There’s something about letting dinner slowly bubble away in the crockpot that just calms the chaos. On a weeknight when I had zero energy left, this Crockpot Marry Me Chicken saved the day—and turned out so rich and satisfying, my husband called it “marry-me-good.”
That creamy parmesan and sun-dried tomato sauce hits every comforting note, yet it’s surprisingly easy to lighten up. I swap heavy cream with half-and-half or plain Greek yogurt and boom—fewer calories without losing that silky texture.
The best part? It’s all about the layering. A quick sear locks in flavor, while Italian seasoning, garlic, paprika, and that little heat from red pepper flakes build depth as it simmers low and slow. Add some fresh basil at the end, and it’s like your kitchen turned into a cozy trattoria.
Pair it with a crisp, tangy Broccoli Cauliflower Salad or sip on chilled Russian Apple Kvas for a refreshingly unique combo.
Slow-cooked meals like this help reduce reliance on takeout—and studies show eating home-cooked food can save you over 200 calories a day.
I’d love to hear how it turns out for you—or how you make it your own!
Why You Will Be Hooked?
- It’s my go-to after hectic days – I made it the first time after work, and it instantly felt like a cozy, home-cooked reward.
- Feels indulgent but easy to lighten up – The garlic-parmesan cream sauce is rich, but with a few smart swaps, it’s totally weeknight-friendly.
- Even my partner’s obsessed – When they said, “Let’s have this every week,” I knew it was a keeper.
- It’s way more versatile than it looks – I’ve shredded the chicken into wraps, served it over mashed cauliflower, and it’s amazing every way.
- It curbed our takeout habit – Making this helped us eat in more often, which meant fewer calories and better control over portions.
Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- Slow Cooker (Crockpot)
- Small Mixing Bowl
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Knife and Cutting Board
- Whisk or Spoon
- Tongs or fork (for handling chicken)
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- 2 Tablespoons butter
For the sauce:
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 3 Tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 ½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ⅓ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes drained
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 10 fresh basil leaves chopped
Instructions
- Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a pan, sear chicken until golden brown (just a few minutes per side).
- In a small bowl, whisk chicken broth and cornstarch until smooth.
- Pour into slow cooker and stir in garlic, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and paprika.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan, and chopped basil to the mixture.
- Nestle the seared chicken into the sauce.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 3 hours or HIGH for 1½ hours until chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Serve hot with your favorite sides like Broccoli Cauliflower Salad or sip on chilled Russian Apple Kvas.
Nutrition Info:
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 688kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 17g |
| Protein | 56g |
| Fat | 44g |
| Sugar | 6g |
| Sodium | 1466mg |
Tips For Perfect Crockpot Marry Me Chicken!
- Sear the chicken well but don’t stress about perfect browning—a good crust adds flavor, but a quick golden sear is enough since slow cooking does the rest.
- Let the cream cheese come to room temperature before mixing to ensure it blends smoothly into the sauce without lumps.
- Use fresh garlic instead of pre-minced for a brighter, more vibrant flavor that stands out in the creamy sauce.
- Don’t skip the cornstarch slurry—it’s key to thickening the sauce without making it gloopy or heavy.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your heat tolerance, but keep a pinch—it adds a subtle kick that balances the richness.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes toward the end if you prefer more texture; this keeps them slightly chewy rather than softening completely.
- Fresh basil really lifts the dish—add most before serving, and reserve a little for garnish to keep the aroma fresh.
- Use high-quality parmesan cheese for richer, nuttier flavor; pre-grated often has additives that can dull the sauce’s texture.
- If your slow cooker runs hot, check chicken early to avoid drying out, especially if using thinner breasts.
- Double the sauce ingredients if serving over pasta or mashed veggies—this recipe shines when the sauce is generous and coating every bite.
These tips are all about layering flavor and perfecting textures without adding complexity. Cooking should be easy and fun, right?
