Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken: Your New Favorite Slow Cooker Chicken Recipe

Published on: January 2, 2026

Creamy slow cooker chicken recipe with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs in a white bowl.

Get ready to fall in love with this incredibly delicious and creamy slow cooker chicken recipe! Marry Me Chicken is a universally popular dish, renowned for its savory flavors and surprisingly simple preparation. Using your slow cooker means effortless cooking, resulting in supremely tender chicken bathed in a rich, dreamy sauce. This dish truly makes dinner a breeze.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken Recipe

This specific slow cooker chicken recipe is destined to become a staple in your home for many fantastic reasons:

Effortless, Hands-Off Cooking: Simply set it and forget it! Your slow cooker does all the hard work.
Incredible Depth of Flavor: Searing the chicken first locks in juices and builds a rich base for the sauce.
Versatile Meal for Any Occasion: Perfect for busy weeknights or a comforting Sunday dinner.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Cook a large batch and enjoy delicious leftovers throughout the week.
Crowd-P\leasing, Family Favorite: Everyone, even picky eaters, will adore this creamy, flavorful dish.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your next favorite slow cooker chicken recipe:

Chicken: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
Seasoning: 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
Searing: 2 Tablespoons olive oil, 2 Tablespoons butter.
Sauce Base: 1 1/2 cups chicken broth, 3 Tablespoons cornstarch, 1 cup heavy cream.
Flavor Boosters: 4 cloves garlic (minced), 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 1/2 teaspoon paprika.
Signature Add-ins: 1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (drained), 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Garnish: 6-8 fresh basil leaves (chopped).

Notes & Substitutions

You have flexibility with many ingredients for this wonderful crockpot chicken dish. For the chicken, boneless, skinless chicken thighs also work beautifully; they often stay even more tender. If you want to lighten the sauce, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but watch for curdling and add it at the very end. Drained roasted red peppers can substitute for sun-dried tomatoes for a different sweet and smoky flavor profile. Fresh parsley or oregano can replace some of the basil for variety. Always choose fresh Parmesan for the best flavor and melt.

Equipment

You won’t need many specialized tools to make this delightful slow cooker meal. Keep these kitchen essentials handy:

A large skillet for searing the chicken.
A 6-quart slow cooker, ideal for fitting four chicken breasts.
Whisks and mixing bowls for preparing the seasonings and sauce.
Tongs or a spatula for handling the chicken in the skillet.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a truly irresistible slow cooker chicken recipe. Cooking delicious meals has never been easier!

Step 1: Season Chicken. In a small bowl, combine 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Generously season the 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts on both sides with this flavorful mix.

Step 2: Sear Chicken. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 Tablespoons olive oil and 2 Tablespoons butter, allowing the butter to melt completely. Sear the seasoned chicken breasts on both sides until they are golden brown. This step builds incredible flavor. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside, but keep the leftover oil and butter in the skillet.

Step 3: Prepare Sauce Base. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups chicken broth and 3 Tablespoons cornstarch until there are no lumps remaining. Pour this smooth mixture directly into the bottom of your 6-quart slow cooker.

Step 4: Add Flavorings. To the slow cooker, whisk in 1 cup heavy cream (see Pro Tips for optimal addition), 4 cloves minced garlic, 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, and 1/2 teaspoon paprika. Stir everything well to combine into a fragrant sauce.

Step 5: Assemble Slow Cooker. Carefully place the seared chicken breasts into the slow cooker, nestling them into the sauce. Pour any reserved olive oil and butter from the searing pan directly over the chicken in the slow cooker. This adds even more delicious depth.

Step 6: Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes. Top each piece of chicken with the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Distribute them evenly so every bite has that sweet, tangy pop of flavor.

Step 7: Slow Cook. Cover your slow cooker and cook on the LOW setting for 6-8 hours. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the size of your chicken breasts; larger pieces might need closer to 8 hours. It is crucial not to lift the lid during cooking, as this releases heat and prolongs the cooking process, potentially leading to less tender chicken.

Step 8: Finish Sauce. Once the chicken is cooked through and tender, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker. Whisk 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the creamy sauce until it is fully melted and incorporated.

Step 9: Serve. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the slow cooker, spooning the rich sauce generously over each piece. Garnish with 6-8 fresh basil leaves, chopped, for a bright, aromatic finish. Serve immediately and enjoy this incredible Marry Me Chicken slow cooker chicken recipe!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieve perfect results with your Marry Me Chicken slow cooker chicken recipe every time with these helpful tips.

Searing is Key: Don’t skip searing the chicken! This step caramelizes the surface, adding incredible depth and flavor that slow cooking alone can’t achieve.
Avoid High Heat: Always cook this dish on LOW. High heat can make chicken tough and dry, especially breasts. Low and slow ensures maximum tenderness.
Hands-Off Cooking: Resisting the urge to peek is vital. Lifting the lid lets out heat and steam, significantly extending the cooking time and affecting the final texture.

For safe and successful slow cooking, always make sure the appliance is filled between one-half and two-thirds full, as advised by food safety guidelines from Michigan State University Extension, to ensure proper heating. Cooking Safely With a Slow Cooker

Prevent Curdling: If you’re worried about the heavy cream curdling, warm it slightly before adding, or stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Shredding Chicken: For pulled chicken sandwiches or pasta, remove the cooked chicken and shred it with two forks before returning it to the sauce.
Adjusting Spice: Increase or decrease the red pepper flakes to suit your preference for heat. A pinch of cayenne pepper also works for more kick.
Thickening Sauce: If your sauce seems too thin after cooking, remove a cup of sauce, whisk in another tablespoon of cornstarch, and stir back into the slow cooker.

Serving, Storage, and Variations

This versatile slow cooker chicken dish offers many possibilities for serving and adapting.

Serving Suggestions: This creamy slow cooker chicken pairs wonderfully with many sides. Serve it over hot pasta, fluffy white rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or even quinoa for a healthier option. Don’t forget some crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce! A simple green salad complements the richness perfectly.

Storage: Store any leftover Marry Me Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers even better.

Freezing: For longer storage, freeze portions of the cooked chicken and sauce in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or cream if the sauce seems too thick after reheating.

Variations:

Vegetable Additions: Stir in a few handfuls of fresh spinach during the last 30 minutes of cooking until wilted. Sautéed mushrooms or diced bell peppers also make great additions.
Protein Swaps: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a fantastic alternative and tend to stay even juicier. You could also try turkey cutlets.
Cheese Alternatives: Experiment with other cheeses! Fresh mozzarella pearls or grated provolone can add a different twist to the creamy sauce.
Spicier Kick: For those who love heat, add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce mix.

Nutrition

Please note that nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods. For precise calculations, we recommend using a professional nutrition calculator with the exact brands and quantities you use. This slow cooker chicken recipe provides a good source of protein, along with fats and carbohydrates from the sauce components.

Nutrient	Amount Per Serving
Calories	550 kcal
Protein	38g
Fat	40g
Saturated Fat	18g
Cholesterol	130mg
Sodium	850mg
Carbohydrates	9g
Fiber	1g
Sugars	2g

FAQ

You’ve got questions about this delicious slow cooker chicken recipe, and we have answers!

Can I use frozen chicken breasts? Yes, but thaw them completely first. Cooking frozen chicken in a slow cooker can lower the internal temperature too much and make it unsafe.

The USDA offers valuable insights on ensuring food safety when using a slow cooker to prevent foodborne illnesses.

Can I cook this on high heat? We strongly recommend cooking on LOW for 6-8 hours. High heat often results in dry, tough chicken and a less tender final dish.
What if my sauce curdles? Ensure your heavy cream is at room temperature before adding. If it curdles, a quick whisk after the chicken is removed can sometimes smooth it out.
Can I add other vegetables? Absolutely! Add delicate vegetables like spinach during the last 30 minutes. Harder vegetables like carrots or potatoes should go in at the start.
Is Marry Me Chicken spicy? The base recipe has a mild warmth from red pepper flakes. You can easily adjust the amount to make it spicier or omit it entirely.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken truly lives up to its name, promising a dish so delicious, it’s hard not to fall in love. It’s an incredibly easy and flavorful slow cooker chicken recipe that delivers tender, juicy chicken in a rich, creamy, sun-dried tomato and Parmesan sauce. Perfect for beginners and busy parents alike, this meal provides maximum flavor with minimal effort. Give this recipe a try tonight, and let us know what you think in the comments below! We can’t wait for you to experience this amazing crockpot chicken.