Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken
Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken — a creamy, savory slow-cooked dish that somehow lives up to its swoon-worthy name. This friendly, comforting recipe delivers tender chicken breasts bathed in a rich sun-dried tomato and Parmesan sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or low-effort dinner parties. For a complete reference and extra photos, check the detailed Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken post.
Why make this recipe
If you’re tired of juggling multiple pans on weeknights or serving dry, overcooked chicken, this recipe solves both problems — set it and forget it, and come back to succulent chicken in a velvety sauce. The slow cooker concentrates flavors from sun-dried tomatoes and garlic while the cream, cream cheese, and Parmesan create a luscious finish that feels special without fuss. It’s a reliable crowd-pleaser that pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken
Ingredients
- 1.5–2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 4 large breasts)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (for initial seasoning)
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (drained if packed in oil)
- 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning (for sauce)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for sauce)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder (for sauce)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2–3 cups fresh spinach (baby spinach)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread for serving
Directions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If any breasts are very thick, butterfly them (slice through horizontally almost to the edge and open) or pound them to roughly 1-inch thickness so they cook evenly. In a small bowl combine 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning. Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with this mix.
- Sear the Chicken (Optional but recommended): Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the seasoned chicken and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until the exterior is golden-brown — this step adds flavor and color but can be skipped when short on time. Transfer seared (or raw) chicken breasts to the slow cooker in a single layer.
- Prepare the Sun-Dried Tomatoes: If using sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drain them and reserve about 2 tablespoons of that oil for extra flavor. Thinly slice or chop the drained tomatoes and scatter them evenly over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- Whisk the Creamy Sauce Base: In a medium mixing bowl whisk together 1 cup chicken broth, 1 cup heavy cream, the 2 tablespoons reserved sun-dried tomato oil (or extra olive oil), 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Pour Sauce Over Chicken: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken and sun-dried tomatoes in the slow cooker so each breast is well coated. Use a spoon to distribute tomatoes over the top and tuck any spillage into the sides for even flavor.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or on HIGH for 2–3 hours. Cooking on low yields the best texture and a deeper melding of flavors. The chicken should be fork-tender and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Incorporate Cream Cheese and Parmesan: Once the chicken is cooked, add the 4 ounces of softened cream cheese (cubed) and ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese directly to the slow cooker. Stir gently until the cheeses melt into the sauce and it becomes smooth, rich, and thick. Taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper as needed — remember Parmesan adds saltiness.
- Add Fresh Spinach: Add 2–3 cups fresh baby spinach to the hot sauce and stir until wilted and glossy, about 2–3 minutes. The spinach will add color, a nutritional boost, and a mild vegetal note that balances the richness.
- Shred or Serve Whole: Remove the chicken breasts to a cutting board. Option A: Shred the meat with two forks, then return it to the slow cooker and toss with the creamy sauce for an even, saucy finish perfect for mixing with pasta. Option B: Serve the breasts whole, spooning sauce and spinach over each piece for a plated presentation.
- Garnish and Serve: Ladle generous portions of chicken and sauce onto plates, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, and serve over cooked pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or alongside crusty bread to soak up every last bit.
Cooking notes and timing tips
- If you skip searing, increase flavor by using the reserved sun-dried tomato oil in the sauce.
- Thicker chicken breasts will need the full time on low to ensure tenderness.
- The sauce will thicken as it cools; if it becomes too thick, thin with a splash of chicken broth or cream when reheating.
Best Way to Store Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate at 40°F (4°C) or below for up to 3–4 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, place cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag and freeze at 0°F (-18°C) for up to 3 months.
- Cooling: Cool to room temperature for no more than 2 hours before refrigerating or freezing to keep it safe.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Add a little broth or cream if the sauce has thickened.
Serving Suggestions for Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken
- Classic Pasta: Toss shredded chicken and sauce with cooked fettuccine or penne, then sprinkle extra Parmesan and fresh parsley on top.
- Over Rice: Spoon the creamy chicken over steamed jasmine or basmati rice — the rice soaks up the sauce beautifully.
- Mashed Potatoes: Serve a whole breast over a pile of buttery mashed potatoes for a hearty, comforting plate.
- Bread for Dipping: Place the chicken and sauce in a shallow bowl with slices of crusty baguette for rustic dipping.
- Lighter Option: Serve a smaller portion over roasted vegetables or a bed of cauliflower rice to reduce carbs without losing flavor.
Tips to Make Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken
- Season early: Pat chicken dry and season well — a good initial seasoning ensures flavor through the meat.
- Don’t overcook: Cook on low when possible (3–4 hours) for the best tender texture; high heat can dry the edges.
- Use full-fat dairy: Heavy cream and cream cheese give a superior texture and prevent curdling when reheated.
- Reserve tomato oil: If your sun-dried tomatoes come in oil, save a little to boost sauce flavor.
- Adjust heat: Add red pepper flakes to taste, or omit for a milder family-friendly version.
Variations and Substitutions
- Dairy-free variation: Substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use dairy-free cream cheese and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan. Note: flavor will shift but texture remains creamy.
- Chicken thighs: Swap breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer richer flavor and even more forgiving texture. Cooking times are similar; thighs may stay moister.
- Vegetarian twist: Use large, firm tofu or thick slices of roasted portobello mushrooms and extend cooking time only as needed — add cooked protein to the warm sauce to absorb flavor.
FAQs
Q: How do I keep the chicken moist?
A: Cook on LOW if you can, and pull the chicken as soon as it’s tender. Returning shredded chicken to the sauce keeps it from drying out.
Q: Can I make this on the stove instead of a slow cooker?
A: Yes — sear the chicken in a skillet, then simmer covered in the sauce on low heat for 20–30 minutes or until cooked through; finish by stirring in cream cheese and Parmesan.
Q: Is it safe to freeze the chicken with the cream sauce?
A: Yes, but dairy sauces can separate slightly after freezing. Reheat gently and whisk in a bit of extra cream or broth to reincorporate the sauce.
What if you have dietary concerns?
- Low-sodium: Use low-sodium chicken broth and reduce added salt. Taste before seasoning at the end.
- Lower-fat: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce cream cheese to 2 oz, understanding the sauce will be thinner and less rich.
More on technique
- Searing: While optional, searing adds Maillard flavor that lifts the whole dish. Use high heat and a well-seasoned pan — don’t crowd the chicken.
- Cheese incorporation: Use softened cream cheese cubed into small pieces; it will melt faster and more evenly into the sauce. Grated Parmesan blends better than powdered for texture.
Meal planning and make-ahead ideas
- Double it: This recipe freezes well; make a double batch and freeze individual portions for future quick dinners.
- Prep the night before: Season the chicken and chop sun-dried tomatoes and spinach the night before. In the morning, assemble the slow cooker and pop it on low.
- Use leftovers creatively: Stir leftover chicken into an omelet, fold into a baked pasta casserole, or use as a sandwich filling with arugula.
Troubleshooting common problems
- Sauce too thin: Stir in extra Parmesan or a small slurry of cornstarch and cold water, then simmer briefly to thicken.
- Sauce too thick: Thin with a splash of chicken broth or cream while reheating.
- Bland flavor: Add a splash of lemon juice or a pinch more salt; acid brightens the richness.
Final thoughts
Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is a deceptively simple slow-cooker recipe that yields restaurant-worthy results with minimal hands-on time. It’s flexible, forgiving, and perfect for both cozy family dinners and small gatherings where you want the meal to feel special without stress.
Conclusion
If you’d like a visual walkthrough and another variation to compare, take a look at this Easy Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Recipe which offers step photos and extra tips. For another trusted crockpot version and serving ideas, this Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken – The Country Cook page is a helpful companion.
Print
Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken
- Total Time: 255 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Contains Dairy
Description
A creamy, savory slow-cooked dish featuring tender chicken breasts in a rich sun-dried tomato and Parmesan sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or effortless dinner parties.
Ingredients
- 1.5–2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 4 large breasts)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (for initial seasoning)
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (drained if packed in oil)
- 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning (for sauce)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for sauce)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder (for sauce)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh spinach (2–3 cups baby spinach)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Cooked pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for serving
Instructions
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown (optional).
- Place seasoned chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- Prepare sun-dried tomatoes and scatter over chicken.
- Whisk together chicken broth, heavy cream, reserved sun-dried tomato oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes in a bowl.
- Pour sauce over chicken and tomatoes in slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours.
- Add cream cheese and Parmesan to the slow cooker and stir until melted.
- Add fresh spinach and stir until wilted.
- Remove chicken and either shred or serve whole, garnished with parsley.
Notes
This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or crusty bread. Skipping the searing step can still yield delicious results; use reserved sun-dried tomato oil in the sauce for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: slow cooker, chicken, creamy sauce, dinner party, easy recipe
