There is something inviting about a slow cooker scent that fills the kitchen, a warm, tomato and garlic perfume that promises comfort at the end of a busy day. Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken delivers that calm, with tender chicken bathed in a creamy tomato and Parmesan sauce, perfect for a quiet weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal with loved ones. If you enjoy the sort of slow cooked, soul-soothing meals that let you set it and forget it, this dish will soon become a weekday favorite, and it pairs beautifully with simple sides or pasta for a full plate of comfort. For a similar slow cooker take on Italian flavors, try this chicken parmesan in the crock pot for another hands-off, cheesy dinner idea.
What Makes This Special
Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken works because it takes humble ingredients and transforms them into something richly flavored without extra fuss. The slow, gentle heat lets the chicken stay moist while the sun dried tomatoes and garlic infuse the sauce, and the finish with Parmesan and cream brings silkiness and depth that feels indulgent but far from complicated. The result is a dish that tastes like it took all day, when you actually did very little.
Why you will reach for this recipe again
- The sauce is luxuriously creamy yet bright from sun dried tomatoes and garlic
- It requires minimal hands on time, the slow cooker does the heavy lifting
- It adapts easily to pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes making it weeknight friendly
- Leftovers reheat beautifully for sandwiches or quick lunches
Ingredients and Key Notes
This section explains what each ingredient brings to the dish and offers a quick note on simple swaps. The sun dried tomatoes provide concentrated tomato flavor and a touch of chew, heavy cream and Parmesan create the silky, savory sauce, and chicken broth keeps everything saucy and tender without overpowering the other flavors. Fresh basil brightens the finished plate. If you want to lighten things, swap heavy cream for half and half, though the sauce will be slightly less thick.
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup sundried tomatoes in oil, drained but reserve a little of the oil for flavor
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Tip, if your sun dried tomatoes are dry packed, rehydrate them for 10 minutes in warm water, then drain and chop before using. Reserve a tablespoon of the oil from jarred sun dried tomatoes to boost flavor in the sauce.
How to Cook Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken
- In the slow cooker, add the chicken breasts. Arrange them in a single layer so each piece cooks evenly, the raw chicken should look pale and firm before the sauce goes on.
- In a bowl, mix together the sun dried tomatoes, heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until the Parmesan begins to melt into the cream, creating a slightly grainy but cohesive sauce. You should smell garlic and tomato right away.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker. Spoon some of the sauce over each breast so the flavors settle into the meat, and you will see the sauce spread and coat the chicken.
- Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. The kitchen will fill with a warm, herby aroma and the chicken should pull apart easily when it is done.
- Serve the chicken with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, and garnish with fresh basil. The sauce should be glossy and cling to the meat, a lovely contrast between creamy texture and tender chicken.
Prep ~ 15 minutes, Cook ~ 4 to 6 hours on low, Total ~ 4 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes, Servings ~ 4, Kcal ~ 560 per serving
Plan Ahead
Make-Ahead and Prep Tips let you enjoy this meal with less last-minute work. You can assemble much of this recipe the night before. Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker, mix the sauce ingredients in a covered bowl and refrigerate. In the morning, pour the chilled mixture over the chicken and set the cooker to low, or leave it on the countertop in a sealed container and refrigerate overnight if you plan to cook within 24 hours.
If you prefer finishing touches closer to mealtime, shred or grate the Parmesan in advance, mince the garlic, and chop the sun dried tomatoes in a small airtight container. Store basil leaves whole on a paper towel inside a zip-top bag to keep them fresh. If you need to pause the cooking process, you may stop the slow cooker and refrigerate the dish for up to a day, then reheat gently on low until it resumes simmering, but avoid prolonged cooling at room temperature.
Refrigerate, Freeze, Reheat
How to Store Leftovers offers guidance so the dish stays flavorful and safe. In the refrigerator, store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, transfer the cooled chicken and sauce to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty zip-top bag and freeze for up to 3 months. When freezing, leave a little headspace for expansion and label with the date.
To reheat gently, thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator, then warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally so the sauce loosens without breaking. If reheating from refrigerated, microwave in short bursts stirring between each, or simmer on low until hot, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much. A freshness cue to trust, look for bright basil aroma and a glossy sauce, if the sauce smells sour or off, discard.
What Goes Well with Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken
Perfect Pairings for a balanced plate and satisfying meal
- Spaghetti, tossed with a little olive oil to pick up the creamy tomato sauce
- Buttered rice or herbed risotto to soak up every silky drop
- Creamy mashed potatoes for a rustic, comforting pairing
- Roasted seasonal vegetables, like asparagus or broccoli, for a bright contrast
- Crusty bread to mop up the sauce, keeping the meal relaxed and shareable
If you want to turn the sauce into a rich pasta dinner, try serving it over garlic butter pasta for a complementary Parmesan and cream flavor, or follow a related slow cooker pasta recipe like crockpot garlic parmesan chicken pasta for inspiration on timing and textures.
Make It Your Own
Variations and Swaps let you tailor this recipe to your pantry and preferences. Here are several approachable tweaks that keep the spirit of Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken intact.
- Add vegetables, like sliced mushrooms or bell peppers, in the first hour of cooking so they become tender and contribute flavor without turning to mush.
- Use half and half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce, note the sauce will be thinner and less glossy, but still rich tasting.
- Fold in a spoonful of tomato paste for deeper tomato notes, whisk it into the sauce before pouring over the chicken so it dissolves evenly.
- Sprinkle chopped sun dried tomatoes on top at the end for concentrated bursts of flavor and a pleasing chewier texture.
- Stir in a handful of baby spinach near the end of cooking so the leaves wilt without losing their bright color.
- Add crisped turkey bacon on the plate for smoky crunch, swap in turkey bacon for a lighter, leaner touch and crumble it over the finished dish.
- Make it spicy by stirring in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chipotle in adobo, adding the heat to taste while keeping the overall flavor balanced.
- For a lower-dairy version, blend silken tofu with a touch of olive oil to mimic creaminess, though the texture will be different and less glossy.
Pro Tips for Best Results
Cook’s Notes and Secrets to help you get consistent, restaurant-quality results
- Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts of similar size so they cook evenly, if pieces vary, pound them to uniform thickness.
- Keep the cooker on low for tender, juicy chicken, high settings can make chicken dry and stringy.
- Space the breasts slightly when you place them in the insert, they should sit comfortably with sauce around them for even cooking.
- Check internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer, aim for 165 F for fully cooked chicken, then let rest a few minutes before slicing.
- If the sauce separates or looks grainy after cooking, stir in a tablespoon of butter off heat to bring it back together, or whisk briefly in a small saucepan over low.
- Taste for salt at the end, Parmesan brings saltiness so adjust sparingly before serving.
Your Questions, Answered
Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken FAQs
Q What cut of chicken works best for this slow cooker recipe?
A Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the classic choice because they stay tender when cooked slowly in the sauce, and they absorb flavor well. Thighs also work if you prefer richer flavor, but reduce cooking time slightly because thighs can become very soft.
Q Can I make this recipe on the stovetop instead of the crock pot?
A Yes, brown the chicken quickly in a skillet for color, then simmer the sauce gently over medium-low heat until the chicken is cooked through, about 20 to 30 minutes. Keep the heat low so the cream does not curdle and stir occasionally to keep the sauce smooth.
Q Is there a gluten free version of Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken?
A Absolutely, the basic recipe is gluten free if you use a gluten free chicken broth and ensure your Parmesan is not cross contaminated, which most grated cheeses are not. Serve with gluten free pasta or polenta to keep the meal fully gluten free.
Q How can I thicken the sauce if it is too thin after cooking?
A Whisk together a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water, stir it into the sauce and cook on high for 10 to 15 minutes until it thickens. Alternatively, remove the chicken and simmer the sauce on high to reduce and concentrate flavors.
Q Can this dish be portioned for meal prep lunches?
A Yes, divide cooked chicken and sauce into individual containers with a side like rice or pasta, refrigerate for up to four days, and reheat gently. The sauce keeps the chicken moist and makes for an easy, satisfying lunch.
Q What if my sauce splits or looks curdled after reheating?
A Remove from heat and stir in a splash of cold water or a tablespoon of cream and whisk steadily, this helps re-emulsify the sauce. Gentle reheating and stirring are best to preserve texture.
Q Can I use sun dried tomatoes that are not in oil?
A Yes, rehydrate dry-packed sun dried tomatoes in warm water for 10 minutes, drain, and chop them. You might want to add a tablespoon of olive oil or a little extra broth to compensate for the missing oil.
Final Thoughts
Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is one of those comforting, forgiving recipes that makes weeknight cooking feel luxurious without extra effort. The slow cooker does the work, leaving you with tender chicken and a silky, tomato-Parmesan sauce that pairs well with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables. Give it a try on a busy day, assemble it in the morning, and come home to a meal that smells like care and tastes like celebration. I hope this recipe earns a spot in your rotation and becomes one of those dishes you return to whenever you want something reliably delicious.
Print
Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken
- Total Time: 255
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
Tender chicken bathed in a creamy tomato and Parmesan sauce, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or weekend gathering.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup sun dried tomatoes in oil, drained (reserve a tablespoon of the oil)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- In the slow cooker, add the chicken breasts in a single layer.
- In a bowl, mix sun dried tomatoes, heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until combined.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken, spoon some sauce over each piece.
- Cook on low for 4 to 6 hours until chicken is tender.
- Serve with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, garnished with fresh basil.
Notes
For lighter sauce, consider swapping heavy cream with half and half. Leftovers reheat well in the microwave or stovetop.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 240
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 46g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
Keywords: slow cooker, chicken, creamy sauce, Italian, weeknight dinner, comfort food
