Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

This Crockpot Marry Me Chicken recipe is a creamy, flavorful dish that has become a favorite comfort meal for busy weeknights. It combines simple ingredients with a touch of elegance, making it perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions. The slow cooker does most of the work, allowing the chicken to soak up a rich sauce packed with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh herbs, and parmesan.

I first made this during a hectic week when I needed a fuss-free yet tasty meal. Now it’s a go-to recipe whenever I want comforting food with little effort.

Ingredients

• Chicken breast: one and a half pounds for tender and lean protein try to pick evenly sized pieces for uniform cooking
• Salt: enhances flavor use kosher or sea salt for better texture
• Pepper: fresh ground black pepper adds a subtle heat
• Olive oil: a tablespoon ensures a good sear and depth of flavor extra virgin is best if you can
• Garlic: four cloves minced for aromatic sweetness fresh garlic is key to maximizing flavor
• Chicken broth: one cup adds moisture and savory background low sodium lets you control saltiness
• Heavy cream: half a cup provides richness and smooth texture choose a good quality brand
• Cornstarch: two tablespoons used as a slurry to thicken the sauce nicely
• Sun-dried tomatoes: half a cup sliced contribute intense umami and slight acidity look for ones packed in oil if possible
• Fresh thyme: four sprigs aromatic herb that complements the tomatoes and chicken beautifully
• Red pepper flakes: half a teaspoon add gentle heat adjust based on your spice preference
• Parmesan cheese: quarter cup grated brings nutty saltiness and melts into the sauce
• Basil: eight leaves julienned for fresh bright finish

Instructions

Sear the Chicken:

Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet on medium-high heat. Place chicken in the pan and cook each side for about four minutes until golden brown. Transfer the chicken into the crockpot to create a flavorful base.

Cook the Garlic and Deglaze:

Add the minced garlic to the hot skillet and cook just for one minute to release its aroma but not burn. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom—this builds depth in the sauce.

Prepare the Creamy Sauce:

In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and cornstarch until fully combined. Stir this mixture into the skillet and simmer for two minutes until it thickens slightly, forming a creamy base for the dish.

Combine Ingredients in Crockpot:

Pour the thickened cream mixture over the chicken in the crockpot. Add the sliced sun-dried tomatoes, fresh thyme sprigs, and red pepper flakes. This combination infuses the chicken with layers of flavor during slow cooking.

Cook Until Tender:

Set your crockpot to low and cook for five to six hours or choose high for three to four hours. This slow simmering tenderizes the chicken and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Finish and Serve:

When cooking time is up, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce until melted and creamy. Sprinkle the julienned basil leaves on top for an herby and fresh touch before serving.

One of my favorite parts of this dish is the way the parmesan melts into the sauce creating a silky creaminess that brings everything together. I remember making it for a friend’s dinner party, and everyone kept asking for the recipe because it tasted fancy but was so simple.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat to avoid breaking the sauce. This dish also freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have chicken breast, boneless skinless thighs work beautifully and add extra juiciness. You can swap heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free option, though the flavor will be different. Fresh thyme can be substituted with dried thyme but use about half as much since it’s more concentrated.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this creamy chicken with steamed rice or buttered pasta to soak up the sauce. A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables provide a nice texture contrast. Garlic bread works wonderfully to mop up any leftover sauce on the plate.

Seasonal Adaptations

In summer, add fresh cherry tomatoes instead of sun-dried for a lighter twist. During colder months, stir in some sautéed mushrooms to make the dish extra hearty. Fresh herbs like basil can be swapped for rosemary or oregano depending on what’s available.

This recipe balances ease and elegance perfectly, making it a go-to for both busy nights and special occasions.

FAQs about Recipes

→ What cut of chicken is best for this dish?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are used to ensure even cooking and tenderness.

→ Can I substitute sun-dried tomatoes?

Yes, roasted red peppers or fresh cherry tomatoes can provide a similar sweet and tangy flavor.

→ How long should I cook on low versus high?

Cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours to achieve tender chicken.

→ What thickens the creamy sauce?

Cornstarch mixed with heavy cream creates a smooth, velvety texture for the sauce.

→ How can I add more heat to the dish?

Increasing the amount of red pepper flakes will give the dish a spicier kick.