Cook on Low
Cover and cook the chicken on the low setting for 5-6 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to prevent heat loss.
5. Blend the Sauce (Optional)
If you prefer a super smooth, creamy sauce, you can use an immersion blender or blender to blend the sauce after cooking. Simply remove the chicken and blend the sauce until smooth. Then return the chicken to the slow cooker and stir to coat.
6. Add Parmesan and Serve
Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer for an additional 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil and extra parmesan and enjoy!
Should I sear the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker?
Searing the chicken is optional, but it adds extra flavor and texture. If you do sear the chicken, add some extra-olive oil to a large skillet over medium heat. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side and then add to the slow cooker. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step and still get delicious results.
Can I use an immersion blender to make the sauce smoother?
Yes! If you prefer a smoother sauce, remove the chicken after cooking and use an immersion blender to blend the sauce until it’s creamy. You may also use a blender. Return the chicken to the slow cooker and coat with the sauce.
What to serve with Crockpot Marry Me Chicken:
This rich and flavorful chicken dish pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some options:
- Mashed potatoes or creamy polenta to soak up the sauce.
- Pasta such as angel hair, spaghetti, linguine or fettuccine.
- Rice or quinoa for a lighter option.
- Roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans.
- A simple side salad for a fresh, lighter side dish.
Substitutions:
- Spinach: Add fresh baby spinach during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Fresh Herbs: If possible, use fresh herbs for the freshest flavors. I love to add fresh basil when serving.
- Chicken Thighs: For even juicier chicken, swap the chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs. The cooking time will remain the same.
How long should I cook Marry Me Chicken in a slow cooker crockpot?
Cook the chicken on the LOW setting for 5-6 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked. I do NOT suggest cooking the chicken on high.
Storage:
If you have leftovers, store the chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave or on the stovetop. You can also freeze the chicken and sauce for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.
Why Is It Called “Marry Me Chicken”?
Legend has it that the irresistible flavors of Marry Me Chicken are so delicious, they might just inspire a marriage proposal! The combination of creamy sauce, savory chicken, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes creates an unforgettable dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is a slow-cooker dream come true! It’s perfect for a comforting dinner with minimal effort and maximum flavor. The creamy sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese make for an irresistible combination that pairs well with a variety of sides. Whether youโre planning a family meal or a date night, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Give it a tryโyou may just fall in love!
Crockpot Dinner Ideas:
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Ingredients
- 4 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (or thighs)
- Salt and Pepper (generously sprinkle on chicken)
- 1 cup Chicken Broth
- 1/2 cup Sundried Tomatoes (jarred in oil)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 3 Garlic Cloves (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Thyme or Oregano
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
- 1 Tablespoon Cornstarch
- 8 fresh Basil Leaves (cut into ribbons)
Instructions
- OPTIONAL: While not mandatory, searing the chicken breasts in a pan before adding them to the slow cooker gives the chicken a golden brown crust and locks in moisture. Heat 1-2 Tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly browned. Then, transfer the chicken to your slow cooker.
- In a bowl, whisk together chicken broth, heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, thyme or oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and cornstarch. Pour the mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook the chicken on the low setting for 5-6 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to prevent heat loss.
- If you prefer a super smooth, creamy sauce, you can use an immersion blender or blender to blend the sauce after cooking. Simply remove the chicken and blend the sauce until smooth. Then return the chicken to the slow cooker and stir to coat.
- Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer for an additional 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil and extra parmesan and enjoy! Taste for seasonings and add more salt and pepper as needed.
Notes
-
- Spinach: Add fresh baby spinach during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
-
- Fresh Herbs: If possible, use fresh herbs for the freshest flavors. I love to add fresh basil when serving.
-
- Chicken Thighs: For even juicier chicken, swap the chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs. The cooking time will remain the same.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This was delicious! I actually used whole fat Greek yogurt in place of heavy cream because I wanted to cut down on fat and calories. It had a great tangy flavor and was super easy!!
That is a great substitute! I am so glad you loved it, Tanya.
Easy and delicious!
I love this recipe! Itโs super easy and super good!
I just made this for dinner tonight. It was easy and very very delicious. My husband loved it!
Neither recipe mentions if the chicken breasts are boneless skinless or bone-in and with skin.
Thank you