Ultimate Crockpot Marry Me Chicken: Creamy, Tender, & Proposal-Worthy Slow Cooker Dinner

Imagine a dinner so incredibly delicious, so rich and comforting, that it inspires grand gestures. That’s the legend behind “Marry Me Chicken,” and this slow cooker version takes all the beloved flavors and makes them effortlessly achievable. Juicy chicken breasts are slow-cooked to perfection in a luscious cream sauce, infused with the vibrant taste of sun-dried tomatoes, aromatic garlic, fragrant herbs, and a hint of butter. Serve this irresistible dish over your favorite pasta or fluffy rice for a cozy meal that truly hits every spot. It’s more than just dinner; it’s a culinary experience that might just earn you a proposal!

For more convenient and delicious crockpot chicken dinners that the whole family will adore, be sure to explore my Slow Cooker Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, Crockpot Hot Honey Chicken, and Crockpot Brown Sugar Garlic Chicken. These recipes are perfect for busy weeknights when you crave homemade goodness without the fuss.

Are you searching for a show-stopping dinner that’s simple enough for a casual weeknight yet sophisticated enough to impress guests on a special occasion? Look no further than this Marry Me Crockpot Chicken. This recipe transforms the viral sensation into an easy-to-make slow cooker meal, saving you precious time in the kitchen while guaranteeing unbelievably tender and deeply flavorful chicken.

Much like its cousin, creamy Tuscan chicken, you’ll be captivated by the alluring aroma that fills your home as the chicken slow-cooks. Each bite delivers perfectly cooked, succulent chicken immersed in a rich, velvety sauce brightened by the tangy sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes. It’s truly an experience that will make you “fall in love” with this dish, regardless of any actual proposals!

Present this glorious chicken over a bed of your favorite pasta or a generous scoop of fluffy rice. Complement the meal with a side of crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that amazing sauce, and some fresh steamed vegetables for a complete, well-rounded dinner. This dish is incredibly versatile, making it ideal for a romantic date night at home or a fuss-free, delicious meal for the entire family. Its adaptability means it fits perfectly into any dining scenario.

The true beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. With just about 15 minutes of hands-on preparation, your slow cooker takes over, transforming simple ingredients into a gourmet-worthy meal. Imagine coming home to a house filled with an incredible aroma and dinner virtually ready to serve. That’s the magic of this easy dinner recipe!

Ingredients for Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

This section includes detailed ingredient notes and helpful substitution options. For precise measurements, the complete ingredient list, and step-by-step instructions, please refer to the printable recipe card located at the end of this post.

• Chicken Breasts — For this recipe, I typically opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts due to their lean nature and ability to absorb flavors beautifully. However, if you prefer a richer, more forgiving meat, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent alternative and will also cook up wonderfully in the slow cooker. Ensure they are evenly sized for consistent cooking.
• Olive Oil — A good quality olive oil is essential for browning the chicken breasts before they go into the crockpot. This crucial step develops a golden-brown crust and locks in a deeper, more complex flavor profile through the Maillard reaction, even if the chicken isn’t fully cooked through on the stovetop.
• Chicken Stock — Using chicken stock over broth is highly recommended as it provides a richer, more profound flavor base for our creamy sauce, enhancing the overall depth of the dish. If stock is unavailable, chicken broth can certainly be used, but you might consider adding a bit more seasoning to compensate for the slight difference in flavor intensity.
• Cornstarch — This is our secret weapon for achieving that perfectly thick, luscious sauce that generously coats every piece of chicken and pasta. Cornstarch helps create a smooth consistency without a floury taste. If you’re in a pinch, all-purpose flour can work as a substitute, but cornstarch is preferred for its superior thickening power and clear finish.
• Heavy Cream — The cornerstone of our “Marry Me” sauce! Heavy cream is indispensable for achieving the signature rich, velvety, and luxurious texture that defines this dish. Do not substitute with light cream or milk, as they lack the fat content necessary to create the desired body and creaminess, resulting in a much thinner sauce.
• Garlic — Freshly minced garlic is always best for an unparalleled aromatic punch. Its pungent, sweet flavor is a key component of the sauce. If fresh garlic cloves aren’t an option, you can substitute with garlic powder, using about 1/8 teaspoon for each clove specified. Remember that garlic powder is milder, so adjust to your personal taste.
• Seasonings — A thoughtful blend of salt and freshly ground black pepper forms the foundation. We then layer in savory notes with Italian seasoning, which typically includes basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme. Onion powder adds a subtle allium sweetness, and paprika contributes a mild peppery flavor and a lovely reddish hue to the sauce, making it visually appealing.
• Sundried Tomatoes — These gems are packed with concentrated, naturally sweet, and tangy tomato flavor that adds an incredible depth and a beautiful pop of color to the creamy sauce. I recommend using oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes (drained) for the best texture and flavor. You can roughly chop them or leave them in larger pieces.
• Butter — Butter is added for its rich, indulgent flavor and its ability to enhance the creaminess of the sauce. I typically use unsalted butter in most recipes to control the sodium content, but salted butter will work just fine here; simply adjust the amount of added salt accordingly.
• Basil — Fresh basil leaves are an optional but highly recommended garnish. Their vibrant color and fresh, peppery-sweet aroma elevate the dish, adding a bright contrast to the rich sauce. Chop them finely or tear them for a rustic touch just before serving.

Essential Equipment for This Crockpot Chicken Recipe

To whip up this incredibly easy and delicious chicken dinner, you won’t need an arsenal of fancy kitchen gadgets. Here are the essential tools that will help you prepare this meal with minimal effort:

• Crockpot (Slow Cooker): The star of the show! A 6-quart or larger slow cooker is ideal to comfortably fit the chicken breasts and sauce.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient proportions, ensuring your sauce has the perfect balance of flavors.
• Knife or Garlic Press: To mince your fresh garlic cloves efficiently. A sharp knife is also needed for prepping chicken if necessary.
• Mixing Bowl: A medium-sized bowl for whisking together the sauce ingredients until smooth.
• Whisk: Crucial for thoroughly combining the cornstarch with the chicken stock and other wet ingredients, preventing any lumps in your creamy sauce.
• Large Skillet (Optional but Recommended): While you *can* skip browning, a large skillet helps achieve that beautiful golden crust on the chicken, which adds significant flavor.

How to Make Crockpot Marry Me Chicken: Step-by-Step Guide

This section provides a visual guide with step-by-step photos and detailed instructions for preparing this recipe. For the complete, printer-friendly version of the recipe, please refer to the dedicated recipe card further down this page.

Step 1: Brown the Chicken Breasts. Begin by adding 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil to a large skillet and heating it over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering and hot, carefully add the chicken breasts. Sear them for approximately 2 minutes on each side. The goal here is to achieve a beautiful golden-brown color and develop rich flavors on the exterior of the chicken – you don’t need to cook them through at this stage, as they will finish cooking slowly in the crockpot. This browning step is crucial for adding depth to the final dish.

Step 2: Transfer to Crockpot. Carefully place the browned chicken breasts into the bottom of your slow cooker. Arrange them in a single, even layer to ensure they cook consistently and are fully enveloped by the delicious sauce.

Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Sauce. In a separate mixing bowl, combine the chicken stock and cornstarch. Whisk these two ingredients vigorously until the cornstarch is completely dissolved and there are no lumps remaining – this is key for a smooth sauce. Next, add the heavy cream, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the mixture. Whisk everything together thoroughly until all the spices are well incorporated and the sauce is uniform.

Step 4: Pour Sauce Over Chicken. Gently pour the prepared creamy sauce mixture evenly over the browned chicken breasts in the crockpot. Ensure the chicken is mostly submerged in the sauce so it can absorb all the wonderful flavors as it cooks.

Step 5: Add Sun-dried Tomatoes and Butter. Distribute the drained sun-dried tomatoes over the chicken. Then, cut the butter into small pats and scatter them evenly over the top of the chicken pieces. The butter will melt into the sauce, adding another layer of rich, buttery flavor.

Step 6: Slow Cook to Perfection. Securely place the lid on your crockpot. Cook the chicken on the LOW setting for 6-7 hours. Alternatively, if you’re short on time, you can cook it on HIGH for 3-4 hours. For the most tender, fall-apart chicken, the low and slow method is always recommended, as cooking on high can sometimes result in drier chicken breasts.

Tip: Resist the urge to lift the lid during the cooking process. Each time the lid is removed, a significant amount of heat escapes, extending the cooking time and potentially affecting the tenderness of the chicken.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish. Once the chicken is cooked through and fork-tender, serve it warm. For an extra flourish and burst of fresh flavor, garnish with freshly chopped basil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. The fragrant basil and salty cheese perfectly complement the creamy, savory sauce.

Delicious Serving Suggestions for Marry Me Chicken

This Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. The rich, creamy sauce is perfect for soaking up with something comforting. Here are some of our favorite ways to serve it:

• Pasta Perfection: Traditionally, Marry Me Chicken shines when served over classic spaghetti or delicate angel hair pasta. The thin strands are ideal for clinging to the luscious sauce. Other excellent pasta choices include fettuccine, linguine, or penne.
• Comforting Carb Bases: Beyond pasta, this dish is fantastic over a generous pile of creamy mashed potatoes. The sauce becomes even more indulgent when mixed with fluffy potatoes. Rice is another superb option; opt for plain white rice, brown rice, or even a fragrant basmati rice to complement the flavors. For a slightly different texture, consider couscous or polenta.
• Breads for Dipping: Don’t let a single drop of that incredible sauce go to waste! Complete your meal with a side of warm, crusty bread. Garlic bread is a natural fit, or try my homemade Italian seasoned bread for an extra special touch. Fresh focaccia or a simple baguette also work beautifully.
• Fresh Vegetable Sides: Balance the richness of the chicken with some vibrant, fresh vegetables. Steamed green beans or roasted asparagus are simple, healthy choices that add a pop of color and freshness. A crisp Olive Garden salad or a simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette would also be a fantastic accompaniment.
• Extra Indulgence: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top just before serving adds a salty, nutty finish that takes this dish to the next level.

Storage and Freezing Guidelines

Proper storage is key to enjoying your delicious Crockpot Marry Me Chicken for days to come. Here’s how to handle leftovers:

• In the Refrigerator: Store any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container. When properly sealed, it will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. This makes it a fantastic meal prep option for lunches or quick dinners during the week.
• In the Freezer: While it might seem convenient, I generally do not recommend freezing Marry Me Chicken. The heavy cream in the sauce tends to separate and can become grainy or change texture upon thawing and reheating, diminishing the signature creamy consistency of the dish. For best results and to maintain its “proposal-worthy” quality, it’s best enjoyed fresh or from the refrigerator.
• Reheating: To reheat, transfer the desired portion to a saucepan and warm over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through. If the sauce appears a bit thick, you can add a splash of chicken stock or milk to loosen it. Alternatively, you can reheat individual servings in the microwave, using short intervals and stirring frequently, until warmed thoroughly.

Marry Me Chicken Recipe Tips and Tricks for Success

Achieving the perfect Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is easy with a few simple tips and tricks. These suggestions will help ensure your dish is as tender, flavorful, and creamy as possible:

• Sneak in Veggies: To boost the nutritional value and add more texture, consider stirring in fresh spinach or sliced mushrooms during the last 30-60 minutes of cooking. The spinach will wilt beautifully into the sauce, and mushrooms will soften and absorb the flavors.
• Customize Chicken Presentation: Before serving, you can easily slice the cooked chicken breasts into thinner pieces or even shred them with two forks if you prefer a different texture, especially when serving over pasta. This makes it easier to mix into the sauce.
• Enhance Sun-Dried Tomato Flavor: For a more integrated flavor in every bite, chop the sun-dried tomatoes into smaller, bite-sized pieces rather than leaving them whole. This ensures their concentrated sweetness and tang are evenly distributed throughout the creamy sauce.
• The Secret to Tender Chicken: Low and Slow: The absolute key to achieving incredibly tender, juicy meat in a slow cooker is to cook it on the low setting for a longer duration. While crockpots offer a “high” setting, I strongly advise against using it for chicken breasts, as the quicker cooking time can often result in dry or tough meat. “Low and slow” truly is the golden rule for this recipe.
• Don’t Lift the Lid: Resist the temptation to peek! Every time you lift the lid of the slow cooker, a significant amount of heat escapes, extending the cooking time and potentially affecting the tenderness of your chicken.
• Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Taste the sauce towards the end of the cooking process (carefully!) and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. The flavors will have deepened during cooking, so a final adjustment can make a big difference.
• Check Internal Temperature: For food safety, ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer.

Creative Additions and Variations to Try

While the classic Marry Me Chicken recipe is phenomenal as is, it’s also wonderfully adaptable! Feel free to customize it to your personal preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some fantastic additions and variations to experiment with:

• Embrace Chicken Thighs: If you’re a fan of richer, more flavorful dark meat, or simply prefer a more forgiving cut of chicken, feel free to substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the breasts. They will cook up beautifully and remain incredibly juicy in the slow cooker.
• Turn Up the Heat: For those who enjoy a little kick, spice things up! Add a pinch or two of cayenne pepper to the sauce mix, or sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for a noticeable warmth that complements the creamy base without overpowering it.
• Lighten it Up (Slightly): While this recipe is celebrated for its cozy, rich, and buttery flavor, you can make a subtle adjustment by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream. Be aware that this will result in a slightly thinner sauce, so you might want to add an extra teaspoon of cornstarch to achieve your desired consistency.
• Make it Low Carb Friendly: Easily transform this into a delicious low-carb meal. Instead of pasta or rice, serve your creamy Marry Me Chicken over zucchini noodles (zoodles), creamy cauliflower mash, or cauliflower rice. Spaghetti squash is another excellent vegetable-based alternative.
• Cheesy Indulgence: Elevate the cheesy goodness by topping the chicken with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella, or even a blend of Italian cheeses right before serving. The warmth of the chicken will slightly melt the cheese, creating an even more indulgent experience.
• Mushroom Magic: For an earthier, “meatier” texture in your dish, add a cup or two of sliced cremini or button mushrooms to the slow cooker about an hour before the chicken is done. They will soften and absorb the amazing flavors of the sauce.
• Spinach Power: Wilt a few handfuls of fresh baby spinach into the slow cooker during the last 20-30 minutes of cooking. It adds a lovely color, subtle freshness, and a boost of nutrients without significantly altering the flavor profile.
• Lemon Zest Brightness: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of lemon zest added at the very end can brighten the entire dish and cut through some of the richness, offering a delightful fresh finish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken

More Easy & Delicious Crockpot Recipes

Ready to unlock the full potential of your slow cooker? Fire it up to create more amazing, hassle-free meals for your family. These recipes are perfect for those busy days when you want maximum flavor with minimal effort:

• Crockpot Steak Bites – Tender, melt-in-your-mouth pieces of beef swimming in a rich au jus gravy. Absolutely delicious served over mashed potatoes or with a side of rice!
• Crockpot Shredded Chicken – A versatile and fundamental base recipe that’s perfect for making quick tacos, hearty burrito bowls, flavorful chicken sandwiches, or adding to salads and casseroles.
• Easy Crockpot Chili – The ultimate comfort food for chilly days. This hearty chili is packed with flavor and perfect for warming you up from the inside out.
• Crockpot Corned Beef and Cabbage – Achieve unbelievably tender, melt-in-your-mouth corned beef with minimal effort, cooked right in your slow cooker alongside classic cabbage and vegetables.