Can I make this with chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs turn out even juicier and richer—just follow all the same steps. The cooking time won’t change.

Will the sauce curdle if I add the cream too early?

If using a slow cooker that runs very hot, there’s a chance the cream could separate. For guaranteed silky results, add the cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Is it possible to cook this on high to save time?

It’s not recommended. Cooking on high can cause the sauce to scorch or separate. For the best creamy consistency and tender chicken, stick with low and slow.

Can I use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream?

While you can swap in half-and-half, the sauce won’t be quite as rich and may be a bit thinner. Milk is not recommended, as it tends to curdle and won’t deliver the same luxurious flavor or texture.

Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe

There’s something downright irresistible about Marry Me Chicken—so much so that the name practically promises love at first bite. This crock pot version takes everything wonderful about the original and wraps it up in a fuss-free, weeknight-friendly package. Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts cloaked in a creamy, garlicky parmesan sauce, dotted with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil. Every bite is lush, tangy, and savory, with whispers of Italian herbs and just a flicker of heat. Best of all? This dreamy dish needs only a handful of simple steps and a few minutes’ prep. It practically cooks itself while you go about your busy day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Crock Pot Comfort: Let the slow cooker do the heavy lifting. Just a quick sear, a handful of pantry staples, and you’re free for hours.
Irresistibly Creamy Sauce: The parmesan, cream, and sun-dried tomato sauce is so good you’ll want to eat it by the spoonful.
Perfect for Any Night: Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner or feeding the family, it’s sophisticated yet totally approachable.
Customizable: Swap in your favorite herbs or toss in extra veggies—this recipe plays well with whatever you have on hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: The star of the dish—choose breasts for lean, juicy results; thighs work too if you prefer extra richness.
Salt, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Black Pepper: The foundation of flavor, giving the chicken a quick savory rub before browning.
Olive Oil & Butter: For gorgeous caramelization and a boost of buttery depth during searing.
Chicken Broth: Balances the creamy sauce while keeping it from feeling too heavy.
Cornstarch: The secret to a thick, silky sauce that clings beautifully to the chicken.
Heavy Cream: Brings luxurious richness—add late if your slow cooker runs hot to prevent curdling.
Fresh Garlic: Essential for savory depth; fresh is best for full flavor.
Italian Seasoning: Adds those beloved herby notes—dried basil, oregano, and thyme are classic.
Red Pepper Flakes & Paprika: Provides just a subtle warmth and smoky undertone.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: The magic ingredient—tangy, slightly sweet, and packed with umami.
Parmesan Cheese: Bring on the rich, salty, nutty flavor; freshly grated for best melting.
Fresh Basil: A finishing touch of brightness and freshness.
Tip: Use only freshly grated parmesan, not pre-shredded, for the smoothest sauce.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Switch Up the Protein: Chicken thighs, pork tenderloin, or even turkey cutlets work beautifully.
Add Vegetables: Stir in spinach or chopped mushrooms during the last 30 minutes for extra color and nutrition.
Cheese Lovers: Try adding a handful of shredded mozzarella for an even stretchier, cheesier finish.
Spice It Up: Add extra red pepper flakes or a spoonful of Calabrian chili paste for more heat.
Herb Swap: Try fresh oregano or parsley if basil isn’t your favorite.

How to Make Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Mix together salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Pat your chicken breasts dry and sprinkle both sides with the seasoning blend.

Step 2: Sear for Flavor

Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the butter melts and sizzles. Sear the chicken breasts for just a minute or two per side until beautifully golden. Don’t worry about cooking them through—they’ll finish in the slow cooker.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together chicken broth and cornstarch until smooth—no lumps! Pour this into your slow cooker, then whisk in heavy cream, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, remaining salt and pepper, red pepper flakes, and paprika.

Step 4: Arrange and Layer

Nestle the seared chicken into the slow cooker, pouring any leftover oil and butter over the top for extra richness. Scatter chopped sun-dried tomatoes on the chicken.

Step 5: Slow Cook

Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours. This gentle cook ensures the chicken stays tender and succulent.
If your slow cooker runs hot, leave the cream out at first and add it in the last 30 minutes to prevent curdling.

Step 6: Finish the Sauce

Carefully remove the chicken breasts. Whisk in the parmesan until the sauce is smooth and glossy. Return the chicken to the pot, cover with sauce, shower with chopped fresh basil, and serve.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Skip the Sear: Browning the chicken first is worth it for extra flavor, even if you’re tempted to go straight to the slow cooker.
Freshly Grate Your Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese can make the sauce grainy—parmesan from a block gives the silkiest texture.
Monitor the Cream: If your slow cooker tends to run hot and boil, add the cream near the end to keep it velvety.
Let the Sauce Sit: A few minutes to thicken in the warm crock before serving means extra-luscious results.

How to Serve

This dish shines served over a softly twirled bed of pasta—think linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine. It’s also wonderful with fluffy mashed potatoes, or spooned onto a mound of steamed rice. For a low-carb twist, pile it onto sautéed spinach or roasted cauliflower. Don’t forget a slice of crusty bread to soak up every drop of that creamy, tangy sauce, and a light green salad with a zesty vinaigrette for balance.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Spoon any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it chills but loosens up beautifully when reheated.

Freezing

Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Tip: Freeze sauce and chicken together for the best flavor and texture.

Reheating

Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring the sauce occasionally. Add a splash of broth or cream to keep it luscious and smooth, especially after freezing.

FAQs

Can I make this with chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs turn out even juicier and richer—just follow all the same steps. The cooking time won’t change.
Will the sauce curdle if I add the cream too early?

If using a slow cooker that runs very hot, there’s a chance the cream could separate. For guaranteed silky results, add the cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Is it possible to cook this on high to save time?

It’s not recommended. Cooking on high can cause the sauce to scorch or separate. For the best creamy consistency and tender chicken, stick with low and slow.
Can I use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream?

While you can swap in half-and-half, the sauce won’t be quite as rich and may be a bit thinner. Milk is not recommended, as it tends to curdle and won’t deliver the same luxurious flavor or texture.

Final Thoughts

This Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken recipe is proof that incredible flavor doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With just a few minutes of hands-on prep and a handful of pantry staples, you unlock a dish that turns any night into a special occasion. Whether you serve it for a cozy family dinner or to impress someone you care about, don’t be surprised if you find yourself making it again and again. Give it a try—you just might fall in love!