Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is one of those dinners I can put together early in the day and forget about until the kitchen starts smelling amazing. The slow cooker does most of the work, and by dinnertime the chicken is tender and sitting in a creamy sauce with Parmesan and sun-dried tomatoes.
I like this version when I don’t want to stand over the stove. You simply season the chicken, add the sauce ingredients, and let everything cook slowly until the chicken is tender.
The sun-dried tomatoes give the creamy sauce a sweet and slightly tangy flavor, while Parmesan adds that salty, savory taste that makes the sauce hard to resist. I usually keep some crusty bread nearby because leaving that sauce behind feels like a waste.
It is also easy to serve with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, so you can change up the meal depending on what you have at home.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
The biggest advantage here is how little hands-on cooking you need. Once the ingredients are in the crockpot, you have plenty of time to work on something else while dinner cooks.
The chicken stays tender as it cooks slowly, and the creamy sauce picks up flavor from the chicken, garlic, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes. You don’t need a long list of spices because the main ingredients already bring plenty of flavor.
I also like that you can make the recipe milder or spicier. Leave out the red pepper flakes for a gentle sauce or add a little more if you want some heat.
Ingredients for Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
For the Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Two large chicken breasts are enough for a simple family meal. If they are very thick, slice them horizontally into thinner pieces so they cook more evenly in the crockpot.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: This gives the chicken a mild blend of dried herbs and helps build the Italian-inspired flavor without needing several individual seasonings.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Salt brings out the flavor of the chicken and prevents the finished dish from tasting flat. Since Parmesan and chicken broth can also contain salt, you don’t need a large amount.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Pepper adds a little warmth and balances the creamy sauce. You can add more later after tasting the finished sauce.
For the Creamy Sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic gives the sauce its savory foundation. Fresh garlic works especially well here because its flavor slowly blends into the creamy sauce as everything cooks.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: The broth provides enough liquid for the crockpot and adds extra savory flavor. It also keeps the sauce from becoming overly thick while the chicken cooks.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Heavy cream gives the finished sauce its rich and smooth texture. It works best added toward the end of cooking so the sauce stays creamy.
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Parmesan brings salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce. It melts into the warm cream and gives the dish much of its signature richness.
- 1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes: These add concentrated tomato flavor along with a little sweetness and tanginess. Chop them into smaller pieces so their flavor spreads throughout the sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Adding a little seasoning to the sauce makes sure the herbs aren’t limited to the chicken. It helps tie all the flavors together.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: These are optional and give the sauce a gentle spicy kick. If you’re serving children or don’t enjoy spicy food, simply leave them out.
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil: Fresh basil is optional, but it adds a bright herbal flavor at the end and gives the creamy dish a fresher finish.
How to Make Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and trim away any excess fat. If the breasts are very thick, slice them horizontally into thinner pieces so they cook more evenly. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning, making sure the seasoning is spread over the entire surface.
- Add the chicken to the crockpot: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker in a single layer if possible. Keeping the pieces from overlapping too much helps them cook more evenly.
- Add the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes: Scatter the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes over and around the chicken. Spreading them out allows their flavor to work into the cooking liquid instead of leaving all the ingredients in one spot.
- Add the chicken broth: Pour the chicken broth around the chicken rather than directly over the top. The broth will collect in the bottom of the crockpot and create the flavorful liquid needed during the slow cooking process.
- Add the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes: Sprinkle the remaining Italian seasoning over the chicken and sauce ingredients. If you like a little heat, add the red pepper flakes now; otherwise, leave them out for a milder flavor.
- Cook the chicken: Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for about 4 to 5 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Avoid cooking it much longer than necessary because chicken breast can become dry even in a slow cooker.
- Add the cream and Parmesan near the end: About 20 to 30 minutes before serving, pour in the heavy cream and add the Parmesan cheese. Stir the sauce gently around the chicken, then cover again and allow it to heat until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Check the chicken and sauce: Make sure the chicken is fully cooked and tender before serving. Taste the sauce and adjust the salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if needed. If the sauce is thicker than you prefer, stir in a small splash of chicken broth or cream.
- Finish with fresh basil: Turn off the crockpot and sprinkle the fresh basil over the chicken and sauce. Let everything sit for a couple of minutes before serving so the sauce can settle and the basil keeps its fresh flavor.
- Serve while warm: Spoon plenty of the creamy sauce over each piece of chicken and serve it with pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite vegetables. Make sure you get some of the sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan sauce with each serving.
What to Serve Crockpot Marry Me Chicken With
Pasta is my first choice because the creamy sauce coats the noodles so well. You don’t need anything fancy; spaghetti, penne, or another pasta you already have will work.
Mashed potatoes are another comforting option, especially when you want something hearty. The sauce sinks into the potatoes and gives them plenty of flavor without needing a separate gravy.
For a lighter plate, serve the chicken with roasted broccoli, green beans, asparagus, or a simple salad. Crusty bread is also worth adding because it gives you an easy way to soak up the extra sauce.
How to Store and Reheat Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
Store leftover Crockpot Marry Me Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Keep the chicken covered with some of the sauce so it stays moist while refrigerated.
To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low to medium heat. Add a small splash of chicken broth or cream and cover the skillet while everything warms slowly. Stir the sauce occasionally and heat until the chicken is warmed through.
You can also microwave individual portions in short intervals. Stir the sauce between intervals and avoid overheating it, since creamy sauces can become too thick when heated too quickly.
If the sauce thickens after being refrigerated, a little chicken broth or cream will loosen it and bring back a smoother consistency.
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