Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors that come together effortlessly in a slow cooker. The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and rich cream creates a luxurious sauce that hugs every bite of tender chicken. This dish is incredibly easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions when you want a meal that impresses with minimal effort. Not only is this dish packed with Italian-inspired flavors, but it’s also versatile—serve it over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal. The slow cooking process enhances the depth of flavor, allowing the spices and seasonings to meld beautifully. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a romantic night in, this dish is sure to make everyone fall in love with your cooking!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1 cup baby spinach
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Directions:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown (about 2-3 minutes per side). Transfer to the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, whisk together heavy cream, chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. Pour over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender.
- If a thicker sauce is desired, mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir into the sauce. Let it cook for an additional 15 minutes.
- Stir in baby spinach and allow it to wilt before serving.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 4 hours | Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 420 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Crockpot Marry Me Chicken: The Ultimate Comfort Food
Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish that has gained popularity for its irresistible taste and easy preparation. This slow-cooked chicken recipe features a luscious cream sauce made with Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and aromatic Italian seasonings. The result is a restaurant-quality meal that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor.
The Story Behind Marry Me Chicken
The name “Marry Me Chicken” comes from the idea that this dish is so delicious, it could inspire a marriage proposal! The phrase started as a fun, playful way to describe how incredible the flavors are—so good that anyone who tastes it might just fall in love. While the exact origin is uncertain, it became a viral recipe, spreading across food blogs and social media. Many versions exist, but the slow cooker method is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to make it.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Slow Cooker Preparation – Just a few minutes of prep work, and the slow cooker does the rest! This makes it a perfect meal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
- Rich and Creamy Sauce – The combination of heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes creates a luxurious sauce that coats every piece of chicken beautifully.
- Versatile Pairing Options – Serve it with pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or even roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor – With its creamy texture and savory Italian-inspired seasonings, this dish is sure to be a family favorite.
- Meal Prep Friendly – Leftovers store well, making it an excellent option for meal prep. The flavors deepen over time, making it even tastier the next day!
The Secret to the Best Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
- Searing the Chicken First – While some slow cooker recipes allow you to add raw chicken directly, searing the chicken beforehand enhances its flavor and gives it a beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Using Sun-Dried Tomatoes – These add a tangy, slightly sweet depth to the dish that balances the richness of the cream sauce.
- Adding Parmesan Cheese – This ingredient gives the sauce a nutty, salty kick, making the dish extra indulgent.
- Cooking on Low for Maximum Tenderness – Slow cooking on low heat allows the chicken to become incredibly tender and absorb all the delicious flavors.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs well with a variety of sides, depending on your preferences:
- Classic Pairings – Serve over pasta, mashed potatoes, or white rice to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Low-Carb Options – Try it with cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or a side of roasted Brussels sprouts.
- Garlic Bread – A slice of crusty garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the rich sauce.
How to Store and Reheat
- Refrigeration – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing – Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheating – Warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if needed to bring back the creamy consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a dairy-free version.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are even more flavorful and stay juicy in the slow cooker.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Sauté the chicken using the sauté function, then pressure cook on high for 10 minutes, followed by a quick release.
Conclusion
Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is a foolproof recipe that delivers gourmet flavors with minimal effort. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a date night, or meal prepping for the week, this creamy Tuscan chicken dish is guaranteed to be a hit. Try it once, and it might just become a permanent favorite in your recipe collection!