Simple Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken – Perfect for Dinner Tonight

Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is the perfect easy dinner recipe that feels special without the fuss. This slow cooker dish is loved for its rich, creamy sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, creating a flavor combination so good it lives up to its romantic name. What makes this recipe ideal is how simple it is: you add all the ingredients to your crock pot in the morning, and by dinner time, you have tender, juicy chicken with a luscious sauce ready to enjoy.

Unlike traditional recipes that use wine for depth, this version replaces alcohol with chicken broth and a splash of balsamic vinegar to keep the dish flavorful and family-friendly. The slow cooker allows the chicken to soak in the sauce over several hours, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s perfect over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. Whether you’re cooking for family, a date night, or meal prepping, this recipe is reliable, comforting, and impressive—all at the same time.

Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is a favorite because it’s incredibly easy and packed with flavor. The slow cooker does all the work, making the chicken tender and juicy without any extra effort. The sauce is creamy and tangy with sun-dried tomatoes adding a subtle sweetness, garlic for depth, and Parmesan cheese for a rich, nutty finish. Balsamic vinegar replaces the typical wine, adding a bright note that balances the creaminess without any alcohol.

This dish is versatile, pairing wonderfully with pasta, rice, or vegetables, and it tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, casual dinners, or even entertaining guests because it feels special yet is so simple to prepare. If you want a comforting meal that doesn’t require standing over the stove, this recipe is a must-try.

What You’ll Need

To make Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that combine for rich flavor and creamy texture. Start with 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts—these cook tender and soak up the sauce perfectly. For the sauce, gather 1 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed works best), 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth as the cooking liquid.

Instead of wine, we use 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar for a subtle tang that brightens the dish without alcohol. To make the sauce creamy and indulgent, you’ll add 1 cup heavy cream and ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, which gives a salty, nutty finish. Season with 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil and oregano), plus salt and pepper to taste.

For garnish, fresh parsley or basil adds a pop of color and freshness. You’ll also want to have some pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes ready to serve this saucy chicken over, making a complete meal.

How to Make Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

Here’s the easy step-by-step:

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5–2 lbs)
• 1 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (drained if oil-packed)
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Place chicken breasts in slow cooker.
2. Mix sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, chicken broth, balsamic vinegar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Pour mixture over chicken.
4. Cook on low 4–6 hours or high 2–3 hours until chicken is tender.
5. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese about 30 minutes before done. Cover and cook on low to thicken sauce.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning.
7. Serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with parsley or basil.

This simple method delivers creamy, flavorful chicken with minimal prep and hands-off cooking.

You Must Know

Before you start making Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken, keep a few things in mind to get the best results. Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for lean meat, or chicken thighs if you want juicier, more tender pieces—just watch cooking times so they don’t overcook. For the best flavor, use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes; if you only have dry-packed, soak them in warm water first.

Seasoning is important since slow cookers can dull flavors. Be generous with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning at the start. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil added at the end will brighten the dish.

Add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese late—about 30 minutes before the end—so the sauce stays creamy and smooth. Adding them too early can cause curdling or separation.

Every slow cooker cooks differently, so check the chicken around 4 hours on low or 2 hours on high to avoid overcooking.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

For the best Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken, place chicken evenly in the slow cooker and pour the sauce mixture over it to coat all pieces. Cooking on low heat for 4 to 6 hours gives tender chicken and rich flavors. High heat works if you’re short on time, but watch carefully to prevent dryness.

Add the cream and Parmesan cheese about 30 minutes before the end. Keep the lid on during cooking to maintain heat and moisture.

Once the chicken reaches 165°F internally, stir gently and taste the sauce. If it’s too thin, remove the chicken and simmer the sauce on the stovetop to thicken.

Avoid lifting the lid frequently to keep cooking times consistent and the chicken juicy.

Add Your Touch Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is easy to customize. For some heat, add red pepper flakes or cayenne. Fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary stirred in at the end add great flavor. Toss in chopped spinach or kale near the finish for extra nutrition and color.

You can lighten the dish by swapping heavy cream for half-and-half or milk, or go dairy-free with coconut milk or cashew cream—just skip or substitute the Parmesan. Adding mushrooms or bell peppers at the start adds texture and flavor. Try chicken thighs for juicier meat or turkey breast for a leaner option.

Serve it over mashed cauliflower for a low-carb meal, or on crusty bread for a comforting twist.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. The sauce thickens when cold, so add a splash of chicken broth or milk before reheating. Microwave in short bursts or warm gently on the stove, stirring often.

Find your new favorite recipe here.

You can freeze leftovers up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat with a bit of cream or broth to restore creaminess. Proper storage keeps your Marry Me Chicken tasty and ready for busy days.

Chef’s Helpful Tips for Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

To get the best results with Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken, start by seasoning your chicken well before cooking. Salt and pepper help build flavor, and don’t forget the Italian seasoning or dried herbs for added depth. Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for a richer taste; if using dry-packed, soak them first.

Explore more comforting recipes made easy.

Keep the slow cooker lid closed during cooking to maintain heat and moisture. Opening the lid frequently can increase cooking time and dry out the chicken. When adding the cream and Parmesan, do it late—about 30 minutes before serving—to avoid curdling and keep the sauce silky.

If the sauce seems thin at the end, remove the chicken and simmer the sauce on the stove to thicken it. Always check the chicken’s internal temperature; it should reach 165°F to be safely cooked.

For a smoother sauce, you can blend part of the sun-dried tomato mixture before adding the cream. Lastly, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for color and freshness.

FAQ for Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes! Thighs are juicier and may cook faster, so check for doneness earlier.

Q: Can I make this recipe without dairy?
A: Absolutely. Use coconut milk or cashew cream and a dairy-free cheese alternative.

Discover more family favorites you’ll love.

Q: What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
A: You can substitute with cherry tomatoes or omit them, though the flavor will be different.

Q: Can I prepare this in an Instant Pot?
A: Yes, cook the chicken on high pressure for about 10 minutes, then add cream and cheese after releasing pressure.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Refrigerate in an airtight container for 3-4 days or freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently with added broth if sauce thickens.

Conclusion

Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is a simple, delicious recipe that brings rich, creamy flavors with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or special dinners, it uses everyday ingredients to create a comforting meal without any alcohol. The slow cooker makes the chicken tender while the sauce, packed with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan, delivers plenty of flavor.

This dish is easy to customize and pairs well with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. Leftovers store and reheat beautifully, making it great for meal prep. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced cook, this recipe is a dependable crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a favorite.