Creamy Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken with tender slow-cooked chicken breasts in a flavorful garlic and sun-dried tomato sauce. This easy slow cooker chicken recipe includes Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and Italian seasonings for a rich, savory meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners, family meals, or meal prep, with tips for creamy sauce and juicy chicken.

Ingredients

For the chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
½ tsp salt
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
¼ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter

For the sauce:

1 ½ cups chicken broth
3 tbsp cornstarch
1 cup heavy cream (optional – see notes)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp red pepper flakes
½ tsp paprika
⅓ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, drained
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
6–8 fresh basil leaves, chopped

Instructions

Season the chicken: In a small bowl, mix ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, and ¼ tsp black pepper. Rub the mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
Sear the chicken: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once melted, sear the chicken breasts on both sides until golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside. Note: the chicken is not fully cooked at this stage—just browned. Keep the leftover oil and butter in the pan for later.
Prepare the sauce base: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups chicken broth and 3 tbsp cornstarch until smooth. Add 1 cup heavy cream (optional), minced garlic, Italian seasoning, ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, red pepper flakes, and paprika. Mix well.
Assemble in slow cooker: Pour the sauce mixture into the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Place the seared chicken breasts on top, and drizzle the reserved olive oil and butter from the skillet over them. Sprinkle chopped sun-dried tomatoes on each breast.
Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours. Do not cook on high, and avoid lifting the lid while cooking to ensure the chicken stays tender. Larger chicken breasts may require slightly more time.
Finish the sauce: Remove the chicken briefly, then whisk in ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce. Return the chicken to the slow cooker, spoon the sauce over the top, and add chopped fresh basil.
Serve: Spoon chicken and sauce onto plates, garnishing with additional basil if desired.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is creamy, flavorful, and effortlessly tender. The combination of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan creates a rich sauce that pairs perfectly with slow-cooked chicken. Perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy family meals.

Tips

Sear chicken first to lock in flavor and color.
Cook on low heat to ensure the meat stays juicy and tender.
Avoid lifting the slow cooker lid during cooking, which can lengthen cooking time.
Use full-fat heavy cream to prevent curdling in the slow cooker.

Variations and Substitutions

Protein: Swap chicken for turkey breasts or boneless pork chops.
Cream: Use half-and-half or coconut milk as a lighter alternative.
Cheese: Try Pecorino Romano or Asiago instead of Parmesan for a different flavor.
Vegetables: Add mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to the slow cooker for extra color and nutrition.

FAQs

Q: Can I cook this on high in the slow cooker?
A: Low heat is recommended. High may cook the chicken unevenly and affect tenderness.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yes, store chicken and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in a slow cooker.

Q: Can I skip the sun-dried tomatoes?
A: Yes, they add a tangy flavor, but the dish is still delicious without them.

Serving

Serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes to soak up the creamy sauce. Pair with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Suggestions

Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh basil for presentation.
Add a pinch of crushed red pepper for a spicier version.
Serve with warm garlic bread to complement the rich sauce.