Do Share Recipe

Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Recipe | Creamy & Flavorful Dinner

I recently tried making this Crockpot Marry Me Chicken recipe and I couldn’t wait to share how it turned out. From the moment the garlic and butter started sizzling, I knew dinner was going to be something special. By the time the creamy sauce and sun‑dried tomatoes joined the party, the aroma was irresistible.

The chicken came out so tender I almost forgot I used a slow cooker. If you’re looking for a “wow” meal without tons of fuss, this one’s a winner. You can also enjoy similar comforting flavors in a Homemade Stuffed Peppers Soup Recipe for an easy starter.

Ingredients Section

Here’s what you’ll need (and why each ingredient matters):

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – These give you lean, tender meat that works perfectly in the slow cooker. You could even pair it with an easy Chicken Teriyaki Noodles Recipe for a different weeknight meal.
½ teaspoon salt – Brings out the chicken’s natural flavor and balances the creaminess of the sauce.
½ teaspoon garlic powder – Adds a subtle layer of garlic flavor without the fuss of extra chopping.
½ teaspoon onion powder – Complements the garlic and gives a mild savory depth.
¼ teaspoon black pepper – A simple hint of spice to keep the flavor from being flat.
2 tablespoons olive oil – Used to sear the chicken, locking in juices and giving some color.
2 tablespoons butter – Real butter adds richness and helps create a bold, luxurious sauce.
1½ cups chicken broth – Forms the base of the sauce, adding savory flavor and liquid to the crockpot.
3 tablespoons cornstarch – Thickens the broth so your sauce becomes silky instead of watery.
1 cup heavy cream – Important: don’t substitute with milk or a light cream, because you want that rich, creamy consistency.
4 cloves garlic (minced) – Fresh garlic here makes a real difference: more vibrant flavor than jarred.
1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs that adds warmth and rounds out the flavor profile.
½ teaspoon salt (for sauce) – A salt layer in the sauce helps balance the cream and tomatoes.
½ teaspoon black pepper (for sauce) – Keeps the sauce from being too sweet or one‑dimensional.
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes – I’m sensitive to spice and found it mild, but feel free to leave out if you prefer no heat.
½ teaspoon paprika – Adds a gentle smoky/red pepper flavor and nice color to the sauce.
⅓ cup chopped sun‑dried tomatoes (drained) – These are the star of the dish: they bring a burst of umami and tangy sweetness.
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated is key: pre‑grated sometimes has anti‑caking agents that affect melt and texture.
6‑8 fresh basil leaves, chopped – Optional but highly recommended: adds a fresh herbal pop that pairs beautifully with the tomatoes.

Note: several serving (Servings: 4)

Variations

Want to tweak it a little? Here are options to make it fit your needs:

Dairy‑free version: Use a plant‑based heavy cream substitute (like cashew cream) and skip or replace the Parmesan with a dairy‑free “cheese”.
Lower sodium / lighter version: Use low‑sodium chicken broth and skip the extra ½ teaspoon salt in the sauce.
Spice it up: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for extra heat.
Flavor‑boost add‑ins: Stir in a handful of baby spinach or mushrooms in the last 30 minutes for a veggie‑rich twist (some cooks tried this with great results).
Use different cut of chicken: While the recipe is designed for boneless, skinless chicken breasts (the author hasn’t tested others), you could experiment with thighs—but adjust cooking time accordingly.

Cooking Time

Here are the timing details for the recipe:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 6 hours (on low)
Total Time: 6 hours 25 minutes

Equipment You Need

Large skillet – to sear the chicken before transferring it to the slow cooker, which helps lock in flavor and color.
6‑quart slow cooker (crockpot) – this size accommodates the chicken and sauce comfortably.
Whisk and small mixing bowl – to combine the chicken broth and cornstarch smoothly, avoiding lumps.
Measuring spoons & cups – for accurate ingredient amounts (especially important for the thickening and seasoning).
Sharp knife and chopping board – for preparing garlic, sun‑dried tomatoes, and basil.

How to Make Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Recipe Name?

Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by mixing together the salt, garlic powder, onion powder and black pepper, then season both sides of the chicken breasts. Heat your skillet over medium‑high, add olive oil and butter, and sear the chicken just enough to get golden brown on both sides (you’re not cooking through at this point).

Make the Sauce Base and Add Chicken

In a bowl whisk chicken broth and cornstarch until smooth, then pour it into the slow cooker. Add heavy cream (or wait to add later if your slow cooker runs hot), minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes and paprika. Place the seared chicken into the crockpot and drizzle the leftover butter/olive oil from the skillet over it.

Add Sun‑Dried Tomatoes, Cook & Finish

Top each chicken breast with the chopped sun‑dried tomatoes. Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 6‑8 hours (on the low side) to achieve tender juicy chicken. After cooking, remove the chicken breasts, stir in freshly grated Parmesan into the sauce, return the chicken to the crockpot, spoon the sauce over, add chopped fresh basil, and serve immediately.

Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better

Here are a few things I picked up while making this—and you might find helpful too:

I found searing the chicken first really helps flavour the dish and gives the chicken beautiful colour—skipping this step works, but you’ll miss a layer of taste.
If your slow cooker seems like it runs hot (you notice boiling rather than slow simmering), I waited to add the heavy cream until the last 30 minutes. That prevented the cream from curdling.
Use freshly grated Parmesan if you can. I used pre‑grated once and it didn’t melt as smoothly into the sauce.
Resist the urge to lift the lid while cooking—it lets heat escape and adds time, which can impact how tender the chicken becomes.
When choosing sun‑dried tomatoes, I drained them well and chopped them—those little pops of tangy flavour really elevate the sauce.

How to Serve Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Recipe Name?

This dish shines when you give it a thoughtful presentation. Serve the chicken on top of a bed of pasta (rotini or linguine work great) or creamy mashed potatoes—anything that will soak up the sauce.

The creamy sauce with sun‑dried tomatoes looks gorgeous draped over the chicken; sprinkle fresh basil leaves and maybe a little extra Parmesan on top for a pop of colour. A side of green beans or a light salad helps balance the richness. The moment you bring it to the table, it smells amazing and will make your guests dig in excitedly.

Nutritional Information

Here are approximate nutritional details per serving:

Calories: 688 kcal
Protein: 56 g
Carbohydrates: 17 g
Fat: 44 g

Make Ahead and Storage

Storage in the Fridge

Once cooked, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze portions for later, this dish keeps for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating

Reheat slowly on the stovetop or in a low oven, stirring occasionally—because it contains heavy cream, reheating too fast may cause separation. It’s best warmed gently and served fresh for best taste and texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Here’s what makes this recipe a keeper:

Effortless slow‑cooking: Set it and forget it—once the initial prep is done, the crockpot does all the work while you relax.
Rich, decadent flavour: The combination of butter, heavy cream, sun‑dried tomatoes and Parmesan delivers a restaurant‑style meal at home.
Tender juicy chicken every time: With the right timing and searing method, the chicken comes out meltingly tender.
Versatile to serve and adapt: Serve it over pasta, rice or potatoes; tweak seasonings or use dairy‑free options; make it your way.
Great for company or a weeknight treat: It looks impressive but is approachable enough for a busy weeknight and special enough for guests.

Ben Carraoli