High Protein Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

High Protein Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is a creamy, flavor-packed slow cooker dinner that delivers over 40 grams of protein per serving without spending hours of hands-on time in the kitchen. I first made this recipe on a busy weeknight when I needed something hearty but hands-off, and it quickly became a family favorite.

There’s something magical about coming home to a house filled with the aroma of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian herbs simmering together. This high protein marry me chicken recipe transforms simple chicken breasts into tender, shredded perfection coated in a creamy Greek yogurt sauce that’s both indulgent and nutritious. The crockpot does all the work while you go about your day, making it ideal for meal prep or feeding a hungry family. The name says it all – one bite of this marry me crockpot chicken and you’ll understand why it earned such a devoted following.

What You’ll Need for This Protein-Packed Crockpot Chicken

I always use high-quality chicken breasts for this recipe, but you can swap in thighs if you prefer darker meat. The Greek yogurt is non-negotiable for achieving that high protein count while keeping the sauce creamy and tangy.

• 2 lbs (907g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup (240ml) low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup (240ml) plain Greek yogurt (I recommend full-fat for creamier results)
• 1/2 cup (58g) grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated melts better)
• 1/2 cup (50g) sun-dried tomatoes, not packed in oil, chopped
• 1/2 cup (70g) red onion, finely diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tablespoon jarred)
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust based on heat preference)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped for garnish

Pro tip: I prefer using dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes instead of oil-packed to control the fat content and keep the focus on lean protein.

How to Make This Easy Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken

I recommend searing the chicken first for deeper flavor, though you can skip this step if you’re truly short on time. The key is not overcooking the chicken – check it at the minimum time to keep it juicy.

Step 1: Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and black pepper on both sides. This builds foundational flavor.

Step 2: Heat a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat with a touch of oil. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side until they develop a golden-brown crust. You may need to work in batches if all the chicken doesn’t fit comfortably. This caramelization adds incredible depth to your High Protein Crockpot Marry Me Chicken.

Step 3: Transfer the seared chicken to your slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer if possible.

Step 4: In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, Greek yogurt, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, oregano, and red pepper flakes until smooth and well combined. The mixture should be creamy but pourable.

Step 5: Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker, making sure each piece gets coated.

Step 6: Scatter the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, diced red onion, and minced garlic over the top. These aromatics will infuse the sauce as everything cooks.

Step 7: Cover with the lid and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part of the breast and shreds easily with a fork. Watch closely – overcooked chicken becomes dry and stringy.

Step 8: Once cooked through and tender, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot by dragging the forks in opposite directions through each breast to pull it apart into bite-sized shreds. You can also remove it to a cutting board, shred, then return it to the sauce.

Step 9: Stir everything together thoroughly so the shredded chicken absorbs all that creamy, garlicky goodness. If sauce is too thin, remove lid and cook on high for 15-20 minutes to thicken. If too thick, stir in 2-4 tablespoons chicken broth.

Step 10: Garnish with freshly chopped basil before serving for a pop of color and fresh herb flavor.

Best Sides to Serve with Marry Me Crockpot Chicken

This creamy chicken pairs beautifully with sides that can soak up the luscious sauce.

High-protein pasta: The extra protein from chickpea or lentil pasta complements the already protein-rich chicken while adding fiber and complex carbs for a complete meal.

Zucchini noodles: Light and fresh, zoodles add vegetables and keep the dish low-carb while letting the creamy marry me chicken flavor shine through.

Cauliflower rice: This low-calorie option absorbs the sauce perfectly and adds another serving of vegetables without overwhelming the high protein content.

Quinoa: A complete protein on its own, quinoa boosts the meal’s nutritional profile even further and provides a nutty, satisfying texture contrast.

Steamed broccoli: The slight bitterness of broccoli cuts through the richness of the sauce while adding vitamins and fiber for a balanced plate.

More Hearty Crockpot Dinners Worth Trying

This High Protein Crockpot Marry Me Chicken fits perfectly into a rotation of easy slow cooker meals that deliver big flavor with minimal effort. For another protein-packed crockpot dinner, try the tender and savory Crock Pot Crack Chicken, which features a similar creamy texture that the whole family will love. The Slow Cooker Honey Mustard Chicken offers a sweet and tangy flavor profile that pairs beautifully with the same side dishes.

When looking for more Italian-inspired comfort food, the Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup transforms classic chicken parm into a cozy bowl of goodness, while Crock Pot Angel Chicken delivers similar creamy, savory notes in an elegant presentation. These recipes all share the same hands-off cooking style that makes weeknight dinners effortless.

Storing Your High Protein Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

This recipe stores exceptionally well, making it perfect for meal prep. I recommend portioning it into individual containers right after cooking for grab-and-go lunches throughout the week. The shredded chicken actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together in the refrigerator.

Store your marry me crockpot chicken in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months – just make sure to leave some headspace for expansion.

When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin out the sauce, which tends to thicken when cold. Microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, or reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. Pro tip: I find stovetop reheating gives the best texture and prevents the chicken from drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions About This High Protein Recipe

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