One chilly Wednesday evening, after a marathon of meetings and a fridge that was looking pretty sad, I stumbled into the kitchen with zero inspiration but a desperate craving for comfort. That’s when I decided to dust off my trusty crockpot and try out this Easy Crockpot Marry Me Chicken recipe I’d been meaning to make forever. Spoiler alert: it might just be the easiest way to impress yourself on a weeknight.
I’ve made this recipe at least a dozen times now, and honestly, it’s become my secret weapon for busy nights when I want something that smells like a fancy dinner but requires almost no babysitting. The creamy, garlicky sauce and tender chicken basically do all the work for you, leaving you with a meal that feels special without any stress. If you’ve been hunting for a perfect weeknight dinner, this easy crockpot Marry Me Chicken recipe will change your life.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Okay, real talk—this crockpot Marry Me Chicken has spoiled every other chicken recipe for me. Here’s why it’s a total game-changer on those hectic weeknights:
- Hands-off cooking magic: Toss everything into the crockpot in the morning, and by dinner, you’ve got melt-in-your-mouth chicken bathed in a dreamy sauce. I’ve literally made this on days packed with errands and meetings.
- Creamy, flavorful sauce: The combo of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and cream is like a hug in food form. It’s rich but not heavy, and the sauce thickens perfectly without any extra effort.
- Perfectly tender chicken: The slow cooking means the chicken thighs come out juicy and shreddable, no drying out here. Even picky eaters in my family ask for seconds.
- Minimal ingredients, maximum wow: You don’t need a million fancy things cluttering your pantry—just a handful of staples that make this taste like a restaurant dish.
This recipe isn’t just dinner—it’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like you *nailed* it without breaking a sweat. Plus, it’s a total crowd-pleaser, whether it’s a solo night in or feeding hungry friends. Trust me, once you try this, your weeknight dinners will never be the same.
What Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what’s great about this crockpot Marry Me Chicken recipe: most of these ingredients are probably already chilling in your fridge or pantry. I like to break them down by their role because knowing why each one’s there makes cooking less like guesswork.
- Chicken thighs (4-6, boneless and skinless) — I prefer thighs for their juicy texture and forgiving nature in slow cooking. You can use breasts if you want, but thighs give you that tender, shreddable magic.
- Sun-dried tomatoes (½ cup, chopped) — These pack a punch of tangy, sweet flavor that’s totally essential. I use the kind packed in oil for extra richness.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced) — Fresh garlic is a must here. The slow cooker brings out its mellow sweetness, which balances the acidity beautifully.
- Heavy cream (1 cup) — This is the silky base of the sauce. Full-fat is best for richness, but you can try half-and-half if you’re feeling lighter.
- Chicken broth (1 cup) — Adds depth without overpowering. I go for low-sodium so I can control the salt level.
- Parmesan cheese (½ cup, grated) — This melts into the sauce and adds that umami boost. Freshly grated is a game changer.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon) — A blend of herbs that brings everything together. Feel free to use your favorite mix or fresh herbs if you have them.
- Red pepper flakes (¼ teaspoon, optional) — Adds a subtle kick. I always add this because I like a little warmth, but skip it if you’re sensitive to spice.
- Salt and pepper — To taste. I usually start light and adjust at the end.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon) — For sautéing the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes before tossing them in the crockpot. It helps release those flavors.
Quick tip: If you’re like me and sometimes forget to grab sun-dried tomatoes, I keep a jar in the pantry just for recipes like this. They’re surprisingly versatile and last forever unopened.
Equipment Needed
You seriously don’t need a fancy setup for this one. Here’s what I use every time:
- Slow cooker/crockpot — Mine’s a basic 6-quart model that’s been with me for years. It’s perfect for this recipe and most one-pot meals.
- Skillet or frying pan — Just for a quick sauté of the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. You could skip this step, but trust me, the flavor boost is worth it.
- Measuring cups and spoons — Because eyeballing cream and broth never ends well in my experience.
- Mixing spoon or spatula — For stirring everything together before and after cooking.
- Knife and cutting board — For prepping garlic and chopping sun-dried tomatoes.
I’m all about keeping things simple. You don’t need a food processor or fancy gadgets—just a few basics that you probably already own.
How to Make It: Step-by-Step
Alright, here’s how to make this easy crockpot Marry Me Chicken recipe come to life. I’m walking you through every little step, so even if you’re new to slow cooking, you got this.
- Prep the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes (5 minutes)
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant. This step unlocks those deep, rich flavors that make the sauce irresistible. - Season the chicken thighs (3 minutes)
While the garlic and tomatoes are cooking, season your chicken thighs generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Don’t be shy here; the seasoning is what makes the chicken sing. - Assemble in the crockpot (2 minutes)
Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour the sautéed garlic and sun-dried tomatoes over the top. - Add liquids (1 minute)
Pour in 1 cup chicken broth and 1 cup heavy cream over the chicken. Give it a gentle stir to combine but don’t worry about mixing everything perfectly—slow cooking will work its magic. - Cook low and slow (4-5 hours)
Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours. The chicken will become tender and soak up all those creamy, tangy flavors. Resist the urge to peek too often—opening the lid drops the temperature and messes with cooking time. - Finish with Parmesan and spice (5 minutes)
Once the chicken is cooked through, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes over the top. Give everything a gentle stir to melt the cheese into the sauce. If it looks too thin, you can turn the crockpot to high for 15-20 minutes to thicken it up. - Serve and enjoy
Scoop up the chicken and spoon that luscious sauce over rice, pasta, or even mashed potatoes. I like to garnish with fresh basil or parsley if I have it on hand.
By the time you’re done, your kitchen will smell like a cozy Italian trattoria. The chicken should be so tender it falls apart with a fork, and the sauce will be creamy with little bursts of sun-dried tomato tang.
My Best Tips & Techniques
Okay, here’s where I share the nuggets of wisdom I’ve picked up after making this crockpot Marry Me Chicken way too many times.
- Don’t skip sautéing the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes — This tiny step seriously amps up the flavor. I tried skipping it once when I was in a rush, and the sauce was good but not nearly as rich.
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs — They stay juicy and tender in the crockpot. Breasts can dry out, especially if you accidentally leave it cooking too long.
- Keep the lid on — I know it’s tempting to check, but every time you lift the lid, you add about 15 minutes to cook time.
- Adjust seasoning at the end — After adding Parmesan, taste the sauce. You might want a pinch more salt or a little more red pepper flakes for heat.
- Leftovers are gold — This tastes even better the next day when the flavors have melded. I usually make a double batch and freeze half for busy weeks.
Ways to Mix It Up
Once you’ve nailed the classic version, here’s how to get playful with your crockpot Marry Me Chicken:
- Mushroom Lover’s Upgrade: Toss in 1 cup sliced mushrooms with the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. The earthy mushrooms add another layer of umami that’s dreamy.
- Spinach Power Boost: Stir in 2 cups fresh spinach during the last 10 minutes of cooking. It wilts beautifully and adds a pop of color and nutrients.
- Spicy Kick: Add an extra ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce if you like your dinners with a bit of fire.
- Dairy-Free Version: Swap heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk and omit the Parmesan. The sauce will be slightly different but still creamy and delicious.
- Herb Swap: Use fresh rosemary and thyme instead of Italian seasoning for a more fragrant, woodsy flavor.
- Cheesy Twist: Mix in ½ cup shredded mozzarella or fontina cheese for an extra gooey finish. Just add it with the Parmesan.
Serving Ideas & Storage
This crockpot Marry Me Chicken is so versatile in how you serve it. Here are my favorite combos:
- Over pasta: Toss with fettuccine or penne to soak up all that creamy sauce.
- With rice or quinoa: Perfect for soaking up every last drop, especially if you want a gluten-free option.
- Mashed potatoes: For a cozy, classic comfort meal.
- On crusty bread: Serve alongside a crusty baguette to mop up the sauce.
Storage tips: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce thickened too much. You can also freeze the chicken and sauce for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Nutritional Info & Health Benefits
Look, this isn’t a diet food, but here’s why I feel good serving it to my family:
| Nutrient | Per Serving (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Protein | 32g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Carbohydrates | 4g |
| Fiber | 1g |
The chicken thighs pack a solid protein punch, which keeps you full way longer than a greasy takeout. The sun-dried tomatoes add antioxidants, and the garlic is great for immune support (plus taste). Yes, the heavy cream adds richness and fat, but it’s balanced by the lean protein and minimal carbs if you skip starchy sides.
Final Thoughts
So that’s my easy crockpot Marry Me Chicken recipe—simple enough for a busy weeknight but indulgent enough to feel like you’ve really treated yourself. I love how it brings people to the table with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
This recipe has saved me on more than one occasion when I had zero energy but still wanted a homemade meal. I hope it does the same for you. And remember, don’t hesitate to make it your own with the mix-ins and tweaks I shared.
If you give this recipe a try, please let me know! Drop a comment below or tag me on Instagram @[yourhandle]. I get genuinely excited seeing your versions and hearing your stories.
Happy slow cooking—and may your weeknight dinners be forever delicious and stress-free!
FAQs
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: Yes, you can! Just keep in mind that chicken breasts tend to dry out more easily in the crockpot. I recommend checking them around 3 to 4 hours to avoid overcooking. Thighs are my personal favorite because they stay juicy and tender.
Q: How do I know when the chicken is done?
A: The chicken should be tender and easily shredded with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) if you want to be precise. You’ll also notice the sauce bubbling gently around the edges and a lovely aroma filling your kitchen.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prep everything the night before—season the chicken, chop the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, and store them in the fridge. Then just dump it all in the crockpot the next day and cook. Leftovers also reheat beautifully.
Q: What can I substitute for heavy cream?
A: If you want a lighter version, half-and-half works okay but the sauce won’t be quite as rich. For a dairy-free option, full-fat coconut milk is a great swap and still gives you that creamy texture.
Q: Can I add vegetables to this dish?
A: Yes! Mushrooms, spinach, or even bell peppers work well. Just add mushrooms at the start with the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, and stir in spinach during the last 10 minutes of cooking so it wilts but stays bright.
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Easy Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Recipe for the Best Weeknight Dinner
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes to 5 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A creamy, garlicky slow cooker chicken dish with sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan, perfect for an effortless yet impressive weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 4–6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Season the chicken thighs generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour the sautéed garlic and sun-dried tomatoes over the top.
- Pour in 1 cup chicken broth and 1 cup heavy cream over the chicken. Give it a gentle stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
- Once cooked, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes over the top. Stir gently to melt the cheese into the sauce. If the sauce is too thin, turn the crockpot to high for 15-20 minutes to thicken.
- Serve the chicken and sauce over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Notes
[‘Sautéing garlic and sun-dried tomatoes before adding to the crockpot enhances flavor.’, ‘Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juiciness and tenderness.’, ‘Keep the lid on during cooking to maintain temperature and timing.’, ‘Adjust seasoning after cooking, especially salt and red pepper flakes.’, ‘Leftovers taste better the next day and freeze well for up to 3 months.’, ‘For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and omit Parmesan.’, ‘Add mushrooms with garlic and sun-dried tomatoes for extra umami.’, ‘Stir in fresh spinach during the last 10 minutes of cooking for added nutrients.’]
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 5 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20
- Carbohydrates: 4
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 32
Keywords: crockpot chicken, marry me chicken, slow cooker dinner, creamy chicken recipe, easy weeknight dinner, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic chicken
