Easy Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

If you haven’t heard of Marry Me Chicken, you’re in for a treat! This dish is a creamy, flavorful, and rich chicken recipe that’s so delicious, it might just inspire a marriage proposal. The original Marry Me Chicken recipe is made on the stovetop, but using a crockpot makes it even easier—letting the flavors blend together into a mouthwatering dish with minimal effort.

Why Is It Called Marry Me Chicken?

The name comes from how irresistibly delicious this dish is. Legend has it that when people first try it, they fall in love—hence, it’s “marriage-worthy.” While there’s no official history, the recipe became famous after being shared online, quickly gaining popularity for its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and bold flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Cooking – Just toss everything into the crockpot, and let it do the work!
• Incredibly Flavorful – The combination of sundried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan creates an irresistible sauce.
• Versatile – Serve it over pasta, rice, or even mashed potatoes.
• Perfect for Meal Prep – It tastes even better the next day!

Want to learn more about the history of comfort food recipes? Check out this article on traditional comfort food from Wikipedia.

Ingredients for Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

To make this irresistibly creamy and flavorful chicken dish, you’ll need simple pantry-friendly ingredients. The combination of juicy chicken, creamy sauce, and bold seasonings creates a meal that’s packed with flavor.

Main Ingredients

• Chicken breasts – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best, but you can also use chicken thighs for extra tenderness.
• Garlic – Fresh minced garlic adds depth to the sauce.
• Chicken broth – Enhances the flavor and keeps the chicken moist.
• Heavy cream – Creates a rich, creamy texture.
• Parmesan cheese – Adds a salty, nutty depth to the dish.
• Sundried tomatoes – A signature ingredient that gives the dish its unique, slightly tangy flavor.
• Italian seasoning – A blend of dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary for an herby kick.
• Red pepper flakes – Adds a subtle heat to balance the creamy sauce.
• Salt & black pepper – Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
• Butter – Helps create a smooth and velvety sauce.

Optional Additions & Substitutions

• Swap chicken breasts for thighs – If you prefer a richer, juicier texture, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully.
• Make it dairy-free – Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
• Add veggies – Spinach or mushrooms make great additions for extra nutrients.
• Use different cheeses – Instead of Parmesan, try Asiago, Pecorino Romano, or even mozzarella for a different twist.

For a deeper look into different Italian seasonings, check out this guide to Italian herbs on Wikipedia.

How to Make Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

Making this easy crockpot Marry Me Chicken is as simple as combining the ingredients and letting the slow cooker do all the work. The result? Tender, juicy chicken in a creamy, flavorful sauce that’s perfect for pairing with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken
   • Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel.
   • Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning for a well-balanced flavor.
2. Sear the Chicken (Optional but Recommended!)
   • Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat.
   • Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
   • This step enhances the flavor, but you can skip it if you’re short on time.
3. Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot
   • Place the chicken in the slow cooker.
   • Add minced garlic, chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, sundried tomatoes, and red pepper flakes.
   • Stir slightly to combine the flavors.
4. Cook on Low or High
   • Low heat: 6-7 hours for ultra-tender chicken.
   • High heat: 3-4 hours for a quicker meal.
5. Thicken the Sauce
   • Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker.
   • Stir the sauce and let it thicken for a few minutes. If needed, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water and add it to the crockpot.
6. Shred or Serve Whole
   • You can serve the chicken whole or shred it into the sauce for a richer, creamier consistency.
7. Garnish & Serve
   • Sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for an added flavor boost.
   • Serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.

Cooking Tips for the Best Marry Me Chicken

• Don’t skip the searing step! It locks in moisture and gives the chicken a beautiful golden color.
• Adjust the spice level by increasing or reducing the red pepper flakes.
• Want a richer sauce? Add a splash of heavy cream or an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese at the end.
• Use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder for the best flavor.

For more tips on achieving the perfect creamy sauce, check out this guide to making creamy sauces on Wikipedia.

What to Serve with Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

This creamy, flavorful dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Whether you prefer pasta, rice, or vegetables, there are plenty of ways to complete your meal.

Best Side Dishes for Marry Me Chicken

• Pasta – The rich, creamy sauce coats pasta beautifully. Try it with:
  • Fettuccine – A classic choice for creamy sauces.
  • Penne – Perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauce.
  • Spaghetti or Angel Hair – Lighter pasta options that complement the dish.
• Rice or Grains – If you prefer a non-pasta base, these options work well:
  • Garlic Butter Rice – A simple yet flavorful choice.
  • Cauliflower Rice – A low-carb alternative.
  • Quinoa – Adds a nutty, slightly crunchy texture.
• Vegetables – Balance the richness of the dish with fresh, vibrant veggies:
  • Roasted Asparagus – The perfect crispy side.
  • Steamed Broccoli – A healthy and easy addition.
  • Sautéed Spinach – Complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
• Bread Options – Soak up the extra sauce with warm, crusty bread:
  • Garlic Bread – Classic and delicious.
  • Dinner Rolls – Soft and perfect for dipping.
  • Crusty Baguette – Adds a satisfying crunch.

For more side dish ideas, explore this Pinterest board on side dish pairings for inspiration.

Tips & Variations for the Best Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

Want to take your Marry Me Chicken to the next level? These expert tips and creative variations will help you customize the dish to fit your taste and dietary needs.

Pro Tips for a Perfect Dish

• Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Juiciness – While chicken breasts work well, boneless, skinless chicken thighs stay even more tender and flavorful in the slow cooker.
• Don’t Skip the Searing Step – If you have time, browning the chicken first locks in flavor and creates a richer, deeper taste.
• Adjust the Sauce Consistency – If the sauce is too thin, stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water). For a thinner sauce, add a little extra chicken broth.
• Boost the Flavor – Add a splash of white wine or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the dish.
• Garnish Before Serving – A sprinkle of fresh basil or extra Parmesan cheese makes a big difference in flavor and presentation.

Recipe Variations

• Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly Version
  • Swap the flour-based thickener for xanthan gum.
  • Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of pasta.
• Dairy-Free Option
  • Replace heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk.
  • Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor.
• Spicy Marry Me Chicken
  • Double the red pepper flakes for a fiery kick.
  • Add chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for extra heat.
• Extra Cheesy Version
  • Stir in mozzarella cheese at the end for a gooey, creamy sauce.
  • Top with shredded Asiago or Pecorino Romano before serving.

For more creative chicken recipes, check out this list of Italian chicken dishes on Wikipedia.

How to Store and Reheat Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Proper storage and reheating will keep it just as delicious as when it was freshly made.

Storing Leftovers

• Refrigerator – Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• Freezer – Place cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or bag. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months.
• Pro Tip: Freeze in single-serving portions for easy meal prep.

How to Reheat Without Drying Out

• Stovetop Method (Best for Texture)
  • Heat in a skillet over medium heat.
  • Add a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream to revive the sauce.
  • Stir frequently and heat until warm.
• Microwave (Quickest Method)
  • Place in a microwave-safe dish and cover.
  • Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.
  • Add a little broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.
• Oven Method (For Larger Portions)
  • Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
  • Place chicken and sauce in a covered baking dish.
  • Bake for 15–20 minutes until warmed through.

For more food storage tips, check out this guide on proper food storage on Wikipedia.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about this creamy and flavorful dish.

1. Can I use frozen chicken in the crockpot?

It’s not recommended to cook frozen chicken in a slow cooker due to food safety concerns. Frozen chicken takes longer to reach a safe internal temperature, which increases the risk of bacterial growth. Instead, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.

2. How do I make Marry Me Chicken thicker?

If the sauce is too thin, try one of these methods:

• Stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water).
• Let the sauce cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes to naturally reduce.
• Add extra Parmesan cheese to thicken the texture.

3. What’s the best way to make it spicier?

To add more heat:

• Increase the red pepper flakes to ½ teaspoon or more.
• Stir in a dash of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños.
• Add cayenne pepper for a smoky, spicy kick.

4. Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes! To make Marry Me Chicken in an Instant Pot:

• Use the Sauté function to sear the chicken first.
• Add all the ingredients except heavy cream and Parmesan.
• Cook on Manual High Pressure for 10 minutes, then do a quick release.
• Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan after pressure cooking.

5. What’s the best way to serve Marry Me Chicken?

This dish pairs perfectly with:

• Pasta (fettuccine, penne, or angel hair)
• Rice (garlic butter rice or cauliflower rice)
• Mashed potatoes
• Roasted vegetables

Easy Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

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Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is a creamy, flavorful, and comforting dish that’s so delicious, it might just inspire a marriage proposal! This slow cooker version makes it even easier—just toss everything in, let it simmer, and enjoy tender chicken in a rich, garlicky Parmesan sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, date nights, or meal prep, this dish pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.

• Author: Clara

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the filling:

• 4 cups fresh rhubarb, diced
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

For the topping:

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a mixing bowl, combine the diced rhubarb, granulated sugar, and flour. Toss until the rhubarb is well coated. Spread the mixture evenly in a greased 9×9-inch baking dish.

In another bowl, mix the rolled oats, brown sugar, flour, melted butter, and cinnamon until the mixture becomes crumbly.

Sprinkle the topping evenly over the rhubarb mixture.

Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the rhubarb is bubbling.

Let cool slightly before serving. Serve warm on its own or with vanilla ice cream.

 

Notes

• Searing the chicken before slow cooking adds extra flavor and helps lock in moisture.
• Sundried tomatoes give the sauce a signature tangy kick—don’t skip them!
• For a thicker sauce, let it simmer uncovered for 30 minutes or add a cornstarch slurry.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
• Serving Suggestions: Try it over fettuccine, creamy mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
• Customizable! Swap the heavy cream for coconut milk for a dairy-free version, or add spinach and mushrooms for extra veggies.