The smell of creamy chicken and herbs filling your kitchen from the crock pot is pure magic. This Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken earned its name because it’s supposedly so delicious, you’ll want to marry whoever makes it for you! It’s become one of those most requested recipes that just makes people swoon.
Picture tender chicken smothered in a rich, creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and Italian herbs. Everything goes right into your slow cooker – no browning, no fuss. It’s like having a fancy restaurant meal that cooks itself while you’re busy with life. The sauce gets perfectly thick and clings to every bite.
I started making this back in 2015 when my Eleanor was juggling three little ones. She called me in tears one evening, exhausted from the day. I walked her through this recipe over the phone, and by dinnertime, her husband was asking what he’d done to deserve such a feast. The secret I learned? Don’t skip the cream cheese – it makes the sauce silky smooth without any lumps.
PrintCrock Pot Marry Me Chicken: Delicious Cozy Feast
Enjoy Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken for a rich and creamy feast. This dish is perfect for Delicious Meal Ideas and ranks among The Best Crockpot Chicken recipes, making dinner time cozy and satisfying.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Standard
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts skin on or skinless
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp olive oil (can omit if preferred)
- ½ cup (120ml) white wine + ½ cup water OR 1 cup (240) chicken broth
- 4 tbsp diced sun-dried tomatoes (drained)
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp garlic granules
- 1 tsp chicken bouillon (if you have used wine)
- 1 cup (225g) sour cream or heavy cream
- 1 tbsp cornstarch diluted in 2 tbsp cold water (optional)
- 2–3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp flat leaf parsley or fresh basil chopped
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning evenly.
- Warm the butter and olive oil in a pan or slow cooker if possible and fry the chicken skin side down until it turns golden brown.
- Flip the chicken, transfer to the slow cooker if not already there, then add the wine or chicken broth along with paprika, garlic granules, and the sun-dried tomatoes.
- Cover and let it cook on low for 90 minutes to 2 hours until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Optional – mix the cornstarch with cold water and stir it into the sauce about 10 minutes before finishing to thicken.
- Move chicken aside and blend in the sour cream or heavy cream, then mix in Parmesan and chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
- Avoid cooking on high to prevent tough chicken breasts
- Use full-fat sour cream or heavy cream for best texture
- Add cornstarch slurry or xanthan gum to thicken sauce
- When using white wine, include chicken bouillon
- For low carb, replace sun-dried tomatoes with fresh tomatoes and serve with cauliflower mash or steamed greens
Nutrition
- Calories: 455kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 1061mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g + 7g
- Trans Fat: 0.1g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 51g
- Cholesterol: 189mg
Why This Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Will Win Your Heart
This recipe transforms simple chicken breasts into something extraordinary with minimal effort. The creamy sauce, enriched with sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning, creates layers of flavor that develop beautifully during the slow cooking process.
What makes this dish truly special is how forgiving it is for busy families. You can start it in the morning and come home to a house filled with incredible aromas. The chicken stays tender, never dry, and the sauce becomes silky perfection.
- Hands-off cooking: Just 10 minutes of prep, then your crock pot does the work.
- Versatile serving: Beautiful over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
- Make-ahead friendly: Perfect for meal planning and busy weeknights.
Essential Ingredients for Success
The beauty of this recipe lies in how each ingredient plays its part. The sun-dried tomatoes add concentrated flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy base, while the Italian seasoning and sweet paprika create warmth and depth.
I always keep chicken bouillon on hand when using white wine instead of broth as it adds that essential savory backbone. The sour cream creates the most luxurious sauce, though heavy cream works beautifully too if that’s what you have on hand.
| Ingredient | Purpose | Easy Swap |
|---|---|---|
| Sun-dried tomatoes | Concentrated flavor | Fresh cherry tomatoes |
| White wine | Depth and acidity | Extra chicken broth |
| Sour cream | Creamy richness | Heavy cream or Greek yogurt |
| Italian seasoning | Herb complexity | Fresh basil and oregano |
Step-by-Step Success
The key to perfect Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is taking just a few extra minutes to brown the chicken first. This creates a golden crust that adds flavor and helps the chicken hold together during the long, gentle cooking process.
When you add the cornstarch slurry in the final minutes, you’re creating that restaurant-quality sauce thickness. The timing matters hereadd it with about 10 minutes left so it has time to activate and thicken properly.
- Browning tip: Pat chicken dry and season well before browning for best results.
- Temperature check: Always verify the chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.
- Cream addition: Stir in sour cream gently to prevent curdling.
Timing and Cooking Guide
This recipe works best on the low setting, which keeps the chicken breasts tender and prevents them from becoming tough. The 90-minute to 2-hour window gives you flexibility for your schedule.
| Cooking Stage | Time | Temperature Setting |
|---|---|---|
| Browning chicken | 3-4 minutes per side | Medium heat (stovetop) |
| Main cooking | 90 minutes – 2 hours | Low setting only |
| Final thickening | Last 10 minutes | Low setting |
| Rest before serving | 5 minutes | Keep warm setting |
Serving and Storage Tips
This creamy chicken is magnificent spooned over fluffy rice, buttered egg noodles, or creamy mashed potatoes. The sauce is so flavorful that you’ll want to soak up every drop with your favorite starch.
Leftovers keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.
- Best pairings: Rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or cauliflower mash for low-carb options.
- Storage: Refrigerate up to 3 days, freeze up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Add a little broth or cream to restore creamy texture.
Expert Says
Slow-cooking in a CROCK POT MARRY ME CHICKEN allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the dish’s depth. The low-and-slow method also ensures that the chicken remains tender and juicy, as the collagen in the meat breaks down, resulting in a luscious sauce that binds the dish together.
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The Long Road to Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken
After countless attempts at perfecting my Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken, I can finally say I’ve nailed it. I learned the hard way that too much seasoning can overshadow the chicken’s natural flavors, and let me tell you, the smell of burnt garlic was a lesson I won’t forget. Now, it’s a cozy meal that always brings the family together.
FAQs ( Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken )
What is Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken?
This dish is a creamy, flavorful chicken meal made in your slow cooker. It’s packed with ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes and Italian herbs, making it a perfect comfort food. The name comes from its delicious taste that can impress anyone!
How long does it take to cook?
For this recipe, it typically takes about 4 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low. The longer cooking time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and ensures the chicken is tender. Adjust based on your schedule and the heat of your crock pot.
What should I serve with it?
This meal pairs nicely with pasta, rice, or a side of vegetables. You can also serve it over mashed potatoes for a heartier option. A fresh salad on the side complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but you’ll need to extend the cooking time. Make sure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F for food safety. If you’re short on time, thawing the chicken first is ideal.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just reheat thoroughly before serving to enjoy this delicious meal again!
This Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken delivers pure comfort in just 2 hours of hands-off cooking. You’ll love how the sauce turns silky and rich, clinging to every tender bite. The aroma alone fills your kitchen with warmth that reminds me of Sunday dinners at my mother’s tablesimple ingredients creating something truly special.
For extra richness, try adding a handful of fresh spinach in the final minutes, or swap the sun-dried tomatoes for roasted red peppers when you’re feeling adventurous. Leftovers reheat beautifully with a splash of cream. This delicious meal idea has become one of my family’s treasured weeknight rescuesa trick I learned makes even the busiest evenings feel nurturing.
I’d love to hear how this recipe brings joy to your dinner table! Did it earn marriage proposals at your house too? Share your photos and tell me about your favorite way to serve it. Save this recipe for those nights when you want something extraordinary without the fussyour family will thank you for it.
