If you’re on the hunt for a meal that’s ridiculously easy yet feels fancy enough for a date night, you’re going to want to try this Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe. Trust me, I’ve made this a dozen times, and every single time it comes out so creamy, flavorful, and tender that it might just win over anyone’s heart at your table. It’s slow-cooked comfort food at its best, with sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan cheese adding that special touch you don’t usually get in a weeknight crock pot dinner. Stick around—I’ll walk you through all the tips and tricks so you nail it every time!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless One-Pot Cooking: Just prep, brown, and set the slow cooker—easy for busy days.
- Rich, Creamy Sauce: The blend of sour cream and Parmesan gives an indulgent feel without fuss.
- Tender, Juicy Chicken: Slow cooking keeps the chicken perfectly moist every time.
- Family Favorite: This dish has quickly become a staple in my kitchen—guaranteed to please picky eaters and grown-ups alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in the Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe work beautifully together to create layers of flavor and a luxurious sauce. When shopping, opt for quality chicken breasts and real Italian seasoning for the best taste, and don’t rush the browning step—it really helps with flavor depth.
- Chicken breasts: Skin-on or skinless, whichever you prefer; skin-on adds extra flavor when seared.
- Italian seasoning: A good mix of herbs to elevate the chicken perfectly.
- Salt and pepper: Basic but essential for seasoning before cooking.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps brown the chicken beautifully.
- Olive oil: Optional, but a little helps with browning and reduces sticking.
- White wine or chicken broth: The liquid base that adds depth; wine brings a subtle acidity and complexity.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: They bring an intense, slightly sweet punch that’s a real game-changer.
- Sweet paprika: Adds warmth and a slight smoky note.
- Garlic granules: For consistent garlicky flavor without the mess.
- Chicken bouillon: Enhances savoriness, especially if you’re using wine instead of broth.
- Sour cream or heavy cream: Creates the creamy sauce that’ll make you swoon.
- Cornstarch: Optional, but perfect if you want a thicker sauce.
- Parmesan cheese: Must for that cheesy, salty hit that rounds it out.
- Fresh parsley or basil: Adds brightness and freshness at the end.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Variations
I love making this Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe my own depending on the mood or what’s in the fridge. You can easily swap out ingredients or tweak a few things to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Don’t be afraid to experiment!
- Low-Carb Version: I swap sun-dried tomatoes for fresh diced tomatoes and serve it over cauliflower mash for a lighter, keto-friendly option.
- Herb Twist: Adding fresh thyme or rosemary instead of parsley changes up the flavor profile nicely for a more earthy tone.
- Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use coconut cream in place of sour cream or heavy cream for a rich, dairy-free sauce that still feels indulgent.
- Spicy Kick: I sometimes throw in a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for a little warmth that wakes up the dish.
How to Make Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Season and Brown the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken breasts dry and seasoning them generously with salt, pepper, and the Italian seasoning. I love this step because it sets the flavor foundation. Next, heat butter and olive oil in a pan over medium heat—if your slow cooker has a browning function, you can use that instead. Sear the chicken skin-side down until golden brown; this usually takes about 4-5 minutes. Browning adds that irresistible caramelized flavor you won’t get if you skip it.
Step 2: Assemble in the Crock Pot
Once the chicken is browned, transfer it to your slow cooker if you browned in the pan. Pour in the white wine and water combo (or just chicken broth), and season with paprika, garlic granules, and chicken bouillon if using wine. Then, scatter the sun-dried tomatoes around. This combination creates a sauce that’s somehow both tangy and luscious at the same time.
Step 3: Slow Cook Until Perfect
Cover and cook on LOW for about 90 minutes to 2 hours, until the chicken hits an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). I don’t recommend using the high setting here—you might end up with dry chicken, and nobody wants that! If you want to thicken the sauce, about 10 minutes before it’s done, stir in the cornstarch slurry and let it heat through. If you’re using sour cream, you can skip the slurry and just add it at the end.
Step 4: Finish with Cream, Cheese, and Herbs
Push the chicken to one side of the crock pot and stir in the sour cream or heavy cream until the sauce becomes silky smooth. Then sprinkle in grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley or basil. This finishing touch makes the sauce ultra creamy and savory—my family absolutely goes crazy for this step!
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Pro Tips for Making Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe
- Brown the Chicken First: I found skipping this step makes a big difference—browning locks in flavor and adds beautiful color.
- Use Full-Fat Dairy: For the richest sauce, go with full-fat sour cream or heavy cream; low-fat versions can curdle.
- Don’t Rush the Cooking: Slow and low wins here. Cooking on high tends to dry out your chicken breasts.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes Are Key: They give the sauce depth and that slightly sweet, tangy pop—don’t substitute lightly!
How to Serve Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
I always finish this dish with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil—it adds just the right fresh contrast. Sometimes I add a little extra Parmesan on top for those who can’t get enough cheesy goodness. A drizzle of olive oil at the end can also boost the flavor if you’re feeling fancy.
Side Dishes
This chicken is super versatile. I love serving it over buttery mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or even simple buttered noodles to soak up all that sauce. On lighter days, steamed green veggies or a crisp salad do the trick. Rice or quinoa also work beautifully if you prefer grains.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve plated the chicken on a bed of creamy risotto with a sprinkle of sun-dried tomato pieces for an elegant touch. Serving it family-style straight from the slow cooker with fresh herbs and crusty bread is also a lovely, rustic way to enjoy this dish with guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it cools, so when you reheat, you might want to add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.
Freezing
This recipe freezes really well—just pop the chicken and sauce into a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Be sure to stir the sauce well as it reheats to keep it creamy.
Reheating
I prefer reheating on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little extra broth or cream if needed, stirring often to avoid scorching. The microwave works in a pinch, but watch closely and stir occasionally to keep the sauce smooth.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are even more forgiving in the slow cooker and will stay juicy and flavorful. You might need to adjust the cooking time slightly—check for an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure doneness.
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Do I have to use white wine in this recipe?
Nope! If you don’t drink or cook with wine, chicken broth is a perfect substitute. Just add a teaspoon of chicken bouillon if you want to keep that depth of flavor the wine usually provides.
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Can I prepare this recipe the night before?
Definitely! You can season and brown the chicken, then assemble everything in the slow cooker insert, cover and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready to cook, just pop it in the crock pot in the morning and follow the normal cooking times.
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How do I thicken the sauce if I want it a bit creamier?
The recipe includes an optional cornstarch slurry that you can stir in about 10 minutes before the end of cooking. This thickens the sauce nicely without messing with the flavor. Using full-fat sour cream or heavy cream also helps keep it rich and smooth.
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Is this Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe low carb?
It’s mostly low carb, but sun-dried tomatoes add some natural sugars. You can swap them out for fresh tomatoes and serve the chicken over cauliflower mash or greens to keep it low carb.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe turns out every time, and I know once you try it, your family and friends will too. There’s something so satisfying about coming home to a slow cooker full of creamy, melt-in-your-mouth chicken that’s ready to serve. It’s my go-to when I want a hands-off meal that tastes like I spent hours in the kitchen—no stress, just pure deliciousness. I really hope you give this a try soon and share it with the people you love as much as I do!
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Description
Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is a creamy, flavorful slow-cooked chicken dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich sauce of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, paprika, and Parmesan cheese. This comforting meal is easy to prepare and perfect for serving over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes.
Chicken and Seasoning
Cooking Base
Sauce Ingredients
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts thoroughly on both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to develop the base flavor.
- Brown the Chicken: Heat the butter and olive oil in a pan or directly in the slow cooker if it supports browning. Pan fry the chicken breasts skin side down until golden brown to lock in juices.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Turn the chicken over and transfer it to the slow cooker if you browned it in a pan. Pour in the white wine and water or chicken broth, then add the paprika, garlic granules, sun-dried tomatoes, and chicken bouillon powder if you used wine. This richly flavors the cooking liquid.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 90 minutes to 2 hours until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), ensuring tenderness.
- Optional Sauce Thickening: About 10 minutes before the end of the cooking time, if desired, stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce. Heat through to activate the thickener. If using sour cream, this step can be skipped.
- Finish the Sauce: Push the chicken to one side. Stir in the sour cream or heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped parsley until fully combined to create a creamy, flavorful sauce.
- Serve: Serve the creamy chicken over rice, noodles, mashed potatoes, or your preferred side dish for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- Do not cook on the HIGH setting as it may cause the chicken breasts to become tough.
- Use full-fat sour cream or heavy cream to ensure a rich, creamy sauce. For extra thickening, the cornstarch slurry or xanthan gum can be added.
- If using white wine instead of chicken broth, add a teaspoon of chicken bouillon powder to deepen the flavor.
- This recipe is low in carbs except for the sun-dried tomatoes. For a lower-carb option, substitute fresh tomatoes and serve with cauliflower mash or steamed greens instead of traditional sides.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg