Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken – So Creamy, So Flavorful!

marry me chicken : If you’re searching for a dish that’s romantic, comforting, and absolutely bursting with flavor, look no further than Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken. This slow cooker twist on the popular stovetop favorite offers incredible richness, mouthwatering aroma, and melt-in-your-mouth chicken – all with minimal effort. Whether you’re preparing a special meal for your significant other or just craving something indulgently creamy, this recipe will deliver on all fronts.

Unlike other chicken dishes, Marry Me Chicken gets its iconic name from being so good, it might just prompt a proposal. The creamy garlic-parmesan sauce, enriched with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs, is slow-cooked to perfection. It’s a dish that’s effortless yet elegant—perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy date night at home.

When cooking chicken, especially in a slow cooker, ensuring the correct internal temperature is critical for both safety and taste. According to the USDA poultry safety guidelines, chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Pair that with searing your chicken breasts before placing them in the Crock Pot—this step locks in moisture and creates flavor depth. As Serious Eats explains, searing meat isn’t just cosmetic—it’s a vital step in creating a rich, savory flavor base.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultra-creamy garlic parmesan sauce
• Tender, slow-cooked chicken breasts
• Minimal prep time – maximum flavor
• Customizable to your taste (add mushrooms, spinach, or make it spicy)
• Ideal for pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread

Ingredients You’ll Need To Marry Me Chicken

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter

For the Sauce:

• 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• 3 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 10 fresh basil leaves, chopped

How to Make Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

1. Season and Sear:
   • Mix salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
   • Rub onto both sides of the chicken.
   • Heat a skillet with olive oil and butter. Sear chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until golden.
2. Mix the Sauce:
   • In a bowl, whisk together chicken broth and cornstarch.
   • Add to the bottom of your slow cooker.
3. Assemble in the Crock Pot:
   • Whisk in the cream, garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
   • Place the seared chicken in the sauce.
   • Pour the leftover oil/butter from the skillet on top.
   • Sprinkle sun-dried tomatoes over the chicken.
4. Cook Low and Slow:
   • Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours.
   • Do not cook on high to avoid curdling the cream.
5. Finish and Serve:
   • Remove chicken briefly, stir parmesan into the sauce.
   • Return chicken, top with chopped fresh basil, and serve hot.

Pro Tips for Crock Pot Success

• Do not use frozen chicken—it won’t cook evenly and may water down the sauce.
• If your Crock Pot runs hot, wait to add heavy cream until the last 30 minutes.
• Always sear the chicken for better flavor and texture.
• Use freshly grated parmesan instead of pre-shredded for the creamiest sauce.

Best Sides to Serve With It

• Pasta (rotini, penne, fettuccine)
• Mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash
• Steamed rice or herbed quinoa
• Garlic bread or sourdough slices
• Side salad with balsamic vinaigrette

Storage and Reheating

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, stirring to re-incorporate the sauce (cream may separate slightly).

Recipe Variations

• Add Veggies: Spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers
• Switch the Protein: Use boneless pork chops or turkey breast
• Spice It Up: Increase red pepper flakes or add hot sauce
• Make It Low-Carb: Serve over zoodles, mashed cauliflower, or on its own

Nutrition Info (Per Serving – Approx.)

• Calories: 688 kcal
• Carbs: 17g
• Protein: 56g
• Fat: 44g
• Sodium: 1466mg

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I cook this on high in the Crock Pot?

No. Cooking on high may cause the cream sauce to scorch or curdle. Always stick with the LOW setting for this recipe.

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Avoid using frozen chicken in this dish. It may not cook evenly and can make the sauce watery.

What if I don’t like sun-dried tomatoes?

You can leave them out, but they’re a signature flavor in this recipe. Consider replacing with roasted red peppers or skip entirely.

Do I have to sear the chicken first?

It’s highly recommended. Searing adds color, seals in juices, and boosts overall flavor. If skipping, add 4 extra tablespoons of melted butter to the sauce.

What pasta goes best with Marry Me Chicken?

Short pastas like rotini or penne work great, but you can also use fettuccine or even serve it over mashed potatoes or rice.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can experiment with full-fat coconut cream and a dairy-free cheese alternative, but expect some flavor and texture changes.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

• Use heavy cream only (not milk).
• Add cream at the end if your slow cooker runs hot.
• Stir sauce gently when reheating.

Final Thoughts

Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is one of those rare dishes that hits every note—it’s easy, comforting, restaurant-quality, and downright irresistible. Whether you’re making it for a loved one or simply treating yourself, this dish will absolutely wow.

Make sure to pin, save, or print this one—you’ll want it in your regular rotation. After all, when a chicken recipe might earn you a marriage proposal, you know it’s seriously that good.

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