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This Crockpot Marry Me Chicken keeps things simple by cooking the chicken in a slow cooker. The result is tender chicken in a creamy Parmesan sauce with garlic and sun-dried tomatoes.
Recipe Tips
After making this recipe several times, I have learned a few simple tips to help create the creamiest sauce and the most tender chicken.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It melts more smoothly into the sauce over pre-shredded cheese.
- Avoid lifting the lid while the chicken cooks. Every time the lid is lifted, the crockpot loses heat, increasing the cooking time.
- Garnish just before serving. Add the fresh basil just before serving for the best flavor.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts are the heart of this recipe. They become incredibly tender after several hours in the slow cooker. Boneless skinless chicken thighs are an excellent substitute if you prefer darker meat with a richer flavor.
- Italian dressing mix adds herbs, spices, and plenty of savory flavor without requiring you to measure several seasonings individually. If you prefer, homemade Italian seasoning mixed with a little garlic powder, onion powder, and salt works well.
- Sun-dried tomatoes bring a rich tomato flavor that beautifully balances the creamy sauce. Oil-packed, sun-dried tomatoes add even more richness. If using dry-packed tomatoes, soften them in warm water before chopping.
- Chicken broth serves as the cooking liquid, keeping the chicken juicy throughout the cooking process. Low-sodium broth gives you more control over the final seasoning.
- Heavy cream creates the rich texture that makes this sauce so satisfying. Half and half can be used for a lighter version, though the sauce will not be quite as thick.
- Grated Parmesan cheese melts into the cream to create a smooth, cheesy sauce. Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly than the pre-shredded variety.
- Garlic adds plenty of savory flavor. Fresh garlic gives the best results, though jarred minced garlic can save a little time.
- Salted butter adds richness and helps bring the sauce together. Unsalted butter is a great choice if you are watching the salt level.
- Salt, black pepper, and paprika round out the seasoning. Smoked paprika creates a slightly deeper flavor if you enjoy a hint of smokiness.
- Fresh basil adds a fresh finish that brightens the rich sauce. Fresh parsley makes another excellent garnish.
How To Make Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
Chicken breasts slowly cook with Italian seasoning, garlic, chicken broth, butter, and sun-dried tomatoes until perfectly tender. Heavy cream and Parmesan are stirred in during the final 30 minutes, creating a rich, creamy sauce that is perfect over your favorite side dish.
- Prep the Chicken: Place the 3 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker. Sprinkle the 1 package of Italian dressing mix, along with 1 teaspoon each of salt, black pepper, and paprika, evenly over the meat.
- Assemble: Pour the 1 cup of chicken broth over the seasoned meat. Add the 1 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 2 Tablespoons of butter into the crockpot.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker. Cook on Low for 5 to 6 hours or on High for 2½ hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Add Dairy and Cook: Whisk the 2 cups of heavy cream and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese together in a small bowl.
- Cook Slightly Longer: Cover the pot. Continue cooking for 30 minutes, until the sauce is creamy and the cheese has completely melted.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil. Serve over pasta or mashed potatoes.
Marry Me Crockpot Chicken Recipe FAQs
Do I need to sear the chicken first?
Nope. I developed this recipe to be super simple, so no searing is required.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature has reached 165°F.
What should I serve with Crockpot Marry Me Chicken?
Serve it over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, with roasted vegetables, and some Copycat Outback Bread.
If you make this Crockpot Marry Me Chicken, we would love to hear how it turned out. Leave a comment below, share your favorite side dish to serve with it, and save this recipe for the next time you need an easy dinner that feels extra special.
Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
This Crockpot Marry Me Chicken lets the slow cooker do the work, creating tender chicken in a creamy Parmesan sauce with garlic and sun-dried tomatoes.
Equipment
- Crockpot (slow cooker)
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- mixing bowl
- whisk
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Grater
Ingredients
- 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 oz package Italian dressing mix
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 Tablespoons salted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Garnish
- Fresh basil
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle the Italian dressing mix, salt, pepper, and paprika evenly over the chicken.
- Add the chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and butter.
- Cover and cook on Low for 5 to 6 hours or High for 2½ hours, until the chicken is tender.
- About 30 minutes before serving, whisk together the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir the mixture into the slow cooker.
- Cover and continue cooking for 30 minutes, until the sauce is creamy and the cheese has melted.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice.
Notes
Please note that the nutrition estimates are just for the chicken and the sauce.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing
Freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Cream-based sauces can separate slightly after freezing, though they usually come back together during reheating with a gentle stir.
Thawing
Transfer frozen portions to the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Warm leftovers slowly on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave using 50 percent power, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce becomes too thick.
Make Ahead
Everything except the cream and Parmesan can be added to the slow cooker insert the night before. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Place the insert into the slow cooker the next day and begin cooking. Stir in the cream and Parmesan during the final 30 minutes as directed.
Serving Ideas
This creamy chicken is delicious served over fettuccine, penne, mashed potatoes, white rice, buttered egg noodles, or creamy polenta. Add roasted broccoli, green beans, asparagus, or a crisp green salad to complete the meal. Warm garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every bit of the creamy Parmesan sauce.
Nutrition
Calories: 698kcal, Carbohydrates: 18g, Protein: 58g, Fat: 44g, Saturated Fat: 25g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 11g, Trans Fat: 0.2g, Cholesterol: 260mg, Sodium: 1654mg, Potassium: 1602mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 9g, Vitamin A: 1822IU, Vitamin C: 11mg, Calcium: 240mg, Iron: 3mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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