Creamy Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

Coming home to the aroma of tender chicken simmering in a creamy sauce after a long day feels like a small victory for any busy mom or professional. This Crockpot Marry Me Chicken captures that effortless comfort, with sun-dried tomatoes adding a burst of tangy sweetness to the rich, Parmesan-infused base. It’s the kind of dish that turns a hectic weeknight into something special without demanding hours in the kitchen.

What draws people to this recipe is its versatility for family dinners or meal prep, reheating beautifully for lunches throughout the week. The slow cooker does all the work, leaving you free to focus on other priorities. Serve it over pasta for a complete meal that even picky eaters will love.

Why We Love This Recipe

• Effortless Slow Cooking: Let your crockpot handle the tenderizing while you tackle your busy schedule, resulting in juicy chicken every time.
• Rich Flavor Profile: Sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan create a creamy, savory sauce that’s irresistibly comforting and restaurant-worthy.
• Family Favorite Appeal: Its mild Italian seasoning makes it a hit with kids and adults alike, perfect for weeknight gatherings.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep in the morning and enjoy hot, flavorful results later without extra evening effort.

Ingredients to make Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

These ingredients come together beautifully in the slow cooker, where the cream and cheese meld into a silky sauce that coats the chicken perfectly. Opting for high-quality sun-dried tomatoes and fresh garlic elevates the overall taste, making every bite more vibrant and satisfying.

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – The star protein that becomes tender and juicy after slow cooking.
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper – Essential seasonings to enhance the natural flavors of the chicken.
• Olive oil – Used for searing to lock in moisture and add a subtle richness.
• Unsalted butter – Forms the base of the sauce for a smooth, buttery depth.
• Minced garlic – Adds aromatic savoriness that infuses the entire dish.
• All-purpose flour – Thickens the sauce into a velvety consistency without lumps.
• Chicken broth – Provides a flavorful liquid base that keeps everything moist.
• Heavy cream – Creates the creamy texture that’s the hallmark of this comforting recipe.
• Grated Parmesan cheese – Brings a nutty, umami punch to the sauce.
• Sun-dried tomatoes – Chopped for tangy, chewy bursts of sweetness and color.
• Italian seasoning – A blend that ties all the Italian-inspired flavors together.
• Fresh basil – A simple garnish for a bright, herby finish.

Continue scrolling for step-by-step guidance and expert advice to nail this dish. You’ll find the full ingredient list with precise amounts in the recipe card at the bottom.

How to Make Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Generously season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 3-5 minutes per side until lightly browned, then transfer to a plate; this step builds flavor without fully cooking the meat.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce Base
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat and sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in flour to form a roux, cooking for 1 minute, then gradually whisk in chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning until smooth; simmer briefly to thicken.

Step 3: Assemble in the Crockpot
Pour the sauce into the crockpot and arrange the seared chicken on top, then scatter chopped sun-dried tomatoes evenly over the chicken for balanced flavor distribution.

Step 4: Cook Until Tender
Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 5-6 hours, until the chicken reaches 165°F internally and is fork-tender; this slow process ensures juicy results infused with the creamy sauce.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle fresh chopped basil over the finished Crockpot Marry Me Chicken before serving to add a pop of color and freshness; it pairs especially well with pasta to soak up the rich sauce.

Pro Tips for Success

• Sear for Depth: Browning the chicken first adds a caramelized edge that enhances the overall sauce flavor without overcomplicating prep.
• Whisk Sauce Smoothly: Stir constantly when adding broth and cream to avoid lumps, ensuring a silky texture in your final dish.
• Check Internal Temp: Use a thermometer to confirm 165°F for safe, tender chicken that isn’t dry.
• Avoid Overcooking: Stick to the time ranges to keep the meat juicy and the sauce from separating.

How to Serve Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

Garnishes

I love topping this dish with a sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan for that golden, nutty crunch alongside the fresh basil, which adds a vibrant green contrast. A few pine nuts can bring a subtle toasted element if you want more texture. These simple touches make the creamy sauce pop visually and flavor-wise.

Side Dishes

Pair it with al dente pasta like fettuccine to let the sauce cling perfectly, or go for steamed broccoli to balance the richness with crisp, green freshness. Garlic bread on the side absorbs the juices beautifully for a cozy meal. These options keep things light yet satisfying for family dinners.

Creative Ways to Present

Spoon the chicken and sauce into shallow bowls for an inviting, rustic look that highlights the tender pieces and tomato flecks. Layer it over rice for a deconstructed presentation that’s easy to portion. I sometimes nestle it in lettuce wraps for a lighter twist, keeping the cozy warmth intact.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always store Crockpot Marry Me Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge, where it keeps well for up to 3 days without losing its creamy appeal. This makes it ideal for packing lunches or quick reheats during the week. Just portion it out to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

For longer storage, let the dish cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe bags, flattening them for easy space-saving. It freezes nicely for up to 2 months, maintaining most of its tenderness. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy again.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the microwave with a damp paper towel over the container to retain moisture, stirring halfway through for even warmth. For best results, use the oven at 350°F covered with foil to prevent drying, taking about 15-20 minutes. This keeps the sauce silky and the chicken juicy.

Print