Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is an easy, crowd-pleasing slow cooker recipe that produces tender chicken in a luxurious, creamy Parmesan sauce flavored with garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Ideal for busy weeknights or an effortless weekend meal, this dish pairs beautifully with pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles.
Recipe Tips
A few simple tips help ensure the creamiest sauce and the most tender chicken when you make this Crockpot Marry Me Chicken.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It melts into the sauce more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties.
- Avoid lifting the lid while cooking. Each time the lid is opened the slow cooker loses heat and the cooking time can increase.
- Garnish at the end. Add fresh basil or parsley just before serving to brighten the rich sauce.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: 3 pounds is recommended. Thighs can be used as a substitute for richer flavor.
- Italian dressing mix: A 1-ounce packet adds a blend of herbs and seasonings without measuring multiple spices. You can substitute a mix of dried oregano, basil, garlic powder, and onion powder if preferred.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: One cup, chopped. Oil-packed adds extra richness; if using dry-packed, rehydrate in warm water first.
- Chicken broth: One cup of low-sodium broth keeps the chicken moist and controls salt level.
- Heavy cream: Two cups create the rich sauce. Use half-and-half for a lighter version, recognizing the sauce will be thinner.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: One cup, freshly grated for best melting and flavor.
- Garlic: Four cloves, minced. Fresh garlic gives the brightest flavor; jarred minced garlic works in a pinch.
- Salted butter: Two tablespoons to enrich the sauce. Use unsalted butter if you prefer to control sodium.
- Salt, black pepper, and paprika: One teaspoon each to round out the seasoning; smoked paprika adds a pleasant depth if you like a hint of smokiness.
- Fresh basil: For garnish. Fresh parsley makes a good alternative garnish.
How To Make Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
This recipe relies on low, steady heat to gently break down the chicken and concentrate flavors. The chicken simmers slowly with Italian seasoning, garlic, chicken broth, butter, and sun-dried tomatoes until tender. In the final half hour, heavy cream and Parmesan are stirred in to form a creamy, well-balanced sauce that’s perfect spooned over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice.
- Prep the chicken: Place 3 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker. Sprinkle evenly with a 1-ounce package of Italian dressing mix, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon paprika.
- Assemble: Pour 1 cup of chicken broth over the seasoned chicken. Add 1 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 2 tablespoons of butter to the slow cooker.
- Cook: Cover and cook on Low for 5 to 6 hours or on High for about 2½ hours, until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreddable or tender.
- Add the dairy: About 30 minutes before serving, whisk together 2 cups heavy cream and 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese in a bowl. Stir the cream mixture into the slow cooker.
- Finish cooking: Cover and continue cooking for 30 minutes, until the sauce is creamy and the cheese has fully melted and blended with the cream.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and serve over pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, buttered egg noodles, or creamy polenta.
Marry Me Crockpot Chicken Recipe FAQs
No. This recipe is designed for convenience; the slow cooker yields tender, flavorful results without searing.
Check with a meat thermometer: the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). The chicken should also pull apart easily when it’s fully tender.
This creamy chicken is excellent over fettuccine, penne, mashed potatoes, white rice, buttered noodles, or creamy polenta. Add roasted or steamed vegetables and warm bread to round out the meal.
If you make this Crockpot Marry Me Chicken, please leave a comment describing how it turned out and what sides you served with it. This recipe is a reliable option when you want a simple but impressive dinner that tastes special with minimal effort.
Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
Equipment
- Crockpot (slow cooker)
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Grater
Ingredients
- 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 oz package Italian dressing mix
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 Tablespoons salted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Garnish
- Fresh basil or parsley
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle the Italian dressing mix, salt, pepper, and paprika evenly over the chicken.
- Add the chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and butter.
- Cover and cook on Low for 5 to 6 hours or High for 2½ hours, until the chicken is tender.
- About 30 minutes before serving, whisk together the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, then stir the mixture into the slow cooker.
- Cover and continue cooking for 30 minutes, until the sauce is creamy and the cheese has melted.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice.
Notes
Please note that nutrition estimates are for the chicken and sauce only and should be used as an approximation.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing
Freeze cooked chicken and sauce in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Cream-based sauces can separate slightly after freezing; they usually come back together when reheated over low heat with gentle stirring.
Thawing
Thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Warm leftovers slowly on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at 50 percent power, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce becomes too thick.
Make Ahead
You can assemble everything except the cream and Parmesan in the slow cooker insert the night before. Cover and refrigerate, then place the insert into the slow cooker and begin cooking the next day. Stir in the cream and Parmesan during the final 30 minutes.
Serving Ideas
This creamy chicken is delicious served over fettuccine, penne, mashed potatoes, white rice, buttered egg noodles, or creamy polenta. Add roasted broccoli, green beans, asparagus, or a crisp green salad to complete the meal. Warm garlic bread soaks up the sauce nicely.
Nutrition
Calories: 698 kcal, Carbohydrates: 18 g, Protein: 58 g, Fat: 44 g, Saturated Fat: 25 g. Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Like this recipe? Leave a comment below and tell us how you served it!