Creamy Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken Recipe

The Tastiest Marry Me Chicken Recipe: Love Served Slowly

This irresistible marry me chicken recipe promises pure culinary magic that will make taste buds swoon.

Tender chicken bathes in a luxurious, creamy sauce that whispers romance with every bite.

Packed with sun-dried tomatoes and parmesan, this dish delivers bold Mediterranean-inspired flavors.

The slow cooker method ensures effortless preparation and mouthwatering results.

Savory herbs and rich ingredients blend seamlessly to create a meal that feels both comforting and elegant.

Each forkful tells a delicious story of love and passion on a plate.

Let this extraordinary chicken sweep you off your feet and straight into dinner bliss.

Why Marry Me Chicken in the Slow Cooker Works

  • Minimal Prep Magic: Whip up a restaurant-worthy dish with just a few simple steps and basic ingredients, making gourmet cooking accessible for everyone.
  • Hands-Off Convenience: Let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting while you enjoy more free time, transforming dinner preparation into a stress-free experience.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Bomb: Packed with rich, creamy sauce and sun-dried tomatoes, this chicken recipe delivers restaurant-quality taste that will have family and guests asking for seconds.
  • Versatile Meal Solution: Easily pair with multiple side dishes like pasta, rice, or vegetables, making it a flexible option for different dietary preferences and meal styles.

Ingredients for Marry Me Chicken

Main Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Tender and juicy protein perfect for a hearty meal.
Dairy and Sauce Components:
  • Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese, Butter: Rich and creamy ingredients that create a luxurious sauce.
  • Chicken Broth: Flavorful liquid base for the sauce.
Herbs and Seasonings:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the chicken's natural flavor.
  • Dried Oregano, Dried Thyme: Aromatic herbs that add depth to the dish.
  • Minced Garlic: Pungent and fragrant seasoning that brings warmth to the sauce.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Spicy touch for those who enjoy a little heat.
Garnish and Accent:
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Tangy and intense flavor booster.
  • Fresh Basil, Fresh Parsley: Optional bright and fresh green garnish.

How to Make Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken

Step 1: Prep the Poultry

Grab your chicken breasts and give them a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper on both sides.

Make sure to cover every inch for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Whip Up the Magic Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine these delightful ingredients:
  • Chicken broth
  • Heavy cream
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Minced garlic
  • Dried oregano
  • Dried thyme
  • Red pepper flakes

Whisk everything together until the mixture becomes silky smooth and well-blended.

Step 3: Create the Slow Cooker Base

Gently place the seasoned chicken breasts into the slow cooker.

Pour the dreamy sauce over the chicken, making sure each piece gets a luxurious coating.

Scatter chopped sun-dried tomatoes across the top for an extra burst of flavor.

Step 4: Let the Slow Cooking Begin

Cover the slow cooker and let the magic happen.

Cook on Low for 4 hours or High for 2 hours.

The chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 5: Butter the Sauce

During the final 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the butter.

Watch it melt and blend into the sauce, creating an incredibly rich and creamy texture.

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Transfer the chicken to a serving plate or keep it cozy in the slow cooker.

Ladle the luxurious sauce over the chicken.

For a fresh finishing touch, sprinkle some chopped basil or parsley on top.

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Complement your chicken with a side of pasta, fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.

Get ready for a meal that might just make someone fall in love with you!

Smart Tips for Marry Me Chicken

  • Pound chicken breasts to even thickness for consistent, tender cooking throughout the slow cooker.
  • Whisk sauce ingredients thoroughly and avoid high temperature to maintain smooth, creamy consistency.
  • Toast dried herbs briefly before adding to sauce to enhance their aromatic qualities and deepen overall taste profile.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes quantity based on personal heat preference, starting with small amounts for milder results.
  • Prepare sauce and season chicken night before, refrigerate separately, then combine in slow cooker for effortless morning preparation.

Keep and Reheat Marry Me Chicken

  • Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the sauce separate to maintain texture and prevent sogginess.
  • Safely keep the chicken and sauce in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring optimal flavor and food safety.
  • Warm individual portions in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and prevent drying out.
  • Gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent the sauce from separating.

Great Pairings for Marry Me Chicken

  • Enhance Wine Selection: Select crisp, medium-bodied white wines like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay that complement the creamy sauce's richness and cut through the dish's savory flavors.
  • Create Carbohydrate Companions: Choose soft, absorbent side dishes like buttery garlic mashed potatoes, al dente fettuccine, or fluffy jasmine rice to soak up the luxurious sun-dried tomato cream sauce.
  • Elevate Vegetable Sides: Roast tender asparagus spears with olive oil and sea salt, or prepare garlic-sautéed green beans with toasted almonds to add fresh, vibrant contrast to the heavy chicken dish.
  • Match Bread Perfection: Serve warm, crusty Italian bread or garlic focaccia to mop up the remaining creamy sauce, ensuring no delicious flavor goes to waste.

Unique Styles of Marry Me Chicken

  • Dairy-Free Dream: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a creamy, lactose-free version.
  • Herb Garden Remix: Replace dried herbs with fresh basil, rosemary, and thyme to boost the aromatic profile and create a brighter flavor experience.
  • Protein Power Swap: Use turkey breast or plant-based chicken alternatives for a different protein option that maintains the recipe's rich, comforting essence.
  • Spicy Mediterranean Option: Add extra red pepper flakes, incorporate chopped kalamata olives, and sprinkle feta cheese for a zesty Mediterranean-inspired variation.

FAQs

  • What are sun-dried tomatoes?

Sun-dried tomatoes are ripe tomatoes that have been dehydrated by sun or machine, concentrating their sweet and tangy flavor. They add a rich, intense tomato taste to dishes and provide a chewy texture.

  • Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work perfectly in this recipe. They tend to be more flavorful and stay juicier during slow cooking. Just adjust cooking time slightly and ensure they reach 165°F internal temperature.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild heat from optional red pepper flakes. If you want more spice, add more flakes. If you prefer no heat, you can completely omit them without affecting the overall flavor profile.

  • Do I need fresh herbs for garnishing?

No, fresh herbs are optional. While they add a nice pop of color and fresh flavor, the dish will taste delicious without them. If you don’t have fresh basil or parsley, you can skip the garnish entirely.

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Creamy Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken Recipe

Creamy Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken Recipe


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4.7 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Marry Me Chicken delivers irresistible Italian-inspired comfort straight from your slow cooker, promising a romantic dinner that melts hearts faster than its rich parmesan cream sauce. Juicy chicken bathed in sun-dried tomatoes and herbs guarantees you’ll want seconds before the first bite is finished.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Dairy and Cream:

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Herbs, Spices, and Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Generously coat chicken breasts with salt and pepper, ensuring even seasoning on both sides.
  2. Create a velvety sauce by thoroughly whisking together chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, dried herbs, and optional red pepper flakes until completely smooth and well-integrated.
  3. Arrange seasoned chicken breasts in the slow cooker’s base, creating a single layer without overlapping.
  4. Cascade the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken, completely covering each piece to guarantee maximum flavor infusion.
  5. Scatter sun-dried tomatoes across the top of the sauce-coated chicken, distributing them uniformly for balanced taste.
  6. Secure the slow cooker lid and initiate cooking on low temperature for approximately 4 hours or high temperature for 2 hours, monitoring until chicken reaches precise internal temperature of 165°F.
  7. During the final half-hour of cooking, gently incorporate butter into the sauce, stirring until completely melted and creating a luxurious, silky texture.
  8. Carefully transfer chicken to serving platter, ladling the rich, creamy sauce directly over the meat.
  9. Enhance presentation by delicately garnishing with fresh basil or parsley, adding a vibrant touch of color and herbaceous aroma.
  10. Accompany the dish with complementary sides like pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables to complete the meal.

Notes

  • Tender chicken works best when using fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breasts of similar thickness to ensure even cooking.
  • Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes; less for mild, more for spicy lovers who enjoy a gentle kick.
  • Prevent dry chicken by avoiding overcooking; use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature precisely at 165°F for perfect moisture.
  • Transform into dairy-free version by substituting heavy cream with coconut milk and using nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for similar creamy texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 558
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 690mg
  • Fat: 40g
  • Saturated Fat: 23g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 7g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 42g
  • Cholesterol: 161mg
James Hambly

James Hambly

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Education, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Southern Cuisine

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in professional cooking techniques, emphasizing farm-to-table practices and Southern cuisine.

The Chef’s Academy
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive culinary education covering global cuisines, kitchen management, and food safety.​


James grew up surrounded by the smells of cast-iron skillets and slow-cooked Southern meals in Asheville, North Carolina.
He sharpened his skills with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, and later leveled up with an Associate Degree from The Chef’s Academy.
James’s philosophy is simple: the best meals don’t need fancy tricks, just fresh ingredients, a hot pan, and a little bit of heart. His favorite days are spent testing one-pan wonders, chasing bold flavors, and creating recipes that feel easy, even on a busy night.

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