This Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken is a creamy, indulgent dish that’s both comforting and packed with flavor. The richness of heavy cream and Parmesan, combined with the deep umami of sun-dried tomatoes and aromatic herbs, creates a sauce that clings beautifully to tender, slow cooked chicken. Served over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice, this dish is an easy way to impress your loved ones with minimal effort.
The best part? It’s cooked entirely in the crock pot, letting the flavors meld together while you go about your day. The final touch of fresh spinach and basil adds a vibrant pop of color and freshness to balance the creamy sauce. Perfect for a cozy date night or a family meal, this dish lives up to its name you’ll definitely fall in love with every bite!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1 cup heavy cream
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1 cup chicken broth
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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1 teaspoon dried thyme
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½ teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
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2 tablespoons tomato paste
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2 tablespoons butter
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
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2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
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2 tablespoons water (if using cornstarch)
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Fresh basil for garnish
Directions:
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Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2 minutes per side until lightly golden.
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Transfer the seared chicken to the crock pot.
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In a bowl, whisk together heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
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Pour the sauce over the chicken in the crock pot. Add sun-dried tomatoes and tomato paste.
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Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender.
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If a thicker sauce is desired, mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl and stir into the crock pot 30 minutes before serving.
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Stir in the fresh spinach during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
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Garnish with fresh basil and serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 5 hours | Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
Calories: 380 kcal | Servings: 4
Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken: A Creamy, Irresistible Dish That Wins Hearts
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the rich, creamy goodness of Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken. This dish is more than just a delicious meal it’s a romantic culinary experience that has won the hearts (and taste buds) of food lovers everywhere. Whether you’re preparing a cozy dinner for two or a satisfying meal for the whole family, this recipe is sure to leave a lasting impression.
This slow-cooked masterpiece is a combination of tender, juicy chicken bathed in a savory Parmesan cream sauce, enhanced by the deep, rich flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and Italian herbs. It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to grab a fork and dive right in, and it’s incredibly easy to prepare thanks to the magic of a crock pot.
The Story Behind the Name
If you’re wondering how this dish got its intriguing name, the answer is simple it’s so delicious that it’s been jokingly said to inspire marriage proposals! While there’s no guarantee that serving this meal will result in a wedding ring, there’s no denying its irresistible flavor and comforting appeal. The combination of rich cream, melted Parmesan, and tangy sun dried tomatoes creates a sauce so luscious and decadent that one bite might just make you fall in love.
This dish is especially popular among couples looking for a romantic home cooked meal that feels as special as something you’d order at a fine dining restaurant. It’s a go to for date nights, anniversaries, and Valentine’s Day dinners, but it’s also simple enough to be enjoyed on any regular weeknight when you’re craving something extra indulgent.
Why Use a Crock Pot?
There’s something magical about slow cooking. Unlike traditional stovetop cooking, a crock pot allows the flavors to develop slowly over time, resulting in an ultra-tender chicken that practically melts in your mouth. The creamy sauce thickens and absorbs all the wonderful seasonings, creating a deeply flavorful and aromatic dish.
Here are a few reasons why Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is perfect for slow cooking:
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Effortless Preparation: Just sear the chicken, mix the ingredients, and let the crock pot do the work. You’ll have a gourmet-level dish with minimal effort.
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Enhanced Flavor: The slow cooking process allows the spices and herbs to infuse into the sauce, making every bite incredibly rich and flavorful.
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Convenience: Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just need an easy meal after a long day, the crock pot makes cooking stress free.
Flavor Profile and Ingredient Highlights
This dish is a beautiful balance of creamy, cheesy, and savory elements, making it a standout choice for those who love bold and indulgent flavors. Let’s break down the key components that make this recipe so special:
1. Chicken: The Heart of the Dish
Chicken breasts are commonly used for their lean, tender texture, but some variations use chicken thighs for extra juiciness. The crock pot ensures the chicken remains moist and flavorful, soaking up all the creamy sauce.
2. The Luxurious Parmesan Cream Sauce
The sauce is where the magic happens. A combination of heavy cream, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese creates a rich, velvety texture that coats the chicken beautifully. The garlic, onion, oregano, and thyme add depth, while a pinch of red pepper flakes provides just the right amount of heat to balance out the richness.
3. Sun-Dried Tomatoes: A Tangy Twist
Sun-dried tomatoes introduce a bold, slightly tangy flavor that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce. Their concentrated umami richness elevates the dish, adding an extra layer of complexity.
4. Spinach and Basil: Fresh and Vibrant
To lighten up the dish and add a pop of color, fresh spinach and basil are stirred in toward the end. They provide a slight earthiness and a hint of freshness that complements the rich, creamy base.
How to Serve Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken
One of the best things about this dish is its versatility. You can serve it with a variety of sides to suit different tastes and occasions. Here are some delicious serving ideas:
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Over Pasta: A bed of fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully.
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With Rice: A simple bowl of fluffy white or brown rice pairs perfectly with the flavorful sauce.
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Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes add even more richness to this comforting dish.
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Zucchini Noodles or Cauliflower Rice: For a lower-carb option, swap out traditional starches with veggie alternatives.
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Crusty Bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread is great for soaking up every last drop of sauce.
No matter how you choose to serve it, Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is guaranteed to be the star of the meal.
Tips for Making the Best Marry Me Chicken
To ensure that your dish turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
Sear the Chicken First: While not required, searing the chicken before slow cooking locks in the juices and enhances the flavor.
Adjust the Spice Level: If you love a little heat, feel free to increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-packaged Parmesan doesn’t melt as smoothly. Freshly grated cheese gives the sauce a silky, creamy texture.
Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Cooking on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours is ideal. Overcooking can dry out the chicken.
Make it Thicker: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with water and stir it in 30 minutes before serving.
Garnish for Extra Flavor: Fresh basil or parsley adds a vibrant finish and elevates the dish’s presentation.
Variations to Try
This dish is already amazing, but you can customize it to fit different dietary preferences and flavor preferences. Here are some fun variations:
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Keto-Friendly: Swap out the sun-dried tomatoes and use cream cheese instead of heavy cream for a lower-carb version.
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Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of heavy cream and Parmesan.
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Mushroom Lover’s Twist: Add sautéed mushrooms for an extra layer of umami.
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Extra Protein: Mix in some crisped pancetta or bacon for added richness.
Conclusion
Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is more than just a meal it’s an experience. With its creamy, garlicky, and cheesy sauce, tender chicken, and bold sun-dried tomato flavors, it’s the kind of dish that feels restaurant-worthy yet incredibly easy to make at home.
Whether you’re planning a special date night, impressing guests, or simply craving a comforting homemade dinner, this recipe will never disappoint. And while it might not lead to an actual marriage proposal, one thing is certain you’ll be saying “I do” to a second helping!
So grab your crock pot, gather your ingredients, and get ready to fall in love with one of the most flavorful chicken recipes out there. Happy cooking!