An easy Tuscan classic, made in the slow cooker. Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken cooks until tender and is bathed in a rich, creamy sauce of sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan—comforting, savory, and sure to impress.
If you love Tuscan flavors, try more favorites from this collection: Marry Me Salmon, Creamy Tuscan Ravioli, and Tuscan Garlic Tortellini Soup.
Marry Me Chicken in Crock Pot
Creamy Tuscan garlic chicken—often called “Marry Me Chicken”—is a crowd-pleaser for good reason. The chicken stays juicy while the sauce, built from sun-dried tomatoes and melted Parmesan, becomes silky and deeply flavorful. This slow cooker version lets you sear the chicken quickly, then set it to cook low and slow so the flavors meld with minimal effort.
To make this dish, sear seasoned chicken breasts and prepare a simple cream-based sauce with butter, garlic, chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning, transfer everything to the crockpot, and let it slow cook until the chicken is tender. Serve the finished dish over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredient List
Simple ingredients combine to create a rich Tuscan sauce. Exact measurements are provided in the recipe card below.
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless; they become tender and soak up the sauce. Thighs can be used instead if preferred.
- Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance the dish.
- Olive Oil: For searing the chicken.
- Butter: Adds richness to the sauce; unsalted works well if you’re controlling salt.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives savory depth.
- Flour: Thickens the sauce; cornstarch can be used as a gluten-free alternative.
- Chicken Broth: Forms the savory base of the sauce; stock or vegetable broth also work.
- Heavy Cream: Creates the silky, creamy texture.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan melts into the sauce for salty, cheesy flavor.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Jarred sun-dried tomatoes (drained) add sweetness and tang—key to the Tuscan profile.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of oregano, basil, and thyme to round out the flavors.
- Fresh Basil (garnish): Adds a bright, fresh finish.
How to Make Marry Me Chicken in the Slow Cooker
Searing the chicken first builds flavor, then the crockpot finishes the job. For best results, cook on low for 5–6 hours for extra tender chicken.
- Season: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Sear: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken 3–5 minutes per side until lightly browned; it will finish cooking in the crockpot.
- Transfer to Plate: Remove the chicken and set aside while you make the sauce.
- Make Roux: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic about 30 seconds. Stir in flour to form a paste.
- Add Broth, Cream, and Cheese: Whisk in chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning until smooth.
- Simmer: Cook the sauce a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Add to Crock Pot: Pour the sauce into the bottom of the crockpot, place the seared chicken on top, and add drained sun-dried tomatoes over the chicken.
- Slow Cook: Cook on high 3–4 hours or low 5–6 hours, until chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped fresh basil and serve warm over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Tips and Tricks
Follow these tips for a reliably delicious result:
- Sear the Chicken: Browning the chicken first locks in juices and builds flavor.
- Use Plenty of Parmesan: Generous Parmesan helps create a velvety, rich sauce.
- Cook Low and Slow: When possible, cook on low for 5–6 hours to deepen flavors and tenderize the meat.
- Adjust Seasoning: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or paprika if you like a little heat.
- Add Vegetables: Spinach or mushrooms can be stirred in for added texture and nutrition.
- Serving Options: Serve over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread for dipping the sauce.
Storing Leftover Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken
Leftovers keep well and reheat nicely the next day.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
- To Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
More Easy and Delicious Tuscan Recipes
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Amazing Creamy Tuscan Garlic Scallops
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Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta
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Creamy Tuscan Ravioli
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Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Season chicken on both sides with kosher salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken 3–5 minutes per side until lightly browned. It will finish cooking in the crockpot.
- Transfer seared chicken to a plate while you make the sauce.
- In the same skillet, melt butter, sauté garlic 30 seconds, then stir in flour to form a paste.
- Whisk in chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning until smooth.
- Simmer a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Pour sauce into the crockpot, place chicken on top, and spread sun-dried tomatoes over the chicken.
- Cook on high 3–4 hours or on low 5–6 hours, until chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Garnish with chopped fresh basil and serve warm over pasta or your preferred side.
Video
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.