Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
This Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is creamy, rich, and packed with comfort—the kind of dinner that makes everyone happy without a lot of work.
It combines tender chicken breasts, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and parmesan in a slow-cooked cream sauce that’s full of flavor.
You can start it in just a few minutes, and the slow cooker handles the rest. It’s a great choice for busy days when you still want something warm and satisfying.
Recipe Highlights
- Slow cooker convenience with just 15 minutes of prep
- Uses everyday ingredients you probably already have
- Creamy parmesan and sun-dried tomato sauce for big flavor
- Tender chicken that stays juicy every time
- Works great for family dinners or casual entertaining
Ingredient Notes
Please check the recipe card below for a detailed, printable ingredient list.
CHICKEN – I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts because they stay lean and shred easily after slow cooking. If your pieces are very thick, slice them in half lengthwise so they cook evenly and absorb more flavor.
OIL – I use olive oil to sear the chicken and sauté the aromatics. You can also use avocado oil or any neutral cooking oil you already have.
ONION AND GARLIC – I use finely chopped yellow onion and fresh garlic to build flavor at the base of the sauce. Sautéing them before adding to the slow cooker brings out their natural sweetness and keeps the sauce from tasting flat.
BROTH – I use low-sodium chicken broth so I have better control over the final salt level. If you’re using regular broth, wait to add any extra salt until the very end.
SEASONING – Italian seasoning adds warm, herby depth with almost no effort. The red pepper flakes bring a mild heat but are easy to leave out if you want a milder version.
SUN-DRIED TOMATOES – I use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped. They add a slightly sweet and tangy flavor that works perfectly with the creamy sauce. If yours are dry-packed, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before chopping.
CORNSTARCH – I use cornstarch to thicken the sauce without flour. Always whisk it into the cream before adding so it blends smoothly and doesn’t clump.
CHEESE – I use freshly grated parmesan for its sharp, nutty flavor and smooth melting. Pre-shredded cheese can cause the sauce to turn gritty, so it’s worth grating it yourself.
How To Make
Please check the printable recipe card below for more detailed instructions.
- Season and brown the chicken, then set it aside.
- Sauté onion and garlic in the same skillet.
- Add broth, seasoning, onion, and garlic to the slow cooker.
- Place in the chicken and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Cook on low for 6½ hours.
- Stir in cream, cornstarch, and parmesan. Add chicken back and cook 30 more minutes.
Leftovers and Storage
STORE – Transfer the Crockpot Marry Me Chicken leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken in the fridge, which actually helps it hold up better when you reheat it.
FREEZE – Let the cooked chicken and sauce cool completely, then freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. For the best texture, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
REHEAT – Warm the Crockpot Marry Me Chicken leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring often so the sauce stays smooth. If using the microwave, reheat at 50 percent power in short bursts and stir in a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
MAKE AHEAD – You can brown the chicken and sauté the onions and garlic up to one day in advance. Store them in a sealed container in the fridge, then add everything to the slow cooker when you’re ready to start cooking.
More Easy Crockpot Chicken Recipes
Serving Suggestions
BUTTERED NOODLES – Wide egg noodles or homemade Spaetzle both work beautifully here. Spoon the chicken and creamy sauce right over the noodles so they can soak it all up.
STICK OF BUTTER RICE – This baked rice dish is rich, savory, and pairs perfectly with the sauce. Serve the chicken on top so the rice absorbs every bit of flavor.
SOUR CREAM MASHED POTATOES – These creamy potatoes add a slight tang that works well with the sun dried tomato sauce. Spoon the chicken and sauce right on top for a full, comforting plate.
ROASTED POTATOES – Crispy roasted potatoes hold their texture and give you a nice contrast to the creamy sauce. Serve them on the side or under the chicken if you want to keep things casual.
BEET SALAD – A simple beet salad with vinegar or citrus dressing adds a cool, earthy balance to the richness of the dish. This is best served on the side—not underneath.
Recipe Success Tips
SEAR FOR FLAVOR – Searing the chicken gives it a golden crust and adds depth to the sauce. Don’t skip this step. It’s quick and makes a big difference.
USE FRESHLY GRATED PARMESAN – Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as well and can leave the sauce gritty. Grate it fresh so your sauce turns out smooth and creamy.
STIR IN THE CREAM AT THE END – Wait until the last 30 minutes to add the cream and cornstarch mixture. If you add it too early, the sauce can separate.
ADJUST SALT AT THE END – Parmesan and chicken broth already bring salt to the dish. Always taste before adding more so you don’t overdo it.
EXPERT TIP – If your chicken breasts are thick or oversized, slice them in half lengthwise. This helps them cook more evenly and soak up the flavor of the sauce.
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead Of Breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless thighs work well and stay juicy in the slow cooker. Just trim any excess fat before adding them.
What If I Don’t Have Sun Dried Tomatoes?
You can leave them out, but they add great flavor. Try roasted red peppers or halved cherry tomatoes as a simple swap.
Can I Cook This On High Instead Of Low?
Yes, but the chicken turns out more tender on low. If you’re in a hurry, cook on high for about 3 and a half to 4 hours.
Can I Make This Dairy Free?
You can, but the flavor and texture will change. Use a dairy-free cream and parmesan substitute if needed.
More Easy and Delicious Chicken Reicpes
Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
- 4 pieces chicken breasts boneless and skinless, about 2-3 pounds
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ large yellow onion finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 ¾ cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes drained and chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¾ cup Parmesan cheese grated
Optional Garnish
- fresh basil fresh
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken for about 3-5 minutes on each side. If necessary, sear the chicken in batches and add more olive oil if needed. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Add the onion and garlic to the same skillet and sauté until translucent.
- Pour the chicken broth into the slow cooker and stir in the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and the sautéed onions and garlic..
- Add the seared chicken to the slow cooker and top with sun-dried tomatoes. Cook on low for 6 ½ hours. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk the heavy cream and cornstarch together. Add the cornstarch mixture and parmesan cheese to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
- Return the chicken breasts to the slow cooker and cook for 30 more minutes or until the sauce has thickened Garnish with freshly chopped basil and serve.
Equipment
Notes
Slow Cooker Times
on low – 7.5 hours I did not test the Crockpot Marry Me Chicken on high. If you choose that option, cook the chicken on high for 3-4 hours, add the slurry, and cook for another 10-15 minutes or until the . Always use a meat thermometer to check the chicken has an internal temperature of 165º Fahrenheit before serving.Nutritional Information
Nutritional Disclaimer
Cheerful Cook team members are not trained nutritionists or medical professionals. Calorie information and nutritional values are estimates. If you have nutritional concerns, we recommend using a nutritional calculator.
Maike Corbett is the founder and food blogger of Cheerful Cook, a popular recipe website featuring comfort food recipes from the US and Germany. She has been featured in numerous media outlets, including the AP Wire and MSN.