My kitchen often feels like a whirlwind of activity, especially on weeknights. Between work, errands, and everything else, sometimes the thought of preparing an elaborate dinner is just too much. That’s why when I first stumbled upon the concept of “Marry Me Chicken,” I was instantly intrigued. And then, when I found out you could make it in a crockpot? Game. Changer. This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s a promise of deliciousness with minimal effort, and I’m thrilled to share why it’s become a staple in my home.
Why you’ll love this dish
There’s a reason this recipe has such an endearing name. It’s the kind of meal that makes people fall in love – with your cooking, with the flavors, and perhaps even with you! Here are five compelling reasons why Crockpot Marry Me Chicken deserves a spot on your dinner rotation tonight:
- Effortless Elegance: The crockpot does 90% of the work. You get to present a dish that tastes like it simmered for hours with complex flavors, but required minimal hands-on time.
- Irresistibly Creamy & Tender: Slow cooking chicken results in unbelievably tender, pull-apart meat. Paired with a rich, creamy sauce, it’s pure comfort in every bite.
- Flavor Fusion: Sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese create a symphony of savory, tangy, and aromatic notes that are deeply satisfying.
- Family Favorite: This dish is a crowd-pleaser for all ages. The rich, non-spicy flavors appeal to even picky eaters, making dinner negotiations a thing of the past.
- Versatile & Adaptable: While phenomenal as is, it’s also incredibly easy to customize with different vegetables or serving options, meaning you can make it feel fresh every time.
> “I made this Crockpot Marry Me Chicken last week and my husband absolutely raved about it! He even asked if we could have it again for dinner the very next night. It was so easy, and the chicken was incredibly tender. Definitely a keeper!” – A Happy Home Cook
How this recipe comes together
The beauty of Crockpot Marry Me Chicken lies in its simplicity. You’ll start by quickly searing the chicken, which isn’t strictly necessary but adds a lovely depth of flavor and color. After that, everything moves into the slow cooker where the magic happens. You’ll combine all your sauce ingredients, nestle the chicken in, and let time and low heat transform them into a tender, flavorful masterpiece. A final stir-in of cream and Parmesan at the end brings it all together into that signature rich and luscious sauce.
Gather these items
To create this delightful Crockpot Marry Me Chicken, you’ll need the following:
- Chicken Thighs: 2 lbs boneless, skinless, trimmed (thighs stay moist and tender in the slow cooker, but breasts can also work)
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon
- Garlic: 4-5 cloves, minced
- Chicken Broth: 1 cup, low sodium
- Sun-dried Tomatoes: 1/2 cup, packed in oil, drained and chopped (reserving a little oil for sautéing adds flavor)
- Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup grated, plus more for serving
- Italian Seasoning: 1 tablespoon
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for a subtle kick)
- Fresh Spinach: 2 cups, packed (adds color and nutrients)
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste
- Fresh Parsley or Basil: For garnish (optional)
Directions to follow
Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps for your delectable Crockpot Marry Me Chicken:
- Prep the Chicken: Pat your chicken thighs dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Sear (Optional but Recommended): Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the chicken thighs for 3-4 minutes per side until lightly golden brown. This step builds flavor; transfer to your slow cooker.
- Combine Ingredients in Crockpot: Add the minced garlic, chicken broth, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the slow cooker with the seared chicken. Stir gently to combine.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours, or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds. Cooking times can vary slightly depending on your slow cooker.
- Finish the Sauce: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and set aside (you can shred it now or after adding it back). Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce in the crockpot. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Add Spinach and Chicken: Stir in the fresh spinach until it wilts, which should only take a few minutes in the warm sauce. Return the chicken (shredded or whole) to the slow cooker and stir to coat.
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, and serve hot.
What to serve it with
Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. To truly showcase its creamy, rich sauce, consider some of these suggestions:
- Pasta: Serve it over cooked spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne for a hearty and classic combination. The sauce clings beautifully to pasta.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Soft, fluffy mashed potatoes are a perfect bed for absorbing all that delicious sauce.
- Fluffy Rice: White or brown rice can also soak up the flavors, providing a comforting and filling meal.
- Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty baguette is ideal for dipping into the remaining sauce – don’t let a drop go to waste!
- Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed asparagus, green beans, or broccoli offer a fresh contrast to the rich chicken and add a boost of greens.
- Simple Side Salad: A fresh, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette can cut through the richness and balance the meal.
Keeping leftovers fresh
This dish actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld!
- Storage: Once cooled completely, transfer any leftover Crockpot Marry Me Chicken (chicken and sauce together) to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You might need to add a splash of chicken broth or a tablespoon of cream to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. You can also microwave it, but be sure to stir halfway through and avoid overheating, which can make the chicken tough.
- Freezing: While technically possible, dishes with heavy cream don’t always fare well when frozen and reheated, as the sauce can separate or become grainy. If you do choose to freeze, store in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Helpful cooking tips
To ensure your Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is absolutely perfect every time, keep these pointers in mind:
- Don’t Skip the Sear (if you have time): While optional, searing the chicken thighs before adding them to the slow cooker adds a wonderful depth of flavor and a nicer color that you won’t get from just slow cooking.
- Trim the Chicken: Make sure to trim any excess fat from your chicken thighs. This prevents the sauce from becoming too greasy.
- Consistency is Key: If your sauce seems too thin after adding the cream and Parmesan, you can create a slurry with a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of cold water, then stir it into the hot sauce and cook for a few more minutes until thickened.
- Freshly Grated Parmesan: Always opt for freshly grated Parmesan cheese over pre-shredded. Not only does it melt much more smoothly, but it also provides a superior flavor.
- Taste and Adjust: Before serving, always taste the sauce. Add more salt, pepper, or even a pinch more Italian seasoning if you feel it needs it. A tiny splash of lemon juice can also brighten the flavors.
Recipe variations
While the classic Marry Me Chicken is undeniably delicious, there are numerous ways to put your own spin on it and cater to different tastes or dietary needs:
- Spice It Up: If you love a bit more heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper with the Italian seasoning.
- Veggie Boost: Stir in other quick-cooking vegetables like sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or artichoke hearts along with the spinach.
- Herb Swap: Experiment with different fresh herbs. Fresh basil or oregano can be lovely additions.
- Lighter Option: For a slightly lighter sauce, you could use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the sauce might not be as rich.
- Dairy-Free: To make this dairy-free, use full-fat canned coconut milk or a dairy-free cream substitute, and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a cheesy flavor. Just be mindful of how certain dairy-free creams hold up to slow cooking.
- Protein Swap: While chicken thighs are ideal for slow cooking, you could use boneless, skinless chicken breasts (they may cook a bit faster, so adjust accordingly). Pork tenderloin could also work for a different flavor profile.
Common questions
How long does it take for chicken thighs to cook in a crockpot?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs typically take 3-4 hours on LOW or 2-3 hours on HIGH in a slow cooker, depending on their size and the specific crockpot. You’ll know they’re done when they are cooked through and can be easily shredded with a fork.
Can I use frozen chicken?
While it’s generally recommended to use thawed chicken for best results and food safety, if you must use frozen chicken, it will significantly increase the cooking time. Ensure your slow cooker heats quickly enough to bring the chicken to a safe temperature within a reasonable timeframe. Always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches at least 165°F (74°C). Adding frozen chicken can also dilute the sauce.
What if my sauce is too thick or too thin?
If your sauce is too thick, simply stir in a tablespoon or two of chicken broth or heavy cream until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, you can either cook it uncovered on high for a little longer (if your slow cooker allows), or, as mentioned in the tips, create a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp cold water) and stir it into the hot sauce until it thickens.
Classic Creamy Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
Equipment
- Paper towels
- Large skillet
- Slow cooker
- Two forks
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained and chopped
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 1 cup chicken broth low sodium preferred
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus more for garnish
- 1/2 cup heavy cream optional, or more broth
- Fresh basil or parsley, finely chopped for garnish
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Cooking Steps
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season them generously with salt and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly golden; this step is optional but recommended.
- Place either the seared or raw chicken breasts into the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Sprinkle the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using) over the chicken, then pour in the chicken broth.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 3-4 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
- Remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker, shred it using two forks, and then return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
- Add the softened cream cheese cubes and grated Parmesan cheese to the slow cooker, and stir in the heavy cream if you are using it.
- Stir everything until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth, then let it cook for another 15-20 minutes on HIGH to thicken slightly.
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings like salt, pepper, or additional Italian seasoning as needed.
- Garnish the dish with fresh basil or parsley and serve hot.