Easy Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken — A Creamy Dream Dinner

If you’re looking for a cozy, indulgent, and absolutely delicious chicken dinner that practically cooks itself, this Easy Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is exactly what your weeknight needs. With tender slow-cooked chicken bathing in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce loaded with sun-dried tomatoes and herbs, this dish is every bit as dreamy as the name suggests. One bite, and you’ll understand how it earned such a bold title — it’s rich, comforting, and yes, marriage-proposal-worthy!

This slow cooker version is perfect for busy days when you want dinner to feel special but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. With a handful of pantry staples, a few minutes of prep, and your trusty crock pot, you’re on your way to a restaurant-quality meal without the stress.

You’ll love how easy this is!

Ingredients

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Here’s what you’ll need to make this magical dish:

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 6 boneless thighs for extra juiciness)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, but adds depth)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing)

For the Sauce:

• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (drained if packed in oil)
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for gentle heat)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (use freshly grated if possible)
• 1 teaspoon dried basil (or 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)

For Garnish:

• ¼ cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped
• Extra Parmesan for sprinkling

You probably already have most of these ingredients in your pantry or fridge — and if not, they’re easy to find!

Instructions

1. Season the Chicken

Start by patting your chicken dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick and ensures a better sear.

In a small bowl, mix the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Rub the spice blend all over the chicken breasts or thighs.

2. Optional but Recommended: Sear the Chicken

While you can skip this step, I highly recommend it for maximum flavor.

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and sear for about 2–3 minutes per side, just until golden brown. You’re not cooking it through — just giving it that irresistible crust and sealing in flavor.

3. Add Everything to the Crock Pot

Place the seared chicken in the bottom of your slow cooker.

Top it with minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper flakes (if using), and pour in the chicken broth. Sprinkle in the dried herbs — basil and oregano.

4. Let the Slow Cooker Work Its Magic

Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours. The chicken should be melt-in-your-mouth tender and infused with all those wonderful flavors.

5. Make It Creamy and Irresistible

Once the chicken is cooked through and tender, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese.

Want the sauce a bit thicker? Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the pot. Let it cook for another 15–20 minutes with the lid slightly ajar until the sauce thickens beautifully.

6. Garnish and Serve

Right before serving, sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped basil or parsley. Add an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese if you like — trust me, you’ll want to.

Serving Suggestions

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This Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is the kind of meal that begs to be served with something that can soak up every drop of that luscious sauce. Here are some of my favorite pairings:

• Pasta: Fettuccine, linguine, penne, or even egg noodles all work beautifully.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a match made in heaven with this sauce.
• Rice: White rice, brown rice, or even a wild rice blend are great options.
• Roasted Vegetables: Try it with roasted broccoli, asparagus, or green beans for a lighter side.
• Crusty Bread: A slice of warm sourdough or baguette is perfect for sopping up any extra sauce.

This recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen!

Tips and Tricks

• Use Chicken Thighs for More Juiciness: While breasts work great, thighs tend to be more forgiving and flavorful.
• Don’t Skip the Sear (If You Have Time): It adds so much depth to the final dish.
• Fresh Parmesan is Key: Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as well or taste as rich.
• Adjust the Heat: Love spice? Add more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
• Toss in Veggies: Stir in baby spinach or sautéed mushrooms during the last 10 minutes of cooking for an extra veggie boost.

Variations

• Low-Carb Option: Serve with cauliflower mash or zucchini noodles.
• Extra Cheesy: Stir in a bit of shredded mozzarella or Gouda for more cheesy goodness.
• Dairy-Free Version: Substitute coconut cream and dairy-free Parmesan — it still tastes amazing.
• Fresh Tomato Swap: If you’re out of sun-dried tomatoes, use cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers — different vibe, still delicious!

Storage Instructions

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freeze: For best results, freeze the dish before adding the cream. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently and stir in the cream and cheese just before serving.

Reheat: Gently warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but make sure to increase the cooking time by 1–2 hours on low and ensure the chicken is fully cooked before adding cream.

Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Absolutely. The sauce will be slightly thinner but still rich and delicious.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then do a natural release for 10 minutes before adding the cream and cheese.

What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
You can use fresh or roasted tomatoes, though the flavor won’t be as intense. A spoonful of tomato paste can help boost the umami.

Can I add spinach?
Definitely. Add a couple of handfuls of baby spinach in the last 10 minutes of cooking and stir until wilted.

How do I keep the chicken from drying out?
Use chicken thighs and cook on low heat for the most tender results.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken isn’t just a recipe — it’s a dinner table showstopper that turns simple ingredients into something truly special. Whether you’re making it for your family, date night, or just because you deserve a great meal, it always delivers.

Creamy, comforting, and full of love — this dish just might win you someone’s heart. Or at least a round of applause at the dinner table.