If you’re seeking a dish that epitomizes comfort, flavor, and effortless preparation, look no further than this magnificent Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken. Imagine tender, succulent chicken bathed in a rich, creamy garlic sauce, bursting with the tangy sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes and the savory depth of Parmesan. This slow cooker rendition takes the internet-famous “Marry Me Chicken” to new heights, making it incredibly simple to achieve that coveted, restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. It’s truly a dish that lives up to its romantic name, promising to win over hearts with every delicious bite.

Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken: Tender, Creamy & Utterly Irresistible

The original Marry Me Chicken recipe soared in popularity for a reason – its combination of tender chicken, a luxurious cream sauce, and vibrant flavors is undeniably captivating. Shortly after sharing the initial version, the requests poured in: “How can I make this in a slow cooker?” Translating a beloved stovetop recipe to a slow cooker isn’t always straightforward. It required careful testing and adjustments to ensure the slow-cooked version maintained the same incredible taste and texture without any compromises. We’re thrilled to share that after perfecting the method, this Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken delivers all the magic of the original, with the added benefit of hands-off ease. Get ready to fill your home with the intoxicating aromas of garlic, butter, and slow-cooked perfection!

Why Choose the Slow Cooker for Your Marry Me Chicken?

The slow cooker, often hailed as a kitchen hero, truly shines with a dish like Marry Me Chicken. Its gentle, prolonged cooking process allows the chicken to become incredibly tender, practically melting in your mouth. Furthermore, the extended time in the pot enables all the wonderful flavors – the aromatic garlic, the savory chicken broth, the sweet sun-dried tomatoes, and the creamy richness – to meld together seamlessly, creating a sauce with unparalleled depth and complexity. This method is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, as it requires minimal active time, letting your slow cooker do all the heavy lifting. You can set it and forget it, returning hours later to a phenomenal meal that tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen.

What Makes “Marry Me Chicken” So Special? The Irresistible Flavor Profile

The allure of Marry Me Chicken lies in its masterful blend of simple yet powerful ingredients that create a symphony of flavors. At its heart is the exquisite combination of tender chicken and a luxurious, creamy sauce. Fresh garlic provides a warm, pungent base, while heavy cream and Parmesan cheese contribute an unparalleled richness and velvety texture. But what truly sets this dish apart are the sun-dried tomatoes. These little gems, packed with concentrated umami and a delightful tang, cut through the richness of the cream, adding a vibrant, complex layer of flavor that is utterly addictive. A hint of Italian seasoning, black pepper, and a touch of red pepper flakes (optional, but highly recommended for a subtle warmth) complete this truly unforgettable taste experience. It’s a harmonious balance that will leave everyone craving more.

A Recipe That Earns Raves – Just Ask Patricia!

“Made this and didn’t change a thing. It doesn’t need any tweaking. It’s perfect as-is! Huge hit with the hubby.”

– Patricia

When a recipe consistently receives glowing reviews like Patricia’s, you know you’ve found a winner. Her feedback perfectly encapsulates the essence of this dish: a foolproof recipe that delivers exceptional results without needing any modifications. This is the kind of meal that brings smiles to faces and joy to the dinner table. It’s comforting, satisfying, and so delicious that it truly can become a new family favorite. The ease of the slow cooker method, combined with such incredible flavor, means you can impress your loved ones with minimal effort, making every meal feel like a special occasion.

Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken

To help you achieve slow cooker perfection, we’ve compiled answers to some of the most common questions about this popular recipe:

Can this be cooked on high?

While it might be tempting to speed things up, I strongly recommend sticking to the low setting. The whole point of a slow cooker is to allow ingredients to simmer gently, developing deep flavors without intense heat. Using a high setting, especially with cream-based sauces, significantly increases the risk of the sauce scorching, separating, or curdling, which would unfortunately ruin the dish’s creamy consistency and taste. If you’re really pressed for time and need a quicker meal, I would suggest making the original stovetop version of Marry Me Chicken instead, which is designed for faster cooking.

What should I serve this with?

The beauty of Marry Me Chicken is its versatility. While I personally love serving it over rotini pasta, any pasta shape would work wonderfully. The goal is to choose something that can really soak up that glorious, flavorful sauce. Beyond pasta, creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy white rice are excellent choices, transforming into delicious vessels for the rich sauce. For a lighter touch, you could also pair it with a crisp side salad or some steamed green beans. Don’t let a single drop of that amazing sauce go to waste!

Do I have to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts?

My testing for this specific recipe has primarily focused on boneless, skinless chicken breasts, as they cook evenly and become incredibly tender in the slow cooker. You could likely experiment with other boneless chicken cuts, such as boneless, skinless chicken thighs, but you would need to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as darker meat often requires a bit longer to reach optimum tenderness. I haven’t specifically tested those variations, so some experimentation might be necessary. Additionally, if you’re looking for a different protein, this creamy sauce could potentially work well with boneless pork chops, though, again, cook times would need to be carefully monitored.

Do I have to sear the chicken first?

While technically optional, I highly recommend searing the chicken breasts before adding them to the slow cooker. This crucial step accomplishes two things: it locks in moisture and develops a beautiful golden-brown crust, which adds a significant layer of flavor and visual appeal to the finished dish. The caramelization created during searing contributes a depth that is hard to replicate otherwise. If you decide to skip this step, you’ll need to compensate for the lost butter and olive oil from the searing pan by adding 4 tablespoons of slightly cooled melted butter directly to the sauce mixture in the slow cooker. This ensures you still have ample sauce for pouring and dipping later.

I don’t like sun-dried tomatoes, what do I do?

If sun-dried tomatoes aren’t your preference, you can certainly leave them out. However, it’s important to note that they are a significant component of what makes this particular “Marry Me Chicken” recipe so special and distinctive. Their concentrated, slightly sweet, and tangy flavor profile adds a unique dimension that might be missed if omitted. The dish will still be delicious without them, but it won’t have the exact same depth of flavor. Always prioritize your taste preferences when cooking!

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

No, I do not recommend using frozen chicken breasts for this recipe. Cooking frozen chicken in a slow cooker, especially with a creamy sauce, can be risky both in terms of food safety (as it takes too long to reach a safe temperature, allowing bacteria to grow) and in terms of texture. Frozen chicken tends to release a lot of water as it thaws and cooks, which can dilute the sauce and result in a less flavorful, watery consistency. For the best results and safest cooking, always start with thawed chicken.

How to store leftovers?

Leftover Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken is fantastic for meal prep! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. When reheating cream-based sauces, always do so slowly, ideally on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at reduced power, stirring frequently. This slow reheating process helps prevent the sauce from separating or curdling, ensuring it remains smooth and creamy.

Essential Ingredients for Your Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken

Creating this irresistible dish starts with a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is vital for the best flavor and texture:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: These are ideal for their lean meat and ability to become incredibly tender when slow-cooked. As mentioned, while other boneless chicken cuts might work, breasts are recommended for consistency with this recipe. Ensure they are thawed before use.
• Seasonings (Salt, Pepper, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder): This foundational blend provides an initial layer of flavor to the chicken, enhancing its natural taste before it even hits the slow cooker. Don’t skimp on seasoning the chicken directly!
• Butter: Use real butter, preferably salted, for searing the chicken. It adds a rich, nutty flavor and contributes to the golden-brown crust. Avoid margarine, which is oil-based and won’t give the same depth of flavor or searing quality.
• Chicken Broth: This forms the base of your creamy sauce. You can opt for low-sodium chicken broth if you’re mindful of sodium intake. It provides a savory liquid that blends beautifully with the other sauce ingredients.
• Cornstarch: A crucial thickening agent for the sauce. When whisked with chicken broth, it helps create that luscious, velvety consistency without lumps. I do not recommend substituting with flour, as it can often result in a grainy or lumpy sauce in this application.
• Heavy Cream: This is what gives the sauce its signature richness and decadent texture. It must be heavy cream, not milk, for the desired consistency and flavor. Pay attention to the notes section regarding when to add the cream if your slow cooker runs hot, to prevent curdling.
• Fresh Garlic: Minced fresh garlic offers a vibrant, pungent aroma and taste that is superior to jarred varieties. While jarred garlic can be a convenient substitute, fresh garlic truly elevates the flavor of the sauce.
• Red Pepper Flakes: These add a subtle hint of warmth and a touch of complexity without making the dish overtly spicy. Even if you’re sensitive to spice, a small amount can enhance the overall flavor profile. However, feel free to adjust or omit based on your preference.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: The unsung hero of Marry Me Chicken! These intensely flavored tomatoes, packed in oil (drained before use), provide a wonderful sweet-tart tang and umami depth that perfectly complements the creamy sauce. They are highly recommended for the authentic flavor of the dish.
• Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adding Parmesan at the end melts into the sauce, contributing a salty, nutty, and cheesy richness. Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly and offers a better flavor than pre-shredded options. Finely grated mozzarella can be a mild substitute if desired.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: An optional but highly recommended garnish. Fresh basil’s sweet, peppery aroma pairs beautifully with the sun-dried tomatoes and creamy sauce, adding a burst of freshness and color just before serving. Dried basil is not a suitable substitute for this final touch.

Gathering these ingredients beforehand ensures a smooth and enjoyable cooking process, leading to a truly memorable meal.

How to Prepare Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide

Preparing this exquisite Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken is surprisingly straightforward, allowing you to enjoy a gourmet-tasting meal with minimal fuss. The process involves a quick searing step to maximize flavor, followed by slow cooking in a rich, aromatic sauce. Follow these steps carefully to ensure a perfect, tender, and incredibly flavorful dish.

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Begin by generously seasoning both sides of your boneless, skinless chicken breasts with a mixture of salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. This initial seasoning is crucial for building layers of flavor. Next, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and butter, allowing the butter to melt and sizzle. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot skillet and sear them until they achieve a beautiful golden-brown color on both sides. Remember, you are not cooking the chicken through at this stage; the goal is simply to brown the exterior and lock in those delicious flavors. Once seared, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside, but keep the flavorful olive oil and butter mixture in the skillet—you’ll be adding it to the slow cooker shortly.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and cornstarch until the mixture is smooth and completely free of lumps. This cornstarch slurry is essential for thickening your sauce. Pour this mixture into the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Now, it’s time to build the luxurious flavor of the sauce. Whisk in the heavy cream (refer to the important note in the FAQ section if your slow cooker tends to run hot), minced fresh garlic, Italian seasoning, additional salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and paprika. Ensure all ingredients are well combined, creating a homogeneous, aromatic base for your chicken.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection

Carefully place the seared chicken breasts into the slow cooker, nestling them into the creamy sauce. Pour any remaining olive oil and melted butter from the searing pan directly over the chicken in the slow cooker; this adds another layer of rich flavor. Evenly distribute the chopped sun-dried tomatoes over each piece of chicken. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on the low setting for 6-8 hours. It is crucial to use the low setting to prevent the sauce from scorching and to allow the chicken to become incredibly tender. Avoid the temptation to frequently lift the lid, as this releases heat and moisture, extending the cooking time and potentially affecting the tenderness of the chicken.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Once the chicken is fully cooked and incredibly tender, carefully remove the breasts from the slow cooker. Now, whisk the freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the hot sauce until it has fully melted and integrated, making the sauce even more rich and velvety. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the slow cooker, ensuring they are generously coated with the irresistible creamy sauce. Finally, garnish with fresh chopped basil leaves just before serving. The fresh basil adds a beautiful pop of color and a fragrant, herbaceous note that perfectly complements the rich flavors. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Serving Suggestions for Your Marry Me Chicken

This Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. For a classic pairing, dish it over your favorite pasta like rotini, fettuccine, or penne, allowing the pasta to soak up every drop of that amazing sauce. Creamy mashed potatoes also make an excellent accompaniment, providing a comforting bed for the chicken. If you prefer grains, fluffy white rice or quinoa are fantastic choices. To balance the richness of the dish, consider a light side salad with a vinaigrette dressing, or simply steamed green vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. A crusty loaf of bread is also perfect for dipping into the luscious sauce. Whichever way you choose to serve it, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Craving More Delicious Recipes?

If you loved the ease and flavor of this slow cooker chicken, be sure to explore more of our comforting and simple recipes:

• Marry Me Chicken Pasta
• Marry Me Chicken Gnocchi
• Marry Me Chicken & Rice
• Crock Pot Chicken Parmesan
• Crock Pot Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta
• Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy
• Crock Pot Chicken & Rice
• Crock Pot Mississippi Pot Roast
• Crock Pot Mississippi Pork Chops
• Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo For Two
• Crock Pot Lasagna
• Crock Pot Angel Chicken
• 10 Crock Pot Mississippi Recipes
• Butter Swim Biscuits
• Chicken Fried Chicken
• Longhorn Steakhouse Parmesan Chicken

Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe

Tender, juicy, flavorful chicken made in the Crock Pot – insanely simple too!

Recipe Summary

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
• Total Time: 6 hours 25 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Author: Brandie Skibinski
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the chicken:

• 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

For the sauce:

• 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• 3 Tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 cup heavy cream (see notes below)
• 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

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, mix together ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Season 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts generously on both sides with this seasoning mix.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 Tablespoons olive oil and 2 Tablespoons butter, allowing the butter to fully melt.
3. Sear the chicken breasts on both sides until they are golden brown. Remove the pan from the heat and set the chicken aside. The goal is just to brown the exterior, not to cook it through. Keep the leftover oil and butter in the pan, as you will use it shortly.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups chicken broth and 3 Tablespoons cornstarch until the mixture is smooth and there are no lumps.
5. Pour the prepared chicken broth mixture into the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
6. Whisk in 1 cup heavy cream (please see the important note in the “Recipe Notes” section below if your slow cooker tends to run hot), 4 cloves minced garlic, 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, and ½ teaspoon paprika. Ensure all ingredients are well combined.
7. Carefully place the seared chicken breasts into the slow cooker. Pour the reserved olive oil and butter from the searing pan over the chicken to add extra richness.
8. Top each piece of chicken with the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on the LOW setting for 6-8 hours. It is crucial to use the low setting to prevent the sauce from scorching. Avoid lifting the lid frequently, as this extends cooking time and can affect the tenderness of your chicken.
9. Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker. Whisk ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the hot sauce until it is fully melted and smoothly incorporated.
10. Return the cooked chicken back into the slow cooker, ensuring it’s covered generously with the rich sauce. Garnish with 6-8 chopped fresh basil leaves on top and serve immediately with your preferred sides.

Recipe Notes

• For further substitutions, serving suggestions, or answers to common questions, please refer to the detailed FAQ section and ingredient descriptions provided above in the article.
• Cooking this dish on a high setting is strongly discouraged. Higher heat significantly increases the chance of the creamy sauce scorching or separating. If you require a faster cooking method, we recommend making the stovetop version of Marry Me Chicken.
• Important Note on Heavy Cream: If you know your slow cooker tends to run hot (often bringing contents to a boil even on low), it is best to delay adding the heavy cream. Instead, whisk it into the sauce during the last 30 minutes or so of cooking. This precaution helps prevent the cream from curdling and ensures a perfectly smooth sauce. If you are unsure how your slow cooker performs, it’s always safer to follow this advice.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months. When reheating cream-based sauces, always do so gently and slowly to minimize the risk of separation.

Recipe Video

Nutritional Information (Estimated per serving)

• Calories: 688 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Protein: 56g
• Fat: 44g
• Sodium: 1466mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 6g

Nutritional Disclaimer: Please note that all nutritional information provided is an estimate. It has not been evaluated by a certified dietician or nutritionist. Calorie counts and other nutritional values can vary significantly depending on the specific brands, exact quantities, and preparation methods of ingredients used. If precise nutritional values are critical for your dietary needs, we highly recommend running the ingredients through your preferred online nutritional calculator for the most accurate results based on your specific choices.

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