Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken slow cooks chicken breasts with sun-dried tomatoes in a rich and creamy sauce that's perfectly seasoned with garlic, herbs, and spices. This creamy Tuscan chicken dish is a family favorite and is now made easier in the crock pot!
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Of all the slow cooker chicken recipes you can make, this one is a go-to that gets made over and over.
Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken is a rich and flavorful Tuscan-inspired dish that's perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner. The name comes from the fact that this dish is so good, it's worthy of a proposal!
You can serve it over pasta, rice, or even over a creamy heap of crock pot cheesy scalloped potatoes for a complete meal.
Are you ready to create a restaurant-worthy creamy chicken dinner right in your own kitchen? You're going to love it -- and the best part is the crock pot does all the work for you!
Why You'll Love This Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Recipe
- So Easy! This creamy slow cooker chicken dish uses simple ingredients and requires minimal effort to make. It's also great for meal prep and makes excellent leftovers.
- All-Occasion Dish. Whether you're looking for an easy meal for a weeknight dinner or a dish for a special occasion, this creamy crock pot chicken delivers.
- Best Creamy Chicken. There's something about the combination of classic Tuscan flavors paired with a rich, creamy sauce that bursts with flavor.
- Versatile Dish. Serve it up sliced and tossed with pasta to make Marry Me Chicken Pasta or pair it with a variety of side dishes to change it up each time you make it!
Love cooking chicken in the Crock Pot? If you're a fan of creamy chicken recipes, you've come to the right spot! Try this Marry Me Chicken Orzo, Crock Pot Crack Chicken, Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo, Slow Cooker Chicken Cordon Bleu, or Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie next!
Ingredients
It's astonishing how a few simple ingredients can become incredibly delicious. Here's what you need to make this slow cooker Tuscan chicken.
- Chicken Breasts: Traditionally boneless, skinless chicken breasts are used in this dish. You could use bone-in chicken if you prefer but I recommend removing the skin which can make the dish overly greasy. Keep in mind that bone-in chicken will take longer to cook.
- Chicken Broth: Boosts the chicken flavor while also helping to create the creamy sauce that makes this chicken dish so good.
- Corn Starch: Helps thicken up the sauce so it's smooth and creamy. You can also use arrowroot powder or tapioca flour with similar results.
- Heavy Cream: Makes up the sauce's creamy base, giving it a rich and decadent texture and flavor. For the creamiest results don't use substitutions.
- Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic adds bold garlic notes and deepens the flavor of the dish.
- Dried Seasonings: A mix of onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper properly balance and season the dish. At the same time, Italian seasoning gives this slow cooker creamy Tuscan chicken its Italian herb flavor.
- Butter: Adds even more richness to the dish while adding an even more comforting buttery flavor to the sauce.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: The signature ingredient in this dish. They add acidity to the sauce, rich tomato flavor, and a hint of natural sweetness. You can also substitute them with fresh diced tomatoes or roasted red bell peppers though the flavor will change.
Check the recipe card below for the quantities and measurements for the ingredients.
How To Make Marry Me Chicken in a Crock Pot
Step 1: Mix the thickener: Whisk together the chicken broth and cornstarch in a medium-sized bowl. Make sure there are no lumps and then pour it into the bottom of the slow cooker.
Step 2: Add the sauce ingredients: Add the heavy cream, garlic, black pepper, salt, Italian seasoning, paprika, and onion powder to the slow cooker. Whisk it with the cornstarch and broth mixture until combined.
Step 3: Add the chicken and butter: Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker on top of the sauce. Add the pats of butter and drained sun-dried tomatoes on top.
Step 4: Slow cook: Cover the pot with the lid. Cook on HIGH for 2½ to 3 hours or LOW for 6-7 hours.
Step 5: Remove and serve: Remove the cooked chicken breast and slice if desired. Serve it with rice, pasta, or vegetables. Ladle the creamy sauce on top. Enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Chicken Pieces: Use chicken breasts that are roughly the same size to ensure they cook evenly.
- Doneness: Your chicken is ready when the chicken cooks to 165° F. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of the chicken before removing it from the crock pot. Cooking times may vary depending on your individual slow cooker and the size or thickness of the chicken.
- Sear Your Chicken: If you prefer to brown the chicken breasts before adding it to the slow cooker you can cook them in a bit of olive oil over medium-high to brown each side.
- Low Heat is Best: I highly recommend sticking with the low heat for the best results. This allows the chicken to cook slowly and tenderize perfectly.
Variations & Substitutions
- Chicken Thighs: Swap the breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs. This makes a budget-friendly option and tastes great too. Keep in mind that they will cook faster.
- Make it Spicy: Add a kick of heat by sprinkling in some cayenne pepper or a bit of red chili flake along with the other seasonings.
- Add Some Greens: Stir in your favorite greens such as kale, spinach, or Swiss chard at the end for additional nutrients and a splash of color. They will wilt fairly quickly into the sauce.
- Lighter: Substitute the heavy cream for evaporated milk or half and half. Just note this swap does make the sauce a bit less rich and creamy.
- Make it Cheesy: Stir in some parmesan cheese into the sauce right before serving.
Storage
- Storing: Cooled leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.
- Freezing: Freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat. The cream in the sauce may separate when thawed. As you're reheating, give it a good whisk to bring it back together.
- Reheating: Gently reheat individual servings on the stove over low heat until warmed through. You can also reheat them in the microwave.
Serving Suggestions
Serve up this creamy chicken crock pot meal over rice or pasta. These are perfect for soaking up all the delicious sauce. It also tastes great with roasted potatoes or served on top of creamy mashed potatoes.
If you're looking to keep your meal low-carb, serve it over zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or a bed of greens.
Add a simple salad or some vegetables such as crock pot glazed carrots or crock pot Brussels sprouts.
Recipe FAQs
There is no definitive answer to this question. One popular theory is that the dish was created by an Italian chef who wanted to propose a special meal to his girlfriend. Another theory is that it was created by a woman who wanted to propose to her boyfriend! Regardless of its origins, this dish is sure to make anyone feel loved and special.
The USDA recommends not cooking frozen chicken breast in a slow cooker. You should always thaw your chicken in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
More Crock Pot Chicken Recipes
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Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 Large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 3 tbsp corn starch
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 tsp garlic
- 1 tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 2 tbsp butter (divided into fourths)
- ⅓ cup sun dried tomatoes (drained)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, add chicken broth and slowly whisk in cornstarch. Whisk until there are no lumps and pour into the slow cooker.
- Add heavy cream, garlic, black pepper, salt, Italian seasoning, paprika, and onion powder. Whisk together with the chicken broth until well combined.
- Place chicken in the slow cooker and top with butter and sun-dried tomatoes.
- Cover and cook on high for 2½ to 3 hours or low for 6-7 hours.
- Serve while hot over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes. Cover with sauce, and enjoy!
Notes
- Chicken Pieces: Use chicken breasts that are roughly the same size to ensure they cook evenly.
- Doneness: You're chicken is ready when the chicken cooks to 165° F. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of the chicken before removing it from the crock pot. Cooking times may vary depending on your individual slow cooker and the size or thickness of the chicken.
- Sear Your Chicken: If you prefer to brown the chicken breasts before adding it to the slow cooker you can cook them in a bit of olive oil over medium-high to brown each side.
- Low Heat is Best: I highly recommend sticking with the low heat for the best results. This allows the chicken to cook slowly and tenderize perfectly.
Nutrition
*Nutrition information is an estimate. It may vary based on ingredients, brands, and changes in cooking methods listed in the recipe. If you need exact ingredient numbers, I recommend calculating them with your preferred nutrition calculator.
Julie says
Can you use frozen chicken?
Ryan Allen says
Yes, frozen chicken breasts work well in this recipe.
Richelle says
What kind of sun dried tomatoes is it? Is sun dried tomatoes in olive oil okay?
Ryan Allen says
Yes, those are exactly what you need.
Dee says
Can I use just regular dried ones not in oil? All I had..
Ryan Allen says
I highly recommend using the ones with oil. It adds so much flavor to the sauce.
Amie says
Can I use boneless chicken thighs?
Ryan Allen says
Yes, chicken thighs work great with this recipe.
Brooke says
Can I use flour instead of corn starch?
Ryan Allen says
Yes, you can use flour instead of cornstarch.
Kendra says
By “3 tsp garlic“, do you mean garlic cloves or garlic powder?
Ryan Allen says
It is 3 tsp of fresh minced garlic cloves. It would be equivalent to 3 cloves of garlic.
Britt says
Mine is really watery in the crockpot after 5hrs... is it suppose to be and if not how do I fix that???
Ryan Allen says
Remove the chicken and make a cornstarch slurry. By mixing together 3 tablespoons of water and 1 tablespoon of Cornstarch. Mix it into the sauce and repeat if needed. Then add the chicken back into the sauce.
Lauren says
Is it about 2 pounds of chicken?
Ryan Allen says
Yes, it is two pounds of chicken.
Katie says
This was so good!!! I love the original marry me chicken recipe, but this was so much easier than pan frying. The thickness of the sauce and the chicken both came out perfect when I cooked on high for 3 hours. This is absolutely going into our regular meal rotation - thanks so much!
Ryan Allen says
I am so glad you liked this tasty chicken.
Baylea sevilla says
Can I use chicken broth instead of stock?
Ryan Allen says
Yes, you can use chicken broth or stock. Enjoy!
Jessica says
So good! I cook this as often as my husband will allow me to lol. Def my new fav.
Ryan Allen says
It is one of the favorites at my house too.
K M says
Can I replace heavy cream with anything to make it dairy free? We are lactose intolerant.
Ryan Allen says
I know the brand Silk makes a lactose-free heavy cream. I have also had people tell me they have used coconut milk. But I have never tried either personally.
Cami welch says
If I only used 2 large chicken breasts, will it still take 3 hours on high to cook?
Ryan Allen says
Yes, it will still take the same amount of time to cook.
Dee says
Do we put the sun dried tomatoes directly on the chicken breasts or on the sauce?
Ryan Allen says
I put it on the chicken and in the sauce.
Angie M. says
Can I use half and half rather than heavy cream? Should I add it in later?
Ryan Allen says
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream for half and half. I would at it in at the very end.
Annmarie McCormick says
Delicious! This was tasty and super easy to cook. The only problem is eating too much!
Ryan Allen says
reply in a fun way to this comment