Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Recipe

Fall-in-Love Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Recipe for Cozy Nights

Tender chicken breasts simmering in a creamy parmesan marry me chicken recipe create an irresistible dinner that speaks straight to the heart.

Succulent pieces of chicken nestle in a luscious sauce that promises pure comfort and flavor.

The magic happens when simple ingredients combine with minimal effort, turning an ordinary weeknight meal into something extraordinary.

Aromatic herbs and rich parmesan cheese blend perfectly, infusing each bite with warmth and depth.

Creamy, indulgent, and packed with savory notes, this dish earns its romantic name through sheer deliciousness.

You’ll find yourself falling head over heels for this effortless yet impressive meal that comes together without hours of complicated preparation.

One forkful and you’ll understand why this chicken has the power to win anyone’s heart.

What’s to Love About an Easy Slow Cooker Meal

  • Simplify Cooking: Dump ingredients into slow cooker and walk away, perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious meals without constant monitoring.
  • Customize Easily: Versatile recipe allows serving over multiple bases like pasta, rice, or potatoes, making it adaptable for different family preferences.
  • Create Creamy Comfort: Rich, luxurious sauce with cream and parmesan transforms simple chicken into a restaurant-quality dish that feels indulgent and satisfying.
  • Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: Herb-infused chicken with sun-dried tomatoes delivers complex taste profiles without complicated cooking techniques, ideal for home chefs wanting impressive results.

Essential Ingredients for Slow Cooker Success

Main Protein:
  • Chicken: A tender and versatile protein that serves as the centerpiece of this slow cooker meal.
Herbs and Seasonings:
  • Salt, Pepper, Oregano, Thyme: A classic blend of seasonings that enhances the chicken's natural flavor and adds depth to the dish.
Liquid and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Broth: Provides moisture and helps tenderize the chicken during slow cooking.
  • Garlic: Adds a rich, aromatic flavor to the entire dish.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Brings a tangy and concentrated tomato flavor that complements the chicken.
Finishing Ingredients:
  • Cream, Parmesan: Creates a creamy and luxurious sauce that adds richness and complexity to the final dish.
  • Fresh Basil: Offers a bright, fresh garnish that provides a pop of color and herbaceous flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
  • Pasta, Rice, Potatoes: Versatile base options that can be paired with the slow-cooked chicken for a complete meal.

Easy Slow Cooker Meal – Set It and Forget It Steps

Easy Slow Cooker Meal – Set It and Forget It Steps

Step 1: Prep The Protein

Unwrap the chicken and nestle it comfortably inside your slow cooker.

Ensure the chicken sits flat and isn’t overlapping to promote even cooking.

  • Whole chicken
  • Chicken breasts
  • Chicken thighs

Select your preferred chicken cut for maximum flavor and tenderness.

Step 2: Create Flavor Profile

Sprinkle a delightful blend of seasonings across the chicken surface.

Each spice will infuse incredible depth and aroma.

  • Kosher salt
  • Black pepper
  • Dried oregano
  • Fresh thyme leaves

Distribute seasonings evenly for consistent taste in every bite.

Step 3: Introduce Liquid Companions

Pour aromatic liquids around the chicken to create a luxurious cooking environment.

  • Chicken broth
  • Minced garlic
  • Chopped sun-dried tomatoes

These ingredients will transform into a rich, velvety sauce during cooking.

Step 4: Slow Cook To Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and let magic happen.

Low and slow ensures tender, juicy results.

Cook on low setting for 4-5 hours or high setting for 2-3 hours until chicken reaches safe internal temperature.

Step 5: Enhance With Creamy Finesse

During the final cooking stage, introduce dairy elements to elevate the sauce’s texture and richness.

  • Heavy cream
  • Grated parmesan cheese

Add these ingredients 30 minutes before completion for a silky, luxurious finish.

Step 6: Create Smooth Consistency

Gently stir the ingredients, allowing the cream and cheese to blend seamlessly into a luscious sauce.

Step 7: Add Fresh Finishing Touch

Sprinkle freshly chopped basil leaves across the dish for a burst of color and herbaceous brightness.

Step 8: Serve With Delicious Companions

Present your masterpiece atop your favorite base for a complete meal.

Slow Cooker Tips for Effortless Dinners

  • Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for even cooking and easier shredding.
  • Add just enough broth to prevent drying out while keeping the chicken tender and juicy.
  • Toast herbs like oregano and thyme before adding to enhance their aromatic qualities and intensify taste.
  • Temper cream by adding a small amount of hot liquid before mixing to avoid curdling and ensure smooth sauce.
  • Swap pasta with zucchini noodles for a low-carb version or use quinoa for a protein-packed alternative.

Slow Cooker Meal: Delicious Variations to Try

  • Dairy-Free Delight: Replace cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan for a vegan-friendly version.
  • Spicy Southwest Swap: Add chili powder, cumin, and jalapeños for a Mexican-inspired flavor profile with a kick.
  • Mediterranean Herb Makeover: Incorporate rosemary, mint, and lemon zest to enhance the Mediterranean taste, using Greek yogurt as a cream alternative.
  • Protein Power Boost: Substitute chicken with turkey or lean pork for a different protein option while maintaining the same cooking method.

How to Serve Up a Slow Cooker Meal for Family

  • Cozy Comfort Plate: Serve this rich, creamy chicken over a bed of soft, fluffy rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
  • Herb Garden Delight: Sprinkle extra fresh basil and grated parmesan on top for a burst of fresh, aromatic flavors that elevate the entire dish.
  • Rustic Bread Companion: Pair with crusty garlic bread or toasted ciabatta to help mop up every last drop of the luxurious sun-dried tomato cream sauce.
  • Veggie Side Harmony: Add a simple green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus or broccoli to balance the creamy chicken and create a complete, nutritious meal.

Storage Solutions for Slow Cooker Leftovers

  • Store remaining chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor retention.
  • Transfer cooled chicken to freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags, keeping for 2-3 months; label with date and contents for easy tracking.
  • Warm refrigerated chicken in microwave with a splash of broth to prevent drying, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly.
  • Use glass or ceramic containers with tight-fitting lids to maintain moisture and prevent contamination when storing cooked chicken.

FAQs

  • What cuts of chicken work best for this slow cooker recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are ideal. They remain tender and absorb flavors well during slow cooking.

  • Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh ones?

Yes, dried herbs work perfectly. Use about one-third the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh herbs to maintain balanced flavor.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

The basic recipe is gluten-free. Just ensure your broth and cream are certified gluten-free if you have dietary restrictions.

  • How can I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Keep the chicken submerged in liquid, avoid overcooking, and add cream in the last 30 minutes to maintain moisture and tenderness.

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Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Recipe

Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Recipe


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4.9 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Creamy, herb-infused marry me chicken promises romantic dinner magic in your slow cooker. Rich parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and tender chicken create an irresistible meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Dairy:

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

Herbs, Spices, and Additional Ingredients:

  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

  1. Position the chicken evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker, ensuring no overlapping.
  2. Generously sprinkle dried herbs and seasonings over the entire chicken surface, creating a uniform coating.
  3. Pour broth carefully around the chicken, allowing liquid to settle without disturbing the seasoning layer.
  4. Distribute minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes across and around the chicken pieces for balanced flavor distribution.
  5. Cover slow cooker and set temperature to low, allowing chicken to simmer gently for 4-5 hours until meat becomes tender and fully cooked.
  6. During the final 30 minutes of cooking, gently pour cream and sprinkle parmesan cheese over the chicken, letting ingredients meld together.
  7. Softly stir the developing sauce, encouraging ingredients to combine and create a rich, creamy consistency.
  8. Once sauce reaches desired thickness, remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes.
  9. Delicately garnish with freshly chopped basil leaves for a vibrant, aromatic finish.
  10. Plate the chicken over your preferred accompaniment like pasta, rice, or roasted potatoes, ensuring each serving includes sauce and herbs.

Notes

  • Ensure chicken is fully thawed before slow cooking to prevent uneven heating and potential bacterial growth.
  • Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or Greek yogurt for a lighter, dairy-free alternative that maintains creamy texture.
  • Pat chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning to help spices adhere better and promote more even browning.
  • Reduce sodium by using low-sodium broth and monitoring salt content in added ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 16 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg
Nathaniel Brooks

Nathaniel Brooks

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Culinary storytelling

Education

Ivy Tech Community College – Indianapolis, IN
Culinary Arts / Hospitality Administration & Events
Focused on hands-on training in classical and modern culinary techniques. ​


Nathaniel’s story starts in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, where farm stands, backyard gardens, and old family recipes shaped his love for real food. After graduating from Ivy Tech Community College in Indianapolis, he spent years working in farm-to-table kitchens, learning how to turn local, seasonal ingredients into something memorable.
Today, Nathaniel pours that same spirit into every single recipe on Aspiring Culinarian – recipes that feel real, comforting, and connected to the land. When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll find him foraging wild herbs, chasing sunsets with his camera, or writing about the flavors that shaped his roots.

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