Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken

Creamy, Flavor-Packed, and Absolutely Irresistible

This Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken is a dish that lives up to its charming name—so delicious it might just inspire a proposal! Tender chicken breasts are seasoned and seared to golden perfection, then slow-cooked in a luxurious sauce of heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese. Sun-dried tomatoes add bursts of bold flavor, while fresh basil brings brightness to the final dish. The result? A restaurant-quality meal that’s surprisingly simple to make in your crockpot.

Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or a busy weeknight, this recipe delivers rich, velvety flavors that will have everyone scraping their plates clean.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Perfectly Tender Chicken: The slow cooking method ensures juicy, flavorful chicken every time.
  • Rich, Creamy Sauce: Heavy cream, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes create a sauce that tastes straight out of a fine Italian restaurant.
  • Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: With just a few simple steps, this dish is ready to impress.
  • Versatile Pairings: Serve it over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Seasoning:

  • 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

For the Cream Sauce:

  • 1½ cups chicken broth
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 10 fresh basil leaves, chopped

How to Make Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure proper browning. Mix together the salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper, then season the chicken generously on both sides.

Step 2: Sear for Flavor

Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, sear the chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. This step creates a flavorful crust that enhances the dish. Reserve the pan drippings for added flavor.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce Base

In your slow cooker, whisk together the chicken broth and cornstarch until smooth. Add the heavy cream, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and paprika, whisking until fully combined.

Step 4: Slow Cook the Chicken

Transfer the seared chicken breasts to the slow cooker, nestling them into the sauce. Pour the reserved pan drippings over the chicken for extra flavor. Add the sun-dried tomatoes, spreading them evenly over the chicken. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours.

Step 5: Perfect the Sauce

During the final 30 minutes of cooking, whisk the Parmesan cheese into the sauce. This ensures the cheese melts smoothly, creating a rich, velvety texture.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Stir the sauce well, then return the chicken to the slow cooker and coat it with the sauce. Garnish with freshly chopped basil before serving.

Serve over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread to soak up every last drop of the creamy sauce.

Tips for Success

  • Searing is Key: Don’t skip the searing step—it adds depth of flavor and creates a golden crust on the chicken.
  • Timing Matters: Add the Parmesan cheese during the last 30 minutes to prevent the sauce from breaking.
  • Low and Slow: Resist the urge to cook on high; the low setting ensures tender chicken and a perfectly creamy sauce.

Variations

  • Protein Options: Swap chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for even more tenderness.
  • Add Vegetables: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers during the last 30 minutes for added nutrition and flavor.
  • Wine Infusion: Deglaze the skillet with white wine after searing the chicken and add the liquid to the slow cooker for a richer sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with:

  • Pasta: Angel hair, fettuccine, or penne
  • Rice: White, brown, or wild rice
  • Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and buttery for the ultimate comfort food
  • Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up the sauce

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Make-Ahead Sauce: Prepare the sauce up to 2 days in advance and store in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

  • Fresh Parmesan: Always use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melting quality and flavor.
  • Thin the Sauce: If the sauce is too thick, add warm chicken broth 1 tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
  • Boost Flavor: Deglaze the skillet with white wine after searing the chicken and pour the liquid into the slow cooker.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is it called Marry Me Chicken?
The dish is so delicious it’s said to inspire marriage proposals!

2. Can I cook this on high in the slow cooker?
It’s best to cook on low for 6-7 hours to ensure tender chicken and prevent the cream sauce from separating.

3. What can I serve with Marry Me Chicken?
Pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread are all excellent choices.

4. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs work wonderfully and stay extra tender during slow cooking.

5. Why do I need to sear the chicken first?
Searing adds flavor and creates a golden crust that enhances the entire dish.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. The way the chicken becomes fork-tender while soaking up the creamy, garlic-infused sauce is nothing short of magical. Whether you’re serving it for a romantic dinner or a family gathering, this dish is guaranteed to impress.

From the sun-dried tomatoes to the freshly grated Parmesan and fragrant basil, every element of this recipe works together to create a dish that’s unforgettable. So grab your slow cooker and let this recipe bring a little love to your table tonight!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 370 minutes
Total Time: 385 minutes
Servings: 4

Make this dish once, and it might just become your signature recipe—it’s that good!

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