The Ultimate Crock Pot “Marry Me” Chicken: A Comfort Food Classic with Irresistible Flavor
When a dish gets the nickname “Marry Me Chicken,” it’s safe to say it’s delicious enough to prompt a proposal. But when you combine this dish with the ease and depth of flavor from a crock pot, what you get is pure culinary magic. This is the kind of meal that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor, perfect for weeknights, romantic dinners, or impressing guests without breaking a sweat.
Why Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is So Popular
This viral recipe is beloved for a few standout reasons:
- Rich, creamy, and flavorful sauce
- Tender, slow-cooked chicken
- One-pot simplicity
- Crowd-pleasing appeal
It’s the ultimate dump-and-go meal that will make your kitchen smell amazing and have your family begging for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this irresistible dish, you’ll need the following pantry staples and fresh items:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for juicier meat)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning, optional)
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional but adds a kick)
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or cornstarch slurry (optional, for thickening)
To Finish:
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)
- Extra Parmesan for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions: Crock Pot Style
1. Prepare Your Chicken
Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. For extra flavor, sear the chicken in a hot skillet with olive oil for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. This step is optional but adds a layer of depth.
2. Mix the Creamy Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine:
- Heavy cream
- Chicken broth
- Parmesan
- Garlic
- Italian seasoning
- Red pepper flakes
- Sun-dried tomatoes
Stir until fully incorporated.
3. Layer It in the Crock Pot
Place the chicken breasts in the crock pot. Pour the creamy mixture over the top. Make sure the chicken is mostly submerged.
4. Slow Cook to Perfection
Set your slow cooker to:
- LOW for 5–6 hours, or
- HIGH for 3–4 hours
Avoid overcooking—once the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F, it’s ready.
5. Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
If the sauce is too thin for your liking:
- Mix 2 tablespoons of flour or cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water.
- Stir into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Let it bubble and thicken naturally.
6. Serve and Garnish
Once done, shred the chicken gently with forks or serve whole. Garnish with fresh herbs and shaved Parmesan for that restaurant-worthy finish.
Best Ways to Serve Marry Me Chicken
This creamy, cheesy chicken dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are a few favorites:
1. Pasta
Serve over linguine, fettuccine, or penne to soak up all that luscious sauce.
2. Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes are a perfect, cozy match.
3. Rice or Cauliflower Rice
These options work great for soaking up the flavor without overpowering it.
4. Crusty Bread
Use thick slices of rustic bread to mop up the sauce — trust us, you won’t want to waste a drop.
Pro Tips for Crock Pot Success
- Don’t skip the sear if time allows. It adds flavor and seals in moisture.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan — pre-shredded cheese may not melt as smoothly.
- Add spinach or kale during the last 30 minutes for a veggie boost.
- Use chicken thighs if you prefer darker, juicier meat.
Make It Ahead or Freeze for Later
This dish is a meal prep dream.
- To store: Let the dish cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To freeze: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to restore the sauce.
Why It’s Called “Marry Me Chicken”
The name comes from how irresistible this dish is. With its velvety texture, bold flavors, and comforting vibe, it’s the kind of meal that could win someone’s heart after the first bite. It’s not just dinner—it’s a declaration of flavor love.
Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving)
(Approximate values; will vary based on specific ingredients used)
- Calories: 430
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 29g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
This dish is low-carb friendly and can easily be adapted for keto diets by omitting the thickener and serving with keto sides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this without heavy cream?
Yes. Substitute with half-and-half or coconut cream, but the texture will be slightly lighter.
Can I add vegetables to the crock pot?
Absolutely. Mushrooms, spinach, or chopped zucchini work well. Just avoid watery vegetables that may thin the sauce.
Can I cook this on the stovetop or in the oven?
Yes. Sear the chicken, then simmer in the sauce on low heat for about 30 minutes. For oven: bake covered at 375°F for 30–35 minutes.
Conclusion: Make This Your Go-To Chicken Dinner
Whether you’re feeding a family or trying to win someone’s heart, this Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken recipe is a guaranteed success. With its perfect balance of creamy, savory, and slightly tangy flavors from the sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan, it’s a dish that belongs in your weekly dinner rotation.
Add it to your favorites, make it for a special occasion, or just enjoy the ease and elegance of a meal that practically cooks itself — and earns compliments every time.

Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken Recipe You’ll Make on Repeat
Equipment
- Crock Pot 4–6 quart slow cooker
- Skillet Optional, for searing
- Mixing Bowl For combining sauce
Ingredients
- 4 Chicken breasts Boneless, skinless
- 1 tsp Kosher salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper Freshly ground
- 1 tbsp Olive oil For optional searing
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 1 cup Chicken broth Low-sodium
- 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese Freshly grated
- 1 tbsp Garlic Minced
- 0.5 tsp Red pepper flakes Optional, adds a slight kick
- 0.5 tsp Italian seasoning
- 0.5 cup Sun-dried tomatoes Chopped
- 2 tbsp All-purpose flour Optional, or use cornstarch
- Fresh basil/parsley For garnish
- Additional Parmesan For topping (optional)
Instructions
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides.
- (Optional) Sear the chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil for 2–3 minutes per side.
- In a mixing bowl, combine heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan, garlic, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and sun-dried tomatoes. Stir well.
- Place the chicken in the crock pot and pour the creamy mixture over the top.
- Cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- (Optional) To thicken, mix flour/cornstarch with equal parts cold water and stir into the sauce during the last 30 minutes.
- Serve the chicken whole or shredded, topped with fresh herbs and more Parmesan.