There’s just something about the name Marry Me Chicken, right? It practically begs to be tried. Rumor has it, this dish is so delicious, it could convince someone to pop the big question—or at least win you some serious dinner-table compliments. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s rich, creamy, and utterly comforting, this Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken fits the bill perfectly. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to whip up thanks to the trusty slow cooker. Whether you’re hoping to impress someone special or just looking to treat yourself to something indulgent, this dish has you covered.

I first tried this recipe when I was in a bit of a rut with my usual chicken dishes. You know how it goes—grilled chicken, baked chicken, repeat. I wanted something that felt a little fancier without having to actually do a lot of fancy things. When I stumbled across the idea of Marry Me Chicken, I was intrigued. After a bit of tweaking to make it slow-cooker friendly, this version became an instant favorite. The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, creamy sauce, and tender chicken is just irresistible. Plus, the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, so it’s perfect for those busy weekdays or even a cozy Sunday dinner when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

Why this Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken will win hearts ❤️

First off, let’s talk about that sauce—creamy, tangy, and loaded with flavor. The sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of brightness that cuts through the richness of the sour cream (or heavy cream if you’re feeling extra indulgent), while the Parmesan ties it all together with a salty, umami punch. What I love most, though, is how the slow cooker works its magic, transforming simple ingredients into something truly special. You don’t have to babysit a pan or fuss with multiple steps; the crock pot handles it all while you get on with your day.

Now, onto a little story: The first time I made this, my kitchen smelled absolutely incredible. I’d just poured in the wine and added the sun-dried tomatoes, and I remember thinking, “This smells like a restaurant!” I was half tempted to invite friends over just to show off. But when my partner came home and tasted it, I knew I’d found a winner. We both agreed that this dish definitely lived up to its name—whether you’re already married, dating, or just looking to fall in love with a new recipe, this chicken will do the trick.

A quick background on Marry Me Chicken

So, where did the name Marry Me Chicken come from? While the exact origins are a bit hazy, the idea is that the dish is so good, it could inspire a proposal. It’s definitely one of those viral recipe names that sticks in your head and makes you want to find out if it’s really that good. In the original versions, the dish is made on the stovetop, but the slow cooker adaption we’re making here is a total game-changer. By letting the chicken slowly simmer with all those amazing flavors, it comes out even more tender and flavorful. Plus, with minimal effort from you!

Let’s talk ingredients: The stars of the show 🌟

Chicken breasts: The heart of the dish. You can use skinless or skin-on depending on what you have or prefer. Skin-on adds a bit more richness, but I’ve used skinless, and it’s equally delicious. Want to mix it up? Chicken thighs work beautifully here too—they stay extra juicy.
Sun-dried tomatoes: These bring a burst of tangy, intense flavor that contrasts so well with the creamy sauce. If you’re out of sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers could be a good substitute, though they’ll give a slightly different vibe.
Sour cream or heavy cream: Either option works! Sour cream adds a slight tanginess that I personally love, while heavy cream makes for a richer, silkier sauce. If you want to lighten things up a little, Greek yogurt could also be used, though it’s a bit tangier.
Parmesan cheese: The saltiness and depth of flavor from Parmesan is essential here. Pecorino Romano is a good substitute if you want something with a bit more bite.
Italian seasoning, garlic granules, paprika: These are the base flavors that make this chicken dish stand out. Feel free to tweak the quantities based on your personal taste—I often add a little extra garlic because, well, more garlic is always better!

Kitchen gear: What you’ll need (and what you can skip)

For this recipe, you really don’t need much besides your trusty crock pot. But if you want to get that golden sear on the chicken first, having a skillet or a slow cooker with a browning function is ideal.

Slow cooker: This is essential (obviously!). A 4-6 quart slow cooker should do the trick.
Skillet (optional): If your slow cooker doesn’t have a browning function, you’ll want to brown the chicken breasts in a skillet before transferring them. It adds a lovely depth of flavor and gives the chicken a bit more texture.
Tongs and a whisk: Tongs make it easy to flip the chicken, and a whisk is perfect for incorporating the cream and Parmesan into the sauce.

Step-by-step: My foolproof method

Season and sear the chicken: Start by seasoning your chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. If your slow cooker has a browning function, use that. If not, heat a little butter and oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken, skin-side down, until golden. This takes about 4-5 minutes. Flip the chicken and sear the other side for another 2-3 minutes.
Add the flavor: Transfer the chicken to the slow cooker (or leave it in if you used the browning function). Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth if you prefer). Add the sun-dried tomatoes, garlic granules, paprika, and chicken bouillon. Give everything a gentle stir to mix the seasonings.
Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on LOW for about 90 minutes to 2 hours, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked (internal temp of 165°F/75°C).
Thicken the sauce (optional): If you like a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with cold water to make a slurry. Stir it into the sauce about 10 minutes before the end of cooking to let it thicken up.
Finish with cream and cheese: When the chicken is done, move it to one side of the slow cooker. Stir in the sour cream (or heavy cream) and Parmesan cheese until fully combined. Add in your chopped parsley or basil for a burst of freshness.

Variations on this classic dish

This recipe is super flexible! Here are a few twists I’ve tried that worked really well:

Vegan/vegetarian adaptation: You could swap the chicken for tofu or even thick slices of cauliflower. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and opt for a plant-based cream (like cashew or coconut cream) to keep it creamy without the dairy.
Gluten-free option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you’re using gluten-free broth and cornstarch (some brands may contain gluten, so check labels!).
Low-carb version: Serve the chicken over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of pasta or mashed potatoes.
Seasonal variations: In the fall, I love adding a little bit of butternut squash or sweet potatoes to the slow cooker. Their sweetness pairs perfectly with the tangy tomatoes and creamy sauce.

How to serve and impress your guests

When it comes to serving, this Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken shines over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or egg noodles. If you want to make it extra pretty, sprinkle a little more fresh parsley or basil over the top for a pop of green. To make the meal even heartier, pair it with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables on the side.

Drink pairings 🍷

Personally, I think this dish pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc or a light Chardonnay. If you’re not into wine, a sparkling water with a slice of lemon is always refreshing alongside this creamy dish. For beer lovers, a light, fruity beer like a Belgian-style ale could work really well too!

Storing and reheating leftovers

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This dish keeps really well in the fridge for up to three days. I recommend reheating it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to make sure the sauce doesn’t break. If the sauce thickens too much in the fridge, just add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up.

Adjusting the recipe for different serving sizes

Cooking for a crowd? No problem! You can easily double this recipe in a larger slow cooker. If you’re scaling down for just one or two people, keep in mind that you might want to reduce the cooking time slightly—just check the chicken for doneness around the 1.5-hour mark.

Potential pitfalls and how to avoid them

Overcooking the chicken: Keep an eye on the cooking time! Chicken breasts can dry out if left too long, so check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
Sauce separation: If you’re using sour cream, make sure to stir it in gently towards the end of the cooking time to prevent it from curdling. Heavy cream is less prone to this issue.

Conclusion: Why you need to try this recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that feels like a restaurant-quality meal but is low on effort, this Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is the answer. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor—all thanks to the slow cooker doing most of the work. Plus, it’s super adaptable, so you can tweak it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. I hope you give this one a try, and who knows, maybe you’ll end up with a few marriage proposals at the dinner table!

FAQ

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great option and tend to stay extra juicy.
What can I use instead of sour cream?
Heavy cream is a good alternative, or you could use Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier sauce.
Do I have to sear the chicken first?
Searing adds great flavor, but if you’re short on time, you can skip this step and go straight to the slow cooker.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Use a dairy-free cream like coconut cream and leave out the Parmesan, or try a dairy-free cheese substitute.
How long will leftovers last?
Leftovers will keep in the fridge for about 3 days, and they reheat beautifully!