Name: Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 2 Tablespoons olive oil; 2 Tablespoons butter; 1 ½ cups chicken broth; 3 Tablespoons cornstarch; 1 cup heavy cream; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes; ½ teaspoon paprika; ⅓ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, drained; ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese; 6-8 fresh basil leaves, chopped

Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 10 reviews

If you’ve ever been curious about the famous “Marry Me Chicken,” wait until you try this slow, saucy, and downright irresistible version. This Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe transforms tender chicken breasts into a creamy, garlicky dream that feels fancy but is so incredibly easy to make. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll be your go-to weeknight winner or impressive dinner-for-guests secret weapon.

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Why This Recipe Works

Hands-Off Convenience: The slow cooker does all the work allowing you to set it and forget it, freeing up your time without sacrificing flavor.
Deep, Layered Flavors: A combination of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes creates a sauce that’s rich, savory, and just a little bit spicy.
Perfectly Tender Chicken: Searing the chicken first locks in juices and develops a golden crust before the crock pot slowly makes it melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Creamy Sauce Without Fuss: The careful blending of heavy cream and parmesan avoids curdling, giving you a luscious sauce every time.

Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken, slow cooker Marry Me Chicken, easy instant pot chicken, creamy garlic chicken recipes, weeknight dinner ideas - The image shows four cooked chicken pieces in a creamy, thick sauce inside a black pot. The sauce is light orange-yellow with a smooth texture. The chicken pieces are golden brown with some dark red-brown bits on top that look like sun-dried tomatoes or spices. Fresh green herbs, probably chopped parsley or basil, are sprinkled all over the chicken and sauce. There are also thin white shreds, likely grated cheese, spread evenly on top. The pot is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe lies in how these ingredients come together to create a creamy, garlicky sauce that hugs each perfectly cooked chicken breast. Choosing quality basics sets you up for success, and I’ve got a few tips to help you get it just right.

Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken, slow cooker Marry Me Chicken, easy instant pot chicken, creamy garlic chicken recipes, weeknight dinner ideas - Flat lay of four raw boneless, skinless chicken breasts with smooth, pale pink skin, scattered bright red sun-dried tomatoes with a slightly wrinkled texture, several fresh basil leaves in vibrant green with delicate veins, whole garlic bulbs and peeled garlic cloves showing their creamy white color, a small pile of grated parmesan cheese with a fine, crumbly texture in off-white, a mix of dried Italian herbs with flecks of green and brown, whole red pepper flakes with deep red and orange tones, and a small mound of paprika powder in rich rusty red, all beautifully arranged in a natural, slightly scattered composition placed on white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: I like to pick plump, even-sized breasts for consistent cooking and tender results.
Olive oil & butter: The combo adds depth when searing and enriches the sauce’s flavor.
Garlic and Italian seasoning: The flavor backbone here, you want fresh minced garlic for that punch and a mix of herbs for melody.
Sun-dried tomatoes: These little bursts of tanginess elevate the sauce with subtle sweetness and chewy texture.
Heavy cream: Adds luscious creaminess, but watch my notes below on how to keep it from curdling!
Chicken broth: The base of your sauce, it keeps things savory and flavorful without heaviness.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is best for melting into the sauce and adding a lovely savory finish.
Red pepper flakes & paprika: Don’t skip these—they provide a gentle heat and a subtle smoky note to balance the creaminess.
Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning but used with finesse to enhance rather than overpower.

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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.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the things I love about the Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe is how flexible it is. I’ve played around a lot, and depending on what you have or what you love, you can easily make it your own without losing that signature flavor everyone raves about.

Variation: Sometimes, I add a splash of white wine to the sauce for a subtle tang and extra depth—it’s a personal favorite twist that feels extra special.
For a dairy-free version: I swap the heavy cream for canned coconut milk and omit parmesan. It’s not quite the same but still creamy and satisfying.
Kick up the heat: If you love spice, toss in an extra pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne. I’ve found this makes the sauce lively without overwhelming the dish.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear for Flavor

Start by mixing your salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper together. Pat your chicken breasts dry and season them evenly on both sides – this simple seasoning mix really boosts the flavor. Then, heat a skillet with olive oil and butter until it’s shimmering. Sear the chicken breasts on each side just until they’re golden brown—don’t worry about cooking them through; we’re just developing that tasty crust and sealing in the juices. This step sets the foundation for tender, flavorful chicken.

Step 2: Whisk Together Your Creamy Sauce Base

In a bowl, whisk together chicken broth and cornstarch to avoid lumps—that cornstarch is the secret to thickening the sauce just right. Next, whisk in the heavy cream, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and paprika. If you have a slow cooker that tends to run hot, I suggest saving the cream to add in the last 30 minutes to keep it from curdling. I learned this the hard way with my first attempt and it made a huge difference.

Step 3: Slow Cook and Let Flavors Marry

Pour your broth and cream mixture into the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the seared chicken breasts, and drizzle the leftover olive oil and butter from the pan over the top—it’s like a flavor bonus! Scatter the chopped sun-dried tomatoes over each piece. Set your crock pot to low and cover—it’ll cook for 6 to 8 hours until the chicken is fall-apart tender. Hands off! Trust me, lifting the lid to peek means losing heat and will extend the cook time, so patience here really pays off.

Step 4: Finish with Parmesan & Fresh Basil

After the chicken is perfectly tender, remove the breasts so you can whisk the parmesan cheese into the sauce—this gives it that irresistible cheesy richness. Then nestle the chicken back into the sauce, sprinkle with fresh basil, and let those beautiful herbal notes shine. This last step is where the dish really comes alive, and it’s worth every second.

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Pro Tips for Making Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe

Don’t Skip Searing: It adds that golden crust and rich flavor you can’t get just by slow cooking.
Watch Your Slow Cooker Temperature: My slow cooker runs hot, so I add heavy cream late to keep it silky smooth.
Resist Opening the Lid: Every time you peek, it steals heat and slows cooking—patience yields juicy chicken.
Use Fresh Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese won’t melt the same way and can affect your sauce’s texture.

How to Serve Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping the finished chicken with fresh chopped basil—not only does it add a pop of color, but the herbal brightness balances all the richness perfectly. Sometimes I also sprinkle a little extra parmesan right before serving for a cheesy finish that everyone appreciates.

Side Dishes

This chicken deserves sides that soak up that amazing sauce. My go-to is creamy mashed potatoes or garlic Parmesan risotto, but crusty bread for dipping and a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette are also fantastic companions. For a lighter option, steamed green beans or roasted asparagus bring freshness to the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this chicken atop a bed of creamy polenta and garnished with edible flowers and a drizzle of basil oil—it really elevates the dish from everyday comfort food to something stunning on the table. Another favorite is plating it with garlic butter noodles tossed with fresh herbs and sun-dried tomato pieces from the sauce for a cohesive look and flavor experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After dinner, I cool the leftovers quickly and pop them into airtight containers in the fridge. These last about three days and the sauce thickens beautifully overnight. I always find leftovers taste even better the next day once the flavors have mingled a bit more.

Freezing

This Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken freezes surprisingly well. I freeze portions separately in freezer-safe containers or bags with plenty of sauce to keep things moist. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, and it’s ready for reheating.

Reheating

For leftovers, I gently reheat on the stovetop over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from scorching. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream helps loosen the sauce back to that silky texture. Microwave works in a pinch, but stirring frequently is key to avoid overheating the cream.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe?

Absolutely! Bone-in or boneless chicken thighs work great and tend to stay even more tender with slow cooking. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs can cook a little faster or slower depending on their size. Keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.
What if my slow cooker runs hot—how do I prevent the cream from curdling?

Great question! If your slow cooker tends to boil, add the heavy cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking rather than at the start. This prevents curdling and ensures a smooth, rich sauce. You can whisk it directly into the sauce at that point before finishing the cook.
Can I make this recipe on high if I’m short on time?

I don’t recommend cooking this on high in your crock pot—it increases the risk of the sauce scorching and curdling, and the chicken can become tough. If you’re pressed for time, trying the stovetop version of Marry Me Chicken is your best bet for faster results with all the same flavors.
Can I skip searing the chicken?

You can, but searing really enhances the flavor and texture. It forms a golden crust and helps lock in moisture. If you’re in a rush, it will still taste good, but the final dish won’t have that same richness and depth.
Is the sauce too thick or thin—how do I fix it?

If the sauce is too thick after cooking, stir in a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up. If it’s too thin, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with cold water and stir it in, letting it cook a few more minutes on low to thicken up.

Final Thoughts

This Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites because it feels like restaurant-quality food but is so easy you can make it any night of the week. It’s a dish that draws people together around the table, with a sauce so comforting and rich you’ll want to savor every bite. I hope you give it a try and love it as much as I do—trust me, it really is a little love story in a crock pot!