Name: Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, about 4 breasts (1.5-2 lbs); Salt & pepper to taste; 1 Tablespoon olive oil; 1 ½ cups chicken stock; 3 tablespoons cornstarch; 1 cup heavy cream; ¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon paprika; ½ cup sundried tomatoes, sliced into strips; 4 tablespoons butter, cubed; Basil for garnish

Jump to Recipe·5.2 from 9 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a dish that dazzles on date night yet rescues weeknight dinners without breaking a sweat, Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken is just what you need. Imagine juicy, golden-seared chicken bathed in a rich, creamy sauce that carries the sweetness of sundried tomatoes and the irresistible aroma of fresh basil. Whether it’s your first time stretching your slow cooker muscles or you’re already a kitchen pro, this Italian-inspired delight is impossibly easy and outrageously delicious. One bite and you’ll see why it’s called “Marry Me” Chicken — it’s practically a proposal on a plate!

Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken is that you only need a handful of everyday ingredients, but each one is a heavy hitter, contributing big flavor, color, or creamy richness. A few pantry staples and a sprinkle of fresh herbs transform the ordinary into truly memorable comfort food.

Boneless skinless chicken breasts: These soak up all the luscious sauce and become melt-in-your-mouth tender in the slow cooker.
Salt & pepper: Don’t skip the seasoning step — it’s an easy way to highlight the natural goodness of the chicken.
Olive oil: Just a drizzle is needed for a quick sear, locking in juices and adding subtle flavor.
Chicken stock: The base of your sauce; it enhances all the savory notes and keeps everything juicy.
Cornstarch: Adds just enough body, helping the sauce thicken to that perfect, cling-to-your-fork consistency.
Heavy cream: The secret to a velvety, decadent finish that feels restaurant-worthy every time.
Parmesan cheese: For a salty, nutty depth that melds beautifully into the creamy sauce.
Garlic: Fresh minced cloves bring that aromatic Italian backbone to the dish.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs to transport every bite straight to Tuscany.
Onion powder: Offers savory warmth and rounds out the flavors without overpowering.
Paprika: For subtle color and just a hint of earthy spice.
Sundried tomatoes: These ruby red jewels give concentrated sweetness and a pop of color.
Butter: Dotting the sauce with butter right before cooking ensures it’s extra luscious and glossy.
Basil (for garnish): Adds garden-fresh fragrance and a welcome splash of green just before serving.

How to Make Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

Start by giving your chicken breasts a quick trim, removing any excess fat to keep things neat. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper — this simple step unlocks maximum flavor later. Taking a moment to do this sets your Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken on the right path!

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat a splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high until shimmering. Brown the chicken for about 2 minutes on each side. You’re not cooking it through, just creating that crave-worthy golden crust that keeps every bite juicy. This little bit of extra effort makes a world of difference.

Step 3: Whisk Together the Sauce

In a small mixing bowl, combine chicken stock, cornstarch, heavy cream, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and paprika. Whisk until smooth — the sauce should be creamy and fragrant with flecks of herbs and spices. This blend is what gives Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken its irresistible richness.

Step 4: Assemble in the Slow Cooker

Arrange the seared chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour the creamy sauce mixture over the top, ensuring the chicken is nestled in all that goodness. Scatter sundried tomatoes and cubes of butter over everything, then pop on the lid.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Set your slow cooker to LOW for 5 to 6 hours or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. No peeking! Letting it work its magic undisturbed is the key to ultra-tender, flavor-packed chicken. When it’s done, the sauce should be glossy and craveable, with the sundried tomatoes melting right in.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Right before serving, shower everything with fresh basil for a pop of color and aromatic lift. Spoon generous helpings over your favorite base (think pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice) and get ready to fall in love!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken

Garnishes

A final flourish of chopped basil gives your Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken that garden-fresh flavor and hands-down gorgeous look. For extra wow, sprinkle over some extra grated Parmesan or a few curls of sundried tomato right before serving.

Side Dishes

Need the ultimate comfort pairing? This dish shines when served over creamy mashed potatoes, a fluffy bed of rice, or twirled onto your favorite pasta. Add a simple green salad or sautéed veggies on the side to balance the richness and round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Hosting guests? Serve Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken over toasted Italian bread for a rustic, open-faced sandwich. Or, try spooning the saucy chicken into individual ramekins for a dinner-party starter. For something lighter, slice the chicken and pile it into soft wraps with fresh greens and a drizzle of the sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors will continue to meld overnight, making leftovers taste even more luxurious the next day.

Freezing

This dish is totally freezer friendly! Cool the chicken completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag, and freeze for up to three months. To prevent freezer burn, make sure the chicken is covered by the sauce and press out extra air from bags before sealing.

Reheating

Gently reheat Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce seems a bit thick, and stir well to revive all that creamy magic.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are just as delicious in this recipe, and they tend to be extra juicy. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as thighs may finish a bit sooner.

Is there a way to lighten up the sauce?

For a lighter version, swap out half the heavy cream for whole milk or even evaporated milk. The sauce will still be creamy but a touch less rich and indulgent.

What’s the best slow cooker size for this recipe?

A standard 6-quart slow cooker is ideal for making Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken, giving everything enough space to cook evenly without overcrowding.

Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?

Definitely! Stir in fresh baby spinach during the last 30 minutes of cooking, or toss in sliced mushrooms at the beginning for extra earthiness and a bump of nutrition.

How do I prevent the sauce from separating?

To keep your sauce ultra-smooth and creamy, mix the cornstarch thoroughly into the liquids before adding to the slow cooker. Don’t skip whisking! Also, avoid using ultra-high heat, which can sometimes cause dairy to split.

Final Thoughts

Every time I make Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken, I’m reminded how easy it is to create a truly special meal with just a little effort and a lot of love. Whether you’re wooing someone new, sharing a meal with family, or treating yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to win hearts. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and make it a new favorite at your table!