Go Back

Creamy Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

Tender chicken breasts slow-cooked in a rich, creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan for an elegant high-protein dinner.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 5 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 445
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • kosher salt and pepper to taste, for seasoning chicken
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes jarred in oil and drained
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp dried thyme or oregano
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes up to 1 tsp for more heat
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch for thickening, optional
  • fresh basil for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • 6-quart Slow Cooker
  • medium mixing bowl
  • whisk
  • Meat thermometer
  • Large skillet (optional for searing)

Method
 

  1. Season the chicken breasts or thighs generously on both sides with kosher salt and pepper.
  2. Optional: For a golden crust, sear the chicken in a large skillet over medium-high heat with a splash of olive oil for 2-3 minutes per side until browned.
  3. Place the chicken into the slow cooker, arranging pieces so they're not stacked.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, heavy cream, minced garlic, thyme or oregano, red pepper flakes, and cornstarch if using.
  5. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the crockpot, making sure liquid surrounds all pieces.
  6. Scatter the drained sun-dried tomatoes over the top.
  7. Cover and cook on LOW setting for 5-6 hours, until chicken is tender and reaches 165°F internal temperature. Do not cook on high as it may toughen the chicken.
  8. Once cooked, remove the chicken and set aside. Stir the freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce until melted and smooth.
  9. Optional: Use an immersion blender to blend the sauce for a perfectly smooth texture before returning chicken.
  10. Return chicken to the sauce to coat. Let simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
  11. Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan before serving.

Notes

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if sauce has thickened.
Serving Suggestions: Serve over pasta (angel hair or linguine), mashed potatoes, or rice. Pairs well with roasted asparagus, green beans, or a Caesar salad.
Substitutions: Use half-and-half for a lighter sauce. Chicken thighs work beautifully for more moisture. Add baby spinach during the last 30 minutes of cooking for extra nutrition.
Tips: The sauce thickens significantly when you stir in the Parmesan. Always use fully thawed chicken for best results. The searing step is optional but adds extra flavor depth.