Marry Me Chicken Crock Pot is proof that simple recipes can still feel special. This slow cooker version takes just minutes to prep, then lets the crock pot do the work, filling your kitchen with the rich aroma of garlic, sun dried tomatoes, and herbs. In just a few hours, the chicken turns tender and juicy, while cream cheese and parmesan create a sauce that feels indulgent yet easy enough for weeknights.
I first fell in love with the stovetop version of Marry Me Chicken, but like many home cooks, I wanted a hands-off option. That is when I adapted it into this crock pot recipe, and it quickly became a family favorite. Served with pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, this dish delivers comfort and flavor every time. If you have been searching for the best marry me chicken recipe slow cooker style, this one deserves a spot on your table.
Table of Contents
Ingredients & Substitutions
The magic of marry me chicken crock pot comes from a handful of simple ingredients that blend into a creamy, flavorful sauce. Below are the essentials and some smart substitutions.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
- Chicken breasts – skinless, boneless, cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Plain flour – lightly coats the chicken and helps thicken the sauce.
- Garlic cloves – fresh for the best flavor, but jarred works in a pinch.
- Sun dried tomatoes – use the jarred variety in oil, drained and finely chopped.
- Dried oregano & paprika – add warmth and depth.
- Chicken stock cube + boiling water – creates the savory cooking base.
- Cream cheese – stirred in at the end for creamy texture.
- Parmesan cheese – freshly grated for richness.
- Fresh basil – adds brightness to balance the sauce.
- Sea salt & black pepper – to taste.
Easy Substitutions and Dietary Options
- Protein swaps: Use boneless chicken thighs for a juicier result.
- Dairy-free: Replace cream cheese with a plant-based alternative and parmesan with nutritional yeast.
- Lower sodium: Use low-sodium chicken broth instead of a stock cube.
- Herbs: Dried basil or Italian seasoning can work if fresh basil isn’t available.
- Sun dried tomato substitute: Try roasted red peppers for a sweeter twist.
- Extra flavor: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne for gentle heat.
With these flexible choices, you can enjoy this dish as classic, light, or indulgent as you like. That’s why it’s one of the best marry me chicken recipe slow cooker versions you’ll ever try.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
Making marry me chicken crock pot is easier than you might think. With just a few minutes of prep, the slow cooker transforms simple ingredients into a creamy, flavorful dinner.
How to Cook Marry Me Chicken in the Crock Pot
- Step 1 – Coat the chicken: Toss chicken breast pieces in plain flour with salt and black pepper until evenly coated. This helps lock in flavor and gives the sauce a natural thickness.
- Step 2 – Layer ingredients: Place the coated chicken into the crock pot. Add garlic, sun dried tomatoes, oregano, paprika, crumbled chicken stock cube, and boiling water. Stir gently to combine.
- Step 3 – Slow cook: Cover with the lid and cook on HIGH for 2.5 to 3 hours or LOW for 5 to 6 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Step 4 – Finish with creaminess: Just before serving, stir in the cream cheese, grated parmesan, and fresh basil leaves. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
- Step 5 – Serve and enjoy: Spoon the chicken and sauce over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with extra parmesan or basil if desired.
Tips for Success and Troubleshooting
- Avoid dry chicken: Use chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier cut, or keep an eye on cooking time since every slow cooker runs differently.
- Prevent curdling: If your slow cooker runs hot, add the cream cheese in the last 30 minutes instead of at the end.
- Extra flavor: A pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne can give the sauce a subtle kick.
- Make ahead: Store leftovers in the fridge for 3 days. Reheat slowly on the stove with a splash of broth to keep the sauce smooth.
This step-by-step method makes crockpot marry me chicken foolproof and perfect for both weeknights and special occasions.
Easy Marry Me Chicken Crock Pot Recipe
Equipment
- crock pot
- mixing bowl
- measuring cups and spoons
- knife
- cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 garlic cloves minced or crushed
- ½ cup sun dried tomatoes in oil drained and finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 ¼ cups boiling water
- 1 chicken bouillon cube crumbled
- 4 ounces cream cheese ½ block
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil leaves chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Toss the chicken in flour, salt, and pepper until well coated.
- Place the chicken into the crock pot along with garlic, sun dried tomatoes, oregano, paprika, stock cube, and boiling water. Stir gently.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 2.5 to 3 hours or LOW for 5 to 6 hours until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Just before serving, stir in cream cheese, parmesan, and fresh basil until smooth and creamy.
- Serve hot over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or spaghetti squash.
Notes
Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream.
Pro tip: If your crock pot runs hot, add the cream cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent curdling.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 387 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Protein: 46 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 126 mg
- Sodium: 749 mg
- Fiber: 4 g
- Sugar: 11 g
- Calcium: 247 mg
- Iron: 4 mg
Serving Ideas & Variations
One of the best parts about marry me chicken crock pot is how versatile it is. The creamy garlic and parmesan sauce pairs beautifully with many sides, making it a dish you can adapt for both casual dinners and special occasions.
What to Serve with Marry Me Chicken Crock Pot
- Pasta: Rotini, penne, or angel hair pasta soak up the sauce perfectly. Try a marry me chicken pasta recipe for a comforting twist.
- Rice: Fluffy white or jasmine rice is a simple, budget-friendly option.
- Mashed potatoes: Creamy potatoes make this meal extra indulgent.
- Spaghetti squash: A great low-carb option that still absorbs all the flavors.
- Couscous or quinoa: Light and quick-cooking sides for busy weeknights.
- Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or green beans balance the richness of the sauce.
Variations and Creative Twists
- Dairy-free version: Use vegan cream cheese and nutritional yeast for a creamy but dairy-free crockpot marry me chicken.
- Protein swaps: Try boneless chicken thighs for extra juiciness, or even pork chops as an alternative.
- Add veggies: Stir in spinach, artichokes, or mushrooms during the last 30 minutes for more texture and nutrition.
- Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to give the sauce some heat.
- Wine pairing: Pinot Noir or Sauvignon Blanc both complement the creamy tomato flavor.
- Make it a feast: Serve with garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a restaurant-style meal at home.
These serving ideas and variations make this one of the best marry me chicken recipe slow cooker options for anyone who loves a flexible, flavor-packed dinner.
🍴Other Recipes You’ll Love
Looking for more easy and comforting meals after this Marry Me Chicken Crock Pot? Try one of these favorites:
- Marry Me Chicken Orzo – creamy chicken paired with tender orzo pasta in a one-pot dish.
- Marry Me Chicken Soup – a cozy bowl of creamy soup with all the flavors of Marry Me Chicken.
- Marry Me Shrimp Recipe – a seafood spin on the classic creamy dish.
- Marry Me Salmon Recipe – lighter but still rich with garlic, parmesan, and herbs.
- Easy Crock Pot Chicken Piccata – a zesty lemon twist on slow cooker chicken.
Reheating and Storing Marry Me Chicken Crock Pot
One of the things I love about marry me chicken crock pot is how well it keeps for leftovers. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making it just as delicious the next time around.
Storing Leftovers
- In the fridge: Store cooled chicken and sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- In the freezer: While creamy sauces don’t always freeze perfectly, you can freeze this recipe for up to 2 months. Expect the sauce to separate slightly, but you can fix it by reheating gently with a splash of broth or cream.
Best Way to Reheat Marry Me Chicken in Crock Pot
- On the stovetop: Warm the chicken and sauce over medium-low heat, stirring often. Add a little chicken broth or cream if the sauce feels too thick.
- In the microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring between bursts to prevent the sauce from splitting.
- In the oven: Place in a covered baking dish at 325°F until heated through.
👉Pro tip: Avoid boiling the sauce during reheating, as this can cause the cream to separate. With gentle reheating, your crockpot marry me chicken will taste just as creamy and comforting the next day.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Marry Me Chicken Crock Pot
Can I put raw chicken in the crock pot for Marry Me Chicken?
Yes, you can safely put raw chicken in the slow cooker when making marry me chicken crock pot. The key is cooking it long enough to reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F. Most slow cookers will achieve this when cooking on LOW for 5 to 6 hours or HIGH for 2.5 to 3 hours. Some cooks prefer searing chicken first to add flavor, but it’s not required for safety.
Why does crock pot chicken sometimes turn rubbery?
If your marry me chicken crock pot turns out rubbery, it usually means the chicken was cooked too long or at too high a temperature. To avoid this, stick to chicken breasts cut into even pieces and cook on LOW for the recommended time. Using chicken thighs is another option since they stay juicier in the slow cooker. Always resist the urge to lift the lid too often, as that can affect cooking time.
What can I use instead of sun dried tomatoes in marry me chicken crock pot?
Sun dried tomatoes give this dish its signature tangy-sweet flavor, but you can swap them if needed. Roasted red peppers make a milder, sweeter substitute, while cherry tomatoes (halved) can work if you prefer a fresher flavor. Keep in mind that leaving sun dried tomatoes out changes the taste, but the creamy sauce and parmesan still make crockpot marry me chicken rich and flavorful.
Can you freeze or reheat marry me chicken crock pot?
Yes, you can store leftovers of marry me chicken crock pot in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. The sauce may separate slightly after freezing, but you can restore its creaminess by reheating gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream. For best texture, avoid boiling the sauce when reheating. The microwave works too, but use short intervals and stir between heating.