Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving a creamy, flavorful chicken dish that practically makes itself, you’re in for a treat with this Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe. I absolutely love this recipe because it’s perfect for busy days when you want something hearty and comforting without hovering over the stove. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll find out why it’s become a staple in my weekly meal rotation!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Hands-Off Cooking: Just set it in the crock pot and let the magic happen while you do other things.
  • Rich, Creamy Sauce: The sour cream and Parmesan blend creates a velvety sauce you’ll want to spoon up every time.
  • Simple Ingredients: No weird items here — just pantry staples and fresh herbs you likely already have.
  • Kid & Family Friendly: My family goes crazy for this dish, and I bet yours will too.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe brings together a fantastic flavor combo. I love how the sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy punch without overwhelming the creamy base. Plus, the herbs and spices keep everything balanced.

  • Chicken breasts: Skin-on or skinless — I usually go skinless for less fat, but it’s just as delicious either way.
  • Italian seasoning: Brings classic herb flavors that marry perfectly with the creamy sauce.
  • Salt and pepper: Simple, essential seasoning for flavor enhancement.
  • Unsalted butter: Adds richness; don’t skip this step for browning the chicken.
  • Olive oil: Helps the chicken get that golden crust; you can skip if you prefer.
  • White wine or chicken broth: Wine adds depth, but broth works just as well and keeps things simple.
  • Sun-dried tomatoes: I use drained ones for that sweet and tangy flavor burst.
  • Sweet paprika: Gives subtle smokiness and warmth.
  • Garlic granules: An easy substitute to fresh garlic with more consistent flavor.
  • Chicken bouillon: Boosts richness, especially if you use wine instead of broth.
  • Sour cream or heavy cream: The star of the sauce—go full-fat for the creamiest finish.
  • Cornstarch: Optional, if you want a thicker sauce; mix it with cold water before adding.
  • Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is best for that authentic savory touch.
  • Fresh parsley or basil: Adds freshness and a pop of color at the end.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I like to keep this recipe pretty classic, but sometimes I tweak it depending on what’s in the fridge or what mood I’m in. The crock pot is very forgiving, so feel free to experiment—your family will thank you!

  • Low Carb: Swap sun-dried tomatoes for fresh tomatoes and serve over cauliflower mash for a lighter option. I tried this during keto phases and loved that it still hit all the creamy, savory notes.
  • Dairy-Free: Replace sour cream with coconut cream and skip the Parmesan to suit dairy sensitivities. The coconut cream adds an interesting twist that’s surprisingly tasty.
  • Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne for heat. I once made this for a friend who loves spicy food and it was a hit!

How to Make Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Season and Brown the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken breasts gently with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. This adds a fragrant flavor base. Heat the butter and olive oil in a skillet or use your slow cooker’s browning function if it has one. I like to pan-fry the chicken skin-side down until it’s beautifully golden—this seals in juices and adds a layer of delicious flavor. Don’t skip this step even when you’re rushed; it really makes a difference.

Step 2: Add Liquids and Seasonings

Once browned, transfer the chicken to the crock pot if you browned it separately. Pour in the white wine mixed with water, or chicken broth if you prefer. Sprinkle in the paprika, garlic granules, chicken bouillon (if you’re using wine), and the diced sun-dried tomatoes. This combo gives the sauce its deeply layered savory character. My discovery here was the bouillon addition — it really balances the wine’s acidity.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 90 minutes to 2 hours. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to be perfectly cooked and juicy. I usually set a timer around the 90-minute mark and check tenderness — you don’t want to overcook or the chicken gets tough. A little patience here pays off so your chicken stays melt-in-your-mouth good.

Step 4: Finish with Cream and Cheese

About 10 minutes before you finish, if you want a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry to activate that lovely thickening magic. Then move the chicken aside in the pot and mix in the sour cream or heavy cream until it’s all silky smooth. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley last to brighten the flavors. This creamy sauce is the reason why so many people “marry” this recipe — it’s insanely good.

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Pro Tips for Making Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe

  • Don’t Skip Browning: Browning the chicken seals juices and adds caramelized flavor—trust me, it’s worth the extra few minutes.
  • Low, Slow, and Steady: Cooking on low heat keeps the chicken tender—high heat tends to dry it out.
  • Cornstarch Slurry Magic: Adding cornstarch at the end thickens your sauce perfectly—just mix well to avoid lumps!
  • Wine or Broth? I learned that if using wine, a bit of chicken bouillon really balances acidity and rounds out the flavor.

How to Serve Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe

The image shows four browned chicken pieces on a white and blue patterned oval plate. The chicken is covered in a creamy sauce with small orange mushroom pieces and sprinkled with green herbs. There is a silver spoon resting on the right side of the plate, partially covered in the sauce. The plate is placed on a light purple surface with a beige textured cloth on the top right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love finishing this dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil. It adds a refreshing pop and brightens those creamy flavors. Sometimes, I toss on extra Parmesan for an ooey-gooey finish—can’t resist that salty cheese hit!

Side Dishes

The rich sauce pairs beautifully with simple sides. I often serve this chicken over fluffy white rice, buttered noodles, or creamy mashed potatoes. For a lighter option, steamed green veggies or a crisp salad offer a perfect contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to plate the chicken with a little drizzle of the creamy sauce over a bed of risotto or polenta. Garnish with microgreens or edible flowers to impress guests. It’s surprisingly easy to make something that looks fancy straight from the crock pot!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I always separate the chicken from any sides to keep textures fresh. Make sure you cool the dish before refrigerating to keep that creamy sauce silky.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well without losing flavor. I portion it in freezer-safe containers, leaving out any fresh herbs which I add after reheating. When thawed, the sauce sometimes thickens up, so just stir in a splash of broth or cream to loosen it back up.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat to avoid curdling the cream. Adding a little bit of broth or water helps maintain sauce consistency. If short on time, the microwave works too—just cover loosely and stir halfway through.

FAQs

  1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe?

    Absolutely! Chicken thighs are even more forgiving and tend to stay juicy and tender during slow cooking. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if they’re bone-in. I sometimes switch to thighs when I want extra flavor and richness.

  2. Is it necessary to add white wine, or can I just use broth?

    You can definitely skip the white wine and use chicken broth alone. The wine adds an elegant depth, but broth keeps it simple and just as tasty. If using wine, adding chicken bouillon balances the acidity nicely, which I learned after a few tries.

  3. Can I make this recipe on high in the crock pot?

    I wouldn’t recommend cooking this on the high setting because it can make the chicken breast a bit tough and dry. Low and slow is the way to go for tender, juicy meat and that dreamy sauce.

  4. How can I thicken the sauce if I don’t have cornstarch?

    If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use a little flour or even xanthan gum as a thickener. Just mix with cold water before adding and stir well. Alternatively, reduce the liquid by leaving the lid slightly ajar at the end of cooking to thicken naturally.

  5. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

    Definitely! This Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe is great for meal prep because it stores well and reheats beautifully. Portion out for lunches or dinners during your busy week for a comforting, quick meal.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely love how this Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe simplifies dinner without sacrificing flavor. When I first tried it, I was amazed at how luscious the sauce became and how tender the chicken was—all with minimal effort. If you’re looking for a reliable, crowd-pleasing meal that you can set and forget, give this one a whirl. I promise you’ll be amazed at the results and your family might just start “proposing” to your cooking too!

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Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe

Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 120 reviews
  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Carb

Description

A creamy, flavorful slow cooker chicken dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich sauce of sun-dried tomatoes, white wine or chicken broth, and a luscious mix of sour cream and Parmesan cheese. This easy Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken recipe is perfect for a comforting weeknight meal served over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes.


Ingredients

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 4 chicken breasts, skin on or skinless
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking Base

  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp olive oil (optional)
  • ½ cup (120 ml) white wine + ½ cup water OR 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
  • 4 tbsp diced sun-dried tomatoes (drained)
  • 1 tsp sweet paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic granules
  • 1 tsp chicken bouillon (only if white wine is used)

Creamy Sauce

  • 1 cup (225 g) sour cream or heavy cream
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch diluted in 2 tbsp cold water (optional, to thicken sauce)
  • 2-3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp flat leaf parsley or fresh basil, chopped


Instructions

  1. Season the chicken: Sprinkle salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning evenly on all sides of the chicken breasts for flavorful meat.
  2. Browning the chicken: Heat the butter and olive oil in a pan or use the browning function of the slow cooker, then pan-fry the chicken skin side down until golden brown. This seals in juices and adds flavor.
  3. Prepare for slow cooking: Turn the chicken breasts over, then transfer them to the slow cooker if not already there. Pour in the white wine and water mixture or chicken broth. Add sweet paprika, garlic granules, chicken bouillon (if using wine), and sun-dried tomatoes on top of the chicken.
  4. Slow cook the chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 90 minutes to 2 hours until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), ensuring it is fully cooked and tender.
  5. Thicken the sauce (optional): About 10 minutes before the cooking ends, stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce. The heat will activate the cornstarch. If you are using sour cream, this step can be skipped.
  6. Finish the creamy sauce: Push the chicken to one side of the slow cooker, then stir in the sour cream or heavy cream until well combined. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley or basil, mixing them into the sauce for rich flavor.
  7. Serve: Serve the creamy chicken over rice, noodles, mashed potatoes, or your preferred side for a comforting meal.

Notes

  • It is recommended to cook this recipe on LOW setting to avoid tough chicken breasts.
  • Use full-fat sour cream or heavy cream for the best creamy texture.
  • If thickening the sauce, cornstarch slurry or xanthan gum can be used effectively.
  • When using white wine, add chicken bouillon powder or half a crumbled stock cube for enhanced flavor.
  • The recipe is low carb except for the sun-dried tomatoes; for a lower carb option, replace them with fresh tomatoes and serve with cauliflower mash or steamed greens.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
  • Calories: 400 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg

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