Description
The name “Marry Me Chicken” might sound playful, but it speaks to a beautiful truth about food’s power to create memorable moments and bring people together. This Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken recipe takes the beloved stovetop original and transforms it into an even more convenient slow cooker version that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4–6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed work best)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
For Finishing:
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- Additional Parmesan for serving
Substitution Ideas:
- Dairy-free: Use coconut cream instead of cream cheese and nutritional yeast for Parmesan
- Lower fat: Substitute light cream cheese and reduce the amount slightly
- Gluten concerns: This recipe is naturally gluten-free
- Herb alternatives: Fresh thyme or rosemary work beautifully in place of basil
Instructions
Pat the chicken breasts dry and season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. This simple step creates a flavorful foundation that makes all the difference in the final dish. Place the seasoned chicken in your slow cooker.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese and chicken broth until smooth. The key here is ensuring your cream cheese is truly soft – this prevents lumpy sauce and creates that silky texture we’re after.
Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes to your cream cheese mixture. Stir until everything is well combined. The sun-dried tomatoes will release their concentrated flavor throughout the cooking process, creating depth in every bite.
Pour the sauce mixture over the seasoned chicken in your slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and shreds easily with a fork.
During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce and create that rich, creamy finish. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Garnish with fresh chopped basil and additional Parmesan cheese. The bright green herbs provide a beautiful color contrast and fresh flavor that balances the richness of the dish perfectly.
Nutrition
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Protein: 35g