Crockpot Marry Me Chicken with Creamy Sauce

There’s a reason they call it Marry Me Chicken. This dish has been winning hearts across dinner tables for years, tender, juicy chicken smothered in a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and herbs. But making it in the crockpot? That’s where the real magic happens.

With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this slow cooker version delivers everything we love about the original, plus the convenience of hands-free cooking. Whether you’re planning a cozy date night or just want to impress the family, Crockpot Marry Me Chicken with Creamy Sauce is the kind of dish people propose over.

What Makes Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Irresistible?

  • Ultra-tender texture from long, slow cooking
  • Rich, flavorful creamy sauce infused with herbs and cheese
  • Simple prep, just sear, layer, and forget until dinner time
  • Great for make-ahead meals and leftovers

If you’re already a fan of creamy chicken dishes, you might also love this garlic-Parmesan chicken pasta that brings together similar bold flavors in a stovetop-friendly version.

Ingredients Needed For Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need to make Crockpot Marry Me Chicken with Creamy Sauce:

For the Chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp butter

For the Creamy Sauce:

  • 1½ cups chicken broth
  • 3 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 cup heavy cream (not milk!)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1½ tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 6–8 fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional but delicious)

How To Make Crockpot Marry Me Chicken (Step-by-Step Instructions)

1. Prep and Season the Chicken

  • Combine salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper in a small bowl.
  • Season both sides of the chicken breasts.

Want even juicier results? Check out this guide on how to keep chicken juicy in slow cooking.

2. Sear the Chicken (Don’t Skip This!)

  • Heat a skillet on medium-high.
  • Add olive oil and butter until melted.
  • Sear chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown.
  • Remove from heat, do not fully cook.

3. Make the Sauce Base

  • Whisk chicken broth and cornstarch in a bowl to remove lumps.
  • Add this to the bottom of your crockpot.
  • Whisk in:
    • Heavy cream (see tip below!)
    • Garlic
    • Italian seasoning
    • Salt, black pepper, paprika, red pepper flakes

Tip: If your slow cooker runs hot and tends to boil, add the heavy cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking to avoid curdling.

4. Assemble in the Crockpot

  • Place seared chicken breasts into the sauce.
  • Pour in the oil and butter left from the skillet.
  • Top with sun-dried tomatoes.

5. Slow Cook to Perfection

  • Set to LOW and cook for 6–8 hours.
  • Avoid opening the lid, it releases heat and extends cooking time.

6. Finish and Serve

  • Remove the chicken briefly and stir in Parmesan cheese.
  • Return chicken, top with fresh basil, and serve warm.

What to Serve With Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

This creamy, flavorful dish pairs beautifully with:

Crockpot Marry Me Chicken with Creamy Sauce served over white rice, topped with sun-dried tomatoes and parsley

  • Pasta (e.g., rotini, fettuccine, penne)
  • Mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash
  • Steamed green beans or asparagus
  • Rice or quinoa
  • Garlic bread or crusty dinner rolls

Expert Tips for Best Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

  • Don’t use frozen chicken, thaw first to ensure safe and even cooking.
  • Sear first, it locks in juices and adds flavor.
  • Use fresh garlic and real butter for the best taste.
  • Add heavy cream later if your slow cooker tends to get too hot.

Variations to Try

Want to make this dish your own? Try one of these variations:

  • Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra juiciness.
  • Add spinach or mushrooms for more vegetables.
  • Swap sun-dried tomatoes for roasted red peppers (milder flavor).
  • Make it spicy: double the red pepper flakes or add hot sauce.
  • Make it keto-friendly: serve with cauliflower rice and skip the cornstarch.

Try something oven-baked like this flavor-packed baked pesto chicken for dinner, it’s fast, delicious, and low-carb friendly.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

  • Fridge: Store in airtight container up to 3 days
  • Freezer: Freeze up to 3 months (sauce may separate slightly)
  • Reheating tip: Warm slowly over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to smooth the sauce

Nutrition Breakdown (Approximate per Serving)

  • Calories: 688 kcal
  • Protein: 56g
  • Carbs: 17g
  • Fat: 44g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sodium: 1466mg

Note: Nutrition varies depending on portion size and ingredient brands.

FAQs About Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

Can I cook this on high instead of low?

Not recommended. High heat can cause the cream sauce to scorch or separate.

What can I serve with it?

Anything that absorbs sauce, pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, crusty bread.

Do I have to sear the chicken?

Technically no, but it boosts flavor and texture. If you skip it, add 4 tbsp melted butter to the crockpot.

Can I use frozen chicken?

No. It affects cooking time and safety. Always thaw first.

What if I don’t like sun-dried tomatoes?

You can leave them out, but you’ll miss that signature tangy sweetness.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

No, heavy cream is essential for a thick, rich sauce. Milk may curdle.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, if you use gluten-free chicken broth and double-check your seasonings.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

It should reach 165°F internal temp and be easy to shred with a fork.

Final Thoughts

Crockpot Marry Me Chicken with Creamy Sauce is the ultimate feel-good meal, decadent yet simple, bold yet comforting. It’s the kind of dinner that earns applause with every bite and lingers in your recipe rotation for years to come.

Print
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Crockpot Marry Me Chicken with Creamy Sauce served over white rice, topped with sun-dried tomatoes and parsley

Crockpot Marry Me Chicken with Creamy Sauce


  • Author: MERIEM
  • Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Tender Crockpot Marry Me Chicken in a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes. A slow cooker dinner that’s easy, rich, and full of flavor.


Ingredients

Scale

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon onion powder

¼ teaspoon black pepper

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons butter

1½ cups chicken broth

3 tablespoons cornstarch

1 cup heavy cream

4 cloves garlic, minced

1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

½ teaspoon paprika

⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

68 fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)


Instructions

Season chicken breasts with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.

Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Sear chicken until golden brown on both sides. Remove from heat.

Whisk chicken broth and cornstarch until smooth and pour into the crockpot.

Stir in heavy cream, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Place chicken into the crockpot and pour skillet juices on top.

Add sun-dried tomatoes on top of chicken.

Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours.

Remove chicken and stir Parmesan cheese into the sauce.

Return chicken, top with fresh basil, and serve warm.

Notes

For best results, do not cook on high heat.

Add heavy cream during the last 30 minutes if your slow cooker runs hot.

Serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce.

Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for 3 months.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 688
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 1466mg
  • Fat: 44g
  • Saturated Fat: 20g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 17g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 56g
  • Cholesterol: 175mg

Keywords: crockpot marry me chicken with creamy sauce, slow cooker marry me chicken, creamy garlic chicken

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