If you have ever dreamed of a dish that manages to be both indulgently creamy and packed with bold, savory flavors, the Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe is exactly what you’ve been waiting for. This slow-cooked marvel blends tender chicken breasts with a luscious sauce of sun-dried tomatoes, white wine, Parmesan, and herbs, creating a meal that feels like a hug in every bite. It’s a game-changer for busy days and special dinners alike, giving you restaurant-worthy comfort and charm with minimal effort. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will earn a prized spot in your culinary rotation, beckoning you back time and time again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping things simple yet flavorful is the heart of this recipe. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in layering the dish’s incredible taste, texture, and vibrant color. You’ll find that these pantry staples come together effortlessly to create a rich and elegant meal.
- 2 tbsp butter: Adds a golden, creamy base while enriching the sauce’s flavor.
- 1 tbsp oil (sun-dried tomato oil preferred): Enhances the depth with subtle fruity undertones and helps sear the chicken perfectly.
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs: Brings that classic aromatic blend of basil, oregano, and thyme.
- ½ tsp garlic powder: Provides a gentle garlicky warmth throughout the dish.
- ½ tsp paprika: Adds a mild smoky touch and beautiful color to the chicken.
- ½ tsp salt: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
- ¼ tsp black pepper: Offers subtle heat and spiciness.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The starring protein that cooks tender and juicy in the slow cooker.
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: Delivers concentrated sweetness and chewiness for texture contrast.
- ½ cup white wine (or chicken broth): Provides acidity and depth, lifting all the flavors beautifully.
- ½ cup heavy cream (or sour cream): Creates that luxuriously creamy, velvety sauce.
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds savory umami and melts into the sauce for richness.
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp cold water (optional): Perfect for thickening the sauce if you want it extra luscious.
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped: Gives a fresh herbal brightness and popping color.
- Extra Parmesan cheese: For garnish and an irresistible finishing touch.
How to Make Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
The journey to flavor heaven begins with patting your chicken breasts dry to help form that golden crust. Season generously on both sides with salt, pepper, dried Italian herbs, garlic powder, and paprika. This simple step ensures every bite bursts with balanced, aromatic goodness right from the start.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat butter and your chosen oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the seasoned chicken breasts for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden brown color. This quick sear not only locks in juices but also creates layers of flavor that slow cooking can’t achieve alone.
Step 3: Layer Ingredients in the Crock Pot
Transfer your perfectly seared chicken into the slow cooker. Scatter the chopped sun-dried tomatoes evenly over the top for bursts of tangy sweetness. Pour in white wine or chicken broth, which will steam the chicken gently during the long cook, infusing it with vibrant flavor.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook on LOW for one and a half to two hours, or if time is tight, HIGH for 45 minutes to one hour. The goal is to have the chicken reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), resulting in tender, juicy breasts that melt in your mouth. Slow cooking also allows the sauce flavors to mingle and deepen beautifully.
Step 5: Finish the Sauce
Remove the chicken and set it aside temporarily. To the flavorful juices left behind, stir in the heavy cream or sour cream, warming everything through gently. If you prefer a thicker sauce, this is when you add the cornstarch slurry and cook on HIGH for an additional 10 minutes. Finally, fold in the Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, creating that iconic creamy, cheesy finish that makes this dish so irresistible.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Place the chicken back in the Crock Pot, nestling it into the sauce so each piece is coated generously. This step seals in moisture and melds all those gorgeous flavors even further. When ready, serve warm and prepare for the compliments that are sure to follow.
How to Serve Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation and flavor, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese and a handful of freshly chopped parsley or basil right before serving. These garnishes add a touch of freshness and a beautiful contrast, making the dish look as vibrant as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or a bed of your favorite pasta to soak up every drop of that decadent sauce. Roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad can also add a refreshing balance to the richness of the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve the chicken atop garlic-infused polenta or creamy risotto to impress your guests with flair. Alternatively, stuffing the sauce and chicken into buttery puff pastry or layering it in a casserole style turns this beloved recipe into an elegant crowd-pleaser.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The sauce actually develops more depth over time, making your subsequent meals just as enjoyable as the first.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish for up to three months by placing the chicken and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers. Make sure they are fully cooled before sealing to preserve freshness. When thawed properly, it remains flavorful and comforting.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to warm the sauce evenly and keep the chicken tender. If the sauce thickened too much, add a splash of cream or broth to loosen it back up for the perfect consistency.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are even more forgiving during slow cooking and tend to be juicier, so they make an excellent alternative if you prefer dark meat.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
Sour cream is a great substitute that adds a slight tang while keeping the sauce creamy. You can also use half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free version.
Is white wine necessary in this recipe?
While white wine adds wonderful acidity and complexity, chicken broth is a perfectly fine substitute that keeps the flavors rich without alcohol.
Can I prepare this recipe without searing the chicken?
You can, but searing really lifts the flavor by caramelizing the chicken’s surface. If you’re short on time, it’s fine to skip, but the dish won’t have quite the same depth of flavor.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The meat should also be tender and no longer pink inside.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about the Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe. Its creamy, flavorful sauce and melt-in-your-mouth chicken make it perfect for a cozy night in or impressing loved ones with minimal fuss. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite comfort food that keeps everyone coming back for seconds and thirds.
Print
Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1.5 to 2 hours on LOW (or 45 minutes to 1 hour on HIGH)
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken recipe features tender, juicy chicken breasts simmered in a rich, creamy sun-dried tomato and Parmesan sauce. Perfectly seasoned and slow-cooked to melt-in-your-mouth perfection, it’s an easy, elegant meal suitable for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
Cooking Fats
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp oil (use oil from sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor)
Sauce Ingredients
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- ½ cup white wine (or chicken broth)
- ½ cup heavy cream (or sour cream)
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp cold water (optional, for thickening)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides thoroughly with salt, pepper, dried Italian herbs, garlic powder, and paprika to build a flavorful base.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat butter and oil in a large skillet over medium heat until melted and hot. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust, which locks in moisture and adds depth to the dish.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Place the seared chicken breasts into the slow cooker in a single layer to prepare for slow cooking.
- Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Liquid: Sprinkle the chopped sun-dried tomatoes evenly over the chicken, then pour the white wine or chicken broth over everything to deglaze and add flavor.
- Slow Cook the Chicken: Cover and cook on LOW setting for 1.5 to 2 hours or on HIGH for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is cooked through.
- Remove Chicken: Carefully take the chicken out of the slow cooker and set aside on a plate to keep warm while you finish the sauce.
- Prepare the Sauce: Stir the heavy cream or sour cream into the cooking liquid in the slow cooker. Allow it to warm through to blend the flavors.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If a thicker sauce is desired, whisk in the cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp cold water) and continue cooking on HIGH for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Add Cheese and Herbs: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley or basil to enrich the sauce and add freshness.
- Return Chicken to Sauce: Place the chicken breasts back into the slow cooker, spooning the sauce over them to coat thoroughly and allow flavors to meld for a few minutes.
- Serve: Serve the chicken warm, spooning extra sauce over it. This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
- Garnish: Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese and additional fresh herbs on top for an appealing presentation and burst of flavor.
Notes
- For a non-alcoholic version, substitute white wine with chicken broth.
- Use oil from the jar of sun-dried tomatoes to enhance the sauce’s flavor.
- To save time, you can sear the chicken directly in the slow cooker if it has a sauté function.
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- Adjust seasoning at the end if needed, as the sauce reduces and flavors intensify.
- This dish freezes well; store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
