Easy Crockpot Marry Me Chicken for Family Dinners is the kind of comforting meal that brings everyone to the table without stress. Tender chicken slowly cooks in a creamy, savory sauce filled with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan until every bite is rich and satisfying. This recipe is simple enough for busy weeknights, yet special enough to feel like a restaurant-quality dinner at home.
If you love meals that practically cook themselves while delivering big flavor, this slow cooker favorite is about to become a regular in your rotation.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Easy Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
This recipe has earned its popularity for good reason. It checks all the boxes for a reliable family dinner.
- Minimal prep and hands-off cooking
- Tender, juicy chicken every time
- Creamy sauce without complicated steps
- Family-friendly flavors with optional heat
- Perfect for meal prep and leftovers
It pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or vegetables, making it easy to customize for different tastes and dietary needs.
Ingredients for Easy Crockpot Marry Me Chicken for Family Dinners
This dish uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients that work together to create a rich and comforting sauce.
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
Optional Garnish
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Chicken: Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for extra juiciness.
- Cream: Heavy cream creates the richest sauce, but half-and-half works for a lighter option.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Use oil-packed or dry-packed, just chop finely.
- Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan melts best and adds depth.
- Dairy-free: Substitute full-fat coconut milk and dairy-free Parmesan.
- Spice level: Red pepper flakes are optional and easy to omit for kids.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This crockpot recipe is designed to be easy and forgiving.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper. Place them in a single layer in the crockpot.
Step 2: Add the Flavor Base
Pour the chicken broth over the chicken. Add the minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using.
Step 3: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Step 4: Add the Cream and Cheese
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Cover and continue cooking.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
Stir the cornstarch slurry into the crockpot. Let the sauce thicken for about 10 to 15 minutes with the lid on.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh herbs and extra Parmesan before serving.
Pro Tips for Success
- Avoid overcooking by sticking to the recommended time.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F.
- Stir gently when adding cream to keep the chicken intact.
- Slice chicken before serving for easier portioning.
- Add a splash of broth if the sauce becomes too thick.
Flavor Variations
This recipe is easy to adapt once you know the base.
- Spinach Marry Me Chicken: Stir in fresh spinach during the last 10 minutes.
- Mushroom Version: Add sliced mushrooms at the beginning.
- Extra Cheesy: Add mozzarella for a thicker sauce.
- Lemon Twist: Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
- Herb Boost: Add fresh thyme or basil near the end.
Serving Suggestions
Easy Crockpot Marry Me Chicken for Family Dinners pairs well with a variety of sides.
- Cooked pasta or egg noodles
- Steamed rice or risotto
- Mashed potatoes
- Roasted broccoli or green beans
- Crusty bread for soaking up sauce
This flexibility makes it ideal for feeding both adults and kids.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
This dish stores well, making it great for leftovers.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooled chicken and sauce for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding broth if needed.
Easy Crockpot Marry Me Chicken for Family Dinners
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Easy Crockpot Marry Me Chicken for Family Dinners is a comforting slow cooker meal with tender chicken simmered in a rich, creamy sauce made with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan. It’s simple enough for busy weeknights and special enough to feel like a restaurant-quality dinner at home.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper.
- Place the chicken in a single layer in the crockpot.
- Pour the chicken broth over the chicken.
- Add the minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes.
- Mix the cornstarch with water and stir into the crockpot.
- Cook for 10 to 15 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Notes
For extra juicy chicken, avoid overcooking and use low heat when possible. Chicken thighs can be substituted for breasts, and red pepper flakes can be omitted for a milder flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~420 |
| Protein | ~36 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~9 g |
| Fat | ~27 g |
| Fiber | ~1 g |
| Sodium | ~720 mg |
Values are estimates and will vary by ingredients used.
FAQ About Easy Crockpot Marry Me Chicken for Family Dinners
Why is it called Marry Me Chicken?
The name comes from how delicious and comforting the dish is, often joked to be good enough to inspire a marriage proposal.
Can I use frozen chicken?
It is best to use thawed chicken for food safety and even cooking.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, this dish reheats well and tastes even better the next day.
Is this recipe spicy?
It is mild as written. The red pepper flakes can be reduced or omitted.
Can I cook this on high?
Yes, but low heat gives the most tender chicken and best texture.
Final Thoughts
Easy Crockpot Marry Me Chicken for Family Dinners is proof that slow cooker meals can be both simple and impressive. With tender chicken, a creamy savory sauce, and minimal effort, this recipe is perfect for busy days when you still want a home-cooked meal everyone will love. Once you try it, you will understand why it has become such a popular comfort food favorite.