Marry Me Chicken Recipe: Easy Creamy Slow Cooker Dinner for Two

If you told me five years ago that chicken could be romantic, I’d have laughed in your face. But then I made this slow cooker Marry Me Chicken recipe for a date night—just me, my partner, and absolutely zero plans to go out—and I kind of get it now. There’s something about the way the sauce comes together: creamy, tangy, a little garlicky, and just the right amount of “fancy” for a Tuesday night. I remember the first time I made it; the smell of sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning had us both hovering near the kitchen, forks in hand, before dinner was even served.

This Marry Me Chicken recipe isn’t just easy. It’s the kind of dinner you throw together in the slow cooker while you’re still in your work clothes, forget about for a few hours, and come back to something that tastes like you’ve been slaving over the stove. I’ve tested this creamy chicken recipe so many times I can do it in my sleep. It’s become my go-to for those nights when I want dinner for two that feels special—without needing a reservation (or, honestly, much effort at all).

And here’s the thing: I’ve made a lot of slow cooker chicken dinners over the years, but this one? This is “next-level, lick the spoon, probably propose on the spot” good. If you’re here for a creamy, dreamy, easy chicken dinner, you’re in the right place.

Why You’ll Love This Marry Me Chicken Recipe

Okay, let’s be real—the first time I made this, I expected it to be just another chicken dinner. Turns out, it’s the dish that ruined all my other chicken recipes for me (in the best possible way). There are so many reasons I keep coming back to this Marry Me Chicken, but here’s the short list:

• Effortless Slow Cooker Magic: You literally dump, stir, and walk away. I’ve thrown this together between meetings and it’s still come out restaurant-worthy.
• Creamy, Savory Sauce: The combo of cream, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes is something I crave—especially on chilly nights. It’s thick enough to coat every bite, but not heavy or gloopy.
• Perfect for Two (or More): This recipe is written for dinner for two, but I’ve doubled it for company and had zero leftovers. It’s one of those “everyone asks for the recipe” situations.
• Customizable: I’ve swapped herbs, added spinach, used chicken thighs instead of breasts—you can make it your own and it still works every time.
• Minimal Clean-Up: Everything happens in the slow cooker. I wash one bowl, one spoon, and the pot. (Okay, and the plates, but still.)
• Makes You Feel Like a Genius: Seriously, you’ll pull this out of the slow cooker and wonder how you made something so good with so little effort.

This is the dish I make when I want to impress someone—or when I just need comfort food that doesn’t disappoint. Whether you’re making it for a date night, a cozy dinner for two, or just because you want creamy chicken, Marry Me Chicken is the move.

What Ingredients You’ll Need for Creamy Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken

Here’s what I love about this Marry Me Chicken recipe: You probably have most of the ingredients already, and the rest are easy to find. I’m picky about a few of these, so I’ll give you all my opinions (and the “why” behind them).

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (2 large, ~1 lb / 450g): I use breasts for a lean, tender result. Thighs work too—just a little richer.
• Salt & Black Pepper (to taste): Don’t skimp. I season both sides before adding to the slow cooker.
• Garlic Powder (1 tsp / 5g): Real garlic works, but powder blends better into the creamy sauce.
• Italian Seasoning (1 tsp / 5g): I like McCormick’s blend, but homemade works. Adds that “restaurant flavor.”
• Red Pepper Flakes (¼ tsp / 1g, optional): For a tiny kick. Totally optional, but I always add it.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes (½ cup / 60g, chopped): Jarred or packed in oil is fine. I drain the oil a bit so the sauce isn’t greasy. These are the magic ingredient—don’t skip.
• Chicken Broth (½ cup / 120ml): Low sodium is best. Adds flavor and keeps the chicken juicy.
• Heavy Cream (½ cup / 120ml): Real cream makes it ultra-rich. If you want a lighter version, half-and-half works, but the sauce won’t be as thick.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese (⅓ cup / 35g): Fresh is best. I tried pre-grated once—not the same. Trust me.
• Fresh Garlic (2 cloves, minced): I know I said garlic powder, but a little real garlic boosts everything. If you’re low on time, skip it.
• Fresh Baby Spinach (1 cup / 30g, optional): Toss this in at the end for color and a veggie moment.

Ingredient Tips:

• I buy sun-dried tomatoes from the deli section, not the big jars. They’re softer and less salty.
• If you’re out of Parmesan, Pecorino Romano is a good swap—just a bit sharper.
• I once used coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free friend. It worked, but the flavor was a little different (still delicious).
• Chicken breasts can be swapped for thighs, but reduce slow cooker time by about 30 minutes.

Quick note: If you want to make this gluten-free, double-check your chicken broth and Parmesan for hidden gluten. Some brands sneak it in.

Equipment Needed for Marry Me Chicken in the Slow Cooker

You don’t need a chef’s kitchen for this. I’ve made creamy Marry Me Chicken with the most basic tools—and sometimes with only one hand because I’m texting or wrangling a toddler. Here’s what you need:

• Slow Cooker (3-4 quart): Mine is a basic Crock-Pot from Target, nothing fancy. If yours is bigger, just watch the cook time.
• Mixing Bowl: For whisking the sauce together. A cereal bowl works if you’re in a pinch.
• Whisk or Fork: I use my little metal whisk, but a fork does the job.
• Measuring Cups & Spoons: Baking is science; cooking is vibes—but for this, I measure the cream and Parmesan.
• Cutting Board & Knife: For chopping sun-dried tomatoes and spinach.
• Spatula or Tongs: For serving the chicken. I use silicone so I don’t scratch my slow cooker.

No slow cooker? You can do this in a Dutch oven on low heat, covered, for about 1.5 hours. But the slow cooker keeps everything juicy and hands-off.

Pro tip: I use slow cooker liners for easy clean-up, but they’re optional. I’m just lazy about dishes, honestly.

How to Make Creamy Easy Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken: Step-by-Step

Alright, let’s do this. I’m walking you through exactly how I make Marry Me Chicken in the slow cooker—every little detail I’ve learned along the way.

1. Prep Your Chicken (2 minutes)
   Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Sprinkle both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. If you’re using thighs, do the same.
2. Mix the Sauce (3 minutes)
   In a bowl, whisk together heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. It’ll look a little lumpy from the cheese—that’s normal.
3. Layer in the Slow Cooker (1 minute)
   Place the seasoned chicken in the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken, making sure it’s mostly covered.
4. Cook Low & Slow (2-3 hours on LOW)
   Cover and cook on LOW for 2 to 3 hours. If you’re using chicken thighs, check after 1.5 hours—they cook faster. The chicken should be super tender and the sauce bubbling slightly at the edges.
5. Add Spinach (Optional, Last 10 Minutes)
   If using spinach, stir it in for the last 10 minutes of cooking. It’ll wilt perfectly and add a pop of color.
6. Finish & Serve (5 minutes)
   Remove chicken carefully (it’ll be super tender—use tongs or a spatula). Whisk the sauce in the slow cooker to blend any cheese bits or tomato pieces. Spoon sauce over the chicken, sprinkle with extra Parmesan, and serve hot.

What should it look like? The sauce will be creamy and slightly pink from the tomatoes. The chicken will cut with a fork and be juicy—not dry. You’ll smell garlic and herbs as soon as you lift the lid.

Troubleshooting:

• If your sauce is too thin, remove the chicken and let the sauce cook for another 10-15 minutes with the lid off—it’ll thicken up.

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• I’ve burned this once by leaving it on HIGH too long—stick to LOW, trust me.

At this point, you’re about 10 minutes of hands-on time in, and the rest is just waiting (and trying not to eat it straight out of the pot).

My Best Marry Me Chicken Tips & Techniques

Okay, here’s where I spill all my secrets. I’ve made this creamy slow cooker chicken so many times, I could probably do it blindfolded—but I’ve definitely learned a few things the hard way.

• Season the Chicken Well: Don’t just sprinkle—rub the seasoning in. It makes a difference, especially with slow cooking.
• Don’t Overcook: Chicken breasts get dry if you leave them in too long. I start checking at 2 hours. Thighs are more forgiving, but still, don’t walk away all afternoon.
• Use Real Parmesan: The pre-grated stuff in the green can isn’t going to melt right. It’ll make the sauce grainy. Freshly grated is worth the extra minute.
• Slow Cooker Size Matters: If your slow cooker is too big, the sauce spreads out and doesn’t cover the chicken. I’ve used foil to “scrunch” up the pot and make a smaller space.
• Blend the Sauce Before Serving: Sometimes the cheese clumps—whisk it well right before serving for that smooth, creamy texture.
• Let it Rest: I let the chicken sit in the sauce (lid off) for 5 minutes before serving. It soaks up the flavors and stays juicy.
• Freeze Leftover Sauce: If you have extra sauce, freeze it in small containers. It’s amazing over pasta or roasted veggies later.

Real talk: The first time I made this, I forgot to season the chicken. It was… fine, but not great. Don’t skip that step—seasoning is everything.

Also, don’t be afraid to taste the sauce before pouring it over the chicken. Sometimes I add a squeeze of lemon for extra brightness or more pepper if it needs a kick.

Ways to Mix Up Your Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken

Once you nail the basic Marry Me Chicken, the fun starts. I’ve tried every variation imaginable and honestly, they all work—so don’t be afraid to get creative.

• Spinach & Artichoke Marry Me Chicken: Add chopped artichoke hearts and a handful of spinach at the end. It’s like dip meets dinner.
• Mushroom Lover’s Version: Toss in 1 cup sliced mushrooms before cooking. The sauce gets extra earthy and rich.
• Spicy Marry Me Chicken: Up the red pepper flakes to ½ tsp and add a splash of hot sauce. My partner loves this version.
• Herb Swap: Use fresh basil or thyme instead of Italian seasoning for a more summery vibe.
• Cheesy Upgrade: Stir in ½ cup shredded mozzarella for a gooier, thicker sauce. Not traditional, but so good.
• Low-Carb/Keto: Use chicken thighs and swap heavy cream for full-fat coconut cream. Skip the sun-dried tomatoes if you’re strict keto.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. The flavor is a little different, but still creamy.
• Gluten-Free: Double-check all your ingredients are GF (especially broth and cheese). Serve over cauliflower rice or zoodles.

I’ve also tried adding roasted red peppers, chopped olives, and even a splash of white wine to the sauce. Every tweak gives you a new flavor profile, but the creamy slow cooker base never fails.

Serving Ideas & Storage for Marry Me Chicken

This creamy Marry Me Chicken is pretty much perfect straight out of the slow cooker, but here’s how I love to serve (and keep) it.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic: Serve over wide egg noodles or mashed potatoes—let that sauce soak in.
• Low-Carb: Spoon over steamed cauliflower or zucchini noodles.
• Fancy Night: Plate with a side of garlicky green beans and toasted bread for sauce-dipping.
• Leftover Magic: Shred leftover chicken and toss with pasta for next-day lunch.
• Brunch Twist: Top a toasted English muffin with leftover chicken and a poached egg. Yes, it’s amazing.

Storage Instructions

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The sauce thickens a bit, so add a splash of broth when reheating.
• Freezer: Freeze portions (chicken and sauce together) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: I microwave for 90 seconds or reheat gently on the stove. Add a little cream or broth to keep it creamy.

Pro Tip: If the chicken gets a little dry on day two, shred it and toss with extra sauce—it’s even better for sandwiches or wraps.

Honestly, I’ve never had leftovers linger more than a day or two—this dinner disappears fast.

Nutritional Info & Health Benefits of Marry Me Chicken

I’m not a nutritionist, but here’s why I feel okay eating this creamy chicken recipe for dinner (and sometimes lunch, let’s be honest).

• High Protein: Thanks to the chicken and Parmesan, you get a solid protein hit that keeps you full for hours.
• Low-ish Carb: Most carbs are from the tomatoes and cream—way less than most “creamy” dinners.
• Calcium & Potassium: Parmesan, cream, and chicken give you a nice dose of these.
• Hidden Veggies: Add spinach or artichokes and you up the veggie game without even noticing.

Quick honesty: It’s still a creamy sauce, so there’s fat and calories. But compared to takeout alfredo or a breaded chicken dinner, this is lighter and a lot more satisfying. Plus, you know exactly what’s in it.

Dietary notes: Contains dairy, chicken, and may contain gluten depending on your broth/cheese. Easy to adapt for gluten-free or dairy-free diets (see mix-it-up ideas above).

Final Thoughts: Why Marry Me Chicken Is Always On My Dinner List

So that’s my Creamy Easy Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken recipe. I know I’ve gone on about it, but when you find a recipe that’s this good, you just want to share it with everyone (even the neighbors who “just happen” to walk by when the house smells amazing).

This is my go-to for date night, comfort food, or those days when I want something cozy without fuss. Every time I make it, someone asks for the recipe—which is pretty much my favorite kind of compliment. I hope you love it as much as my family does.

Don’t be afraid to play with the ingredients, try a new herb, or toss in a handful of spinach. The best recipes are the ones you make your own.

If you make this Marry Me Chicken, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Drop a comment below and let me know what you think. Snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @myhomestylekitchen—I get way too excited seeing your creations. And if you have questions, ask away in the comments. I check them every day and love troubleshooting with you.

Happy slow cooking! Hope your kitchen smells as good as mine does right now.

FAQs for Creamy Easy Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken Recipe

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

A: Absolutely! I’ve made this with thighs plenty of times. They cook a little faster (about 1.5 hours on LOW) and are even juicier. Just make sure to trim excess fat.

Q: What can I substitute for heavy cream?

A: You can use half-and-half for a lighter sauce, or coconut cream for dairy-free. The sauce won’t be quite as thick, but it’s still delicious. I’ve done both—no complaints from my taste testers.

Q: How do I know when the chicken is done?

A: The chicken should be fork-tender and reach 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part. I usually check after 2 hours. If it shreds easily and the sauce is bubbling, you’re good!

Q: Can I make Marry Me Chicken ahead of time?

A: Yes! I prep everything in the slow cooker insert and keep it in the fridge until ready to cook. You can also make it a day ahead—just reheat gently and add a splash of broth if needed.

Q: What sides go best with Marry Me Chicken?

A: My favorites are creamy mashed potatoes, buttered noodles, or roasted veggies. If you want to keep it light, serve over cauliflower rice or a big green salad. The sauce is the star—pick something that’ll soak it up!

Marry Me Chicken Recipe: Easy Creamy Slow Cooker Dinner for Two

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• Author: Nora Winslow
• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x

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Description

This creamy, dreamy Marry Me Chicken is a slow cooker dinner for two that’s effortless, romantic, and packed with flavor from sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning. Perfect for date night or cozy comfort food, it’s a restaurant-worthy meal with minimal clean-up.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (~1 lb)
• Salt & black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (jarred or packed in oil, drained)
• 1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese (fresh preferred)
• 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1 cup fresh baby spinach (optional)

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Instructions

1. Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes.
3. Place seasoned chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour sauce mixture over the chicken, ensuring it is mostly covered.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 2 to 3 hours (1.5 hours for thighs), until chicken is fork-tender and sauce is bubbling.
5. If using spinach, stir it in for the last 10 minutes of cooking to wilt.
6. Remove chicken carefully with tongs or a spatula. Whisk the sauce in the slow cooker to blend any cheese or tomato bits.
7. Spoon sauce over chicken, sprinkle with extra Parmesan if desired, and serve hot.

Notes

Season the chicken well for best flavor. Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smooth sauce. If sauce is too thin, remove chicken and cook sauce uncovered for 10-15 minutes to thicken. For dairy-free, use coconut cream and nutritional yeast. Chicken thighs can be used for a juicier result and cook faster. Freeze leftover sauce for pasta or veggies. Double-check broth and cheese for gluten if needed.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Main Course
• Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast wit
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 3
• Sodium: 650
• Fat: 22
• Saturated Fat: 12
• Carbohydrates: 8
• Fiber: 2
• Protein: 32

Keywords: marry me chicken, slow cooker chicken, creamy chicken, dinner for two, date night, easy chicken recipe, comfort food, sun-dried tomato chicken, parmesan chicken