Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is my go-to slow cooker recipe when I want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. This tender chicken dish features a rich, creamy sundried tomato sauce that’s so delicious, it might just inspire a marriage proposal!

I’ll never forget the first time I made this dish for a casual dinner party. My kitchen smelled incredible as the slow cooker worked its magic, and when I lifted the lid, the creamy sauce studded with sundried tomatoes looked absolutely restaurant-worthy. The chicken was so tender it practically melted, and my guests couldn’t stop raving about the flavor. This Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken has become my secret weapon for busy weeknights and special occasions alike. The slow cooker does all the work while you go about your day, and the creamy sundried tomato sauce pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for an easy low-carb dinner option.

What You’ll Need for Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken

I always use skin-on chicken breasts for this Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken because browning the skin creates incredible flavor, but skinless works perfectly too if you prefer. Pro tip: full-fat sour cream or heavy cream is essential here since low-fat versions tend to curdle in the slow cooker.

• 4 chicken breasts, skin on or skinless
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon olive oil (can omit if preferred)
• ½ cup (120ml) white wine + ½ cup water OR 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
• 4 tablespoons diced sun-dried tomatoes, drained
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic granules
• 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon (only if using wine instead of broth)
• 1 cup (225g) sour cream or heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch diluted in 2 tablespoons cold water (optional, skip if using sour cream)
• 2-3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons flat leaf parsley or fresh basil, chopped

Equipment needed: Slow cooker or Crock Pot (preferably with browning function), pan for searing if needed, meat thermometer

How to Make Perfect Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

Step 1: Season the chicken breasts generously on both sides with salt, pepper, and sprinkle with the dried Italian herbs. Press the herbs gently into the meat so they adhere well.

Step 2: Heat the butter and olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat, or directly in your slow cooker if it has a browning function. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, add the chicken breasts skin side down. Pan fry without moving them for about 3-4 minutes until the skin turns golden brown and crispy. This creates a beautiful caramelized flavor base for your Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken.

Step 3: Flip the chicken breasts over using tongs. If you browned them in a separate pan, transfer them to your slow cooker at this point with the browned side facing up. Pour in the white wine and water mixture (or chicken broth if using instead). Season the liquid with sweet paprika, garlic granules, and add the diced sun-dried tomatoes around the chicken. If you used wine instead of broth, add the chicken bouillon now for extra savory depth.

Step 4: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on the LOW setting only for 90 minutes to 2 hours. The chicken is done when it registers an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) on a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part. Important: do not cook on high setting as this can make the chicken breasts tough and dry.

Step 5: Optional thickening step – if you want a thicker sauce and are using heavy cream, make a cornstarch slurry by mixing the cornstarch with cold water until smooth. Stir this into the cooking liquid about 10 minutes before the cooking time is complete. The cornstarch needs heat to activate and thicken the sauce properly. If using sour cream, you can skip this step as sour cream naturally thickens the sauce.

Step 6: Carefully move the chicken breasts to one side of the slow cooker using tongs or a spatula. Stir the sour cream or heavy cream into the cooking liquid until completely incorporated and the sauce looks smooth and velvety. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted. The sauce should be creamy and coat the back of a spoon.

Step 7: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley or basil over the top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve the Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken immediately over your choice of rice, noodles, mashed potatoes, or cauliflower mash.

Best Sides for Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

This creamy slow cooker chicken pairs wonderfully with sides that can soak up the delicious sundried tomato sauce.

Mashed Potatoes: Classic creamy mashed potatoes are perfect for soaking up every bit of that rich sauce and create the ultimate comfort food pairing.

Rice: White rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option all work beautifully to complement the creamy Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken.

Pasta or Noodles: Fettuccine, penne, or egg noodles turn this into a complete Italian-inspired meal and add satisfying texture.

Green Beans: Fresh steamed or sautéed green beans add a crisp, fresh element that cuts through the richness of the cream sauce.

Steamed Broccoli: The mild flavor and tender texture of broccoli pairs nicely and adds nutritional balance to your plate.

Cauliflower Mash: For a fully low-carb meal, serve over cauliflower mash and replace sundried tomatoes with fresh tomatoes to keep carbs minimal.

More Marry Me Chicken Recipes to Enjoy

This Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken offers the ultimate convenience for busy weeknights, allowing the slow cooker to create tender, flavor-packed chicken effortlessly. For a complete one-pot meal, serve it over pasta like in the Irresistible Marry Me Chicken Pasta, or try the streamlined Easy Marry Me Chicken Pasta for a stovetop version with similar creamy richness.

When the weather turns cold, transform these flavors into the warming Amazing Marry Me Chicken Soup that’s perfect for meal prep. If you prefer traditional skillet cooking, the Quick Tasty Marry Me Chicken delivers restaurant-quality results in under 30 minutes on the stovetop.

Keeping Your Slow Cooker Chicken Fresh

Store leftover Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The sauce will thicken as it cools, which is completely normal. I recommend storing the chicken and sauce together to keep the meat moist and flavorful.

When reheating, warm gently on the stovetop over low to medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce has become too thick. Reheat only until warmed through to prevent the cream from splitting or separating. Microwave reheating works in a pinch, but use 50% power and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, to avoid overheating the cream sauce.

Pro tip: this dish actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld together. If you’re meal prepping, make a double batch and portion it out for easy lunches throughout the week. The chicken stays tender and the sauce remains creamy when stored and reheated properly.

Your Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Questions Answered

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