Heavenly Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken — Weeknight Win

This Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken recipe transforms a beloved viral classic into an incredibly easy, hands-off meal. You get all the rich, creamy, and intensely flavourful goodness of the original with the convenience of your slow cooker. It’s perfect for busy evenings when you want a delicious dinner without constant attention. Get ready for tender chicken enveloped in a heavenly Italian-inspired sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken

This version of creamy chicken is a weeknight lifesaver, designed for maximum flavour with minimal effort. You will love how simple it makes dinner.

• Effortless, Quick Prep Time: Spend less than 15 minutes getting dinner ready for the slow cooker.
• Rich, Creamy, and Cheesy Sauce: Indulge in a luxurious sauce packed with cream cheese and Parmesan.
• Bold, Satisfying Italian-Inspired Flavours: Sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and oregano create an irresistible taste.
• Perfect for Busy Weeknights: Set it and forget it, returning to a wonderful home-cooked meal.
• Hands-Off Cooking: Your slow cooker does all the hard work, leaving you free to do other things.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your delectable Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken. Each component plays a vital role in building the signature creamy flavour.

• 650 g Skinless, boneless chicken breast: About four pieces, cut into bite-sized chunks for tenderness.
• 30 g Plain flour (0.25 cups): Used for coating the chicken, which helps thicken the sauce slightly.
• 3 Garlic cloves: Peeled and crushed, fresh garlic provides an aromatic depth.
• 100 g Sun-dried tomatoes (3.5 oz): Drained from oil and very finely chopped, these add a sweet, tangy richness.
• 1 tsp Dried oregano: A classic Italian herb that complements the tomatoes and chicken beautifully.
• 2 tsp Paprika: Adds a lovely colour and a subtle, warm flavour.
• 300 ml Boiling water (1.25 cups): Forms the liquid base for the sauce.
• 1 Chicken stock cube: Crumbled and undiluted, this boosts the savoury chicken flavour.
• 100 g Cream cheese (3.5 oz): The key to achieving that incredibly smooth and creamy texture.
• 50 g Parmesan (0.5 cups): Grated, it melts into the sauce, adding a salty, cheesy dimension.
• 15 g Fresh basil leaves (3 tsp): Chopped, for a fresh, aromatic finish and garnish.
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning to taste, enhancing all the other flavours.

Notes & Substitutions

You can easily adapt this recipe to fit your dietary needs or preferences. Remember to adjust quantities if needed.

• For sun-dried tomatoes, always specify jarred in oil. Drain them well before chopping them very finely for the best texture in your sauce.
• Plain flour is often called all-purpose flour in some regions. Both work perfectly for coating the chicken.
• To make this dish dairy-free, use your favourite plant-based cream cheese and grated Parmesan alternatives. Ensure they melt smoothly.
• Chicken thighs can be a delicious substitute for breasts. They offer a richer flavour and tend to stay very moist in the slow cooker.
• Adjust spices like paprika or oregano to your personal preference. Feel free to add a pinch of chilli flakes for a little kick.

Equipment

You only need a few basic kitchen tools to make this delightful slow cooker meal.

• A large slow cooker is essential for this hands-off recipe.
• Use a sharp knife for safely preparing your chicken and sun-dried tomatoes.
• A sturdy cutting board provides a stable surface for chopping ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons ensure precise ingredient amounts for perfect results.

Instructions

Creating this Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken is incredibly simple, making it ideal for busy home cooks. Just follow these easy steps for a delicious meal.

1. Prep the chicken: First, take your bite-sized chicken pieces and place them in a bowl. Sprinkle them generously with the plain flour, plenty of sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Toss everything together until all the chicken pieces are well coated. This step helps create a slightly thicker, richer sauce.
2. Add ingredients to the slow cooker: Carefully transfer the coated chicken into your large slow cooker. Add the crushed garlic, the very finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, and paprika. Crumble the chicken stock cube directly over the other ingredients, then pour in the boiling water. Give everything a quick stir to combine the ingredients evenly in the slow cooker.
   

   The USDA provides comprehensive information on slow cooker food safety guidelines to ensure your meals are cooked thoroughly and safely.

   
   
3. Cook thoroughly: Place the lid on your slow cooker. Cook the chicken mixture on the HIGH setting for 2.5 to 3 hours. Alternatively, if you prefer a longer, slower cook, set it to LOW for 5 to 6 hours. Cook until the chicken is tender, cooked through, and easily shredded with a fork.
4. Finish the sauce: Just before you are ready to serve, remove the lid. Stir in the cream cheese until it has fully melted and incorporated into the sauce, making it wonderfully creamy. Next, add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it too has melted and blended smoothly. Finally, fold in the fresh basil leaves.
5. Season to perfection: Taste the Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken sauce. Adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more sea salt and black pepper to ensure it tastes perfect for you and your family.
6. Serve and enjoy: Dish out this flavourful chicken warm. It pairs beautifully with various sides.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

These tips ensure your slow cooker chicken turns out perfect every time. A little attention to detail goes a long way.

• Don’t overcook the chicken to maintain its best, tender texture. It should be easily shredded but not dry.
• Chop sun-dried tomatoes finely for a smoother sauce texture. Larger pieces might not incorporate as seamlessly.
• Avoid lifting the slow cooker lid often during cooking. Each time you lift it, heat escapes, extending the cooking time.
• For a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water to form a slurry. Stir it into the hot sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Always adjust seasoning generously at the end. Taste and add salt and pepper until the flavours really pop.

Serving, Storage & Variations

This versatile creamy chicken dish is fantastic on its own or with your favourite accompaniments. It’s also simple to store and reheat.

• Serving Suggestions:
  • Serve this delightful slow cooker marry me chicken over a bed of al dente pasta like tagliatelle or penne.
  • It’s also excellent with fluffy white rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or even quinoa for a wholesome meal.
  • Don’t forget some crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that incredible sauce.
  • Pair it with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables like green beans or asparagus for a balanced plate.
• Storage:
  • Store any leftover creamy marry me chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • When reheating, do so thoroughly on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave until piping hot. Add a splash of milk or stock if the sauce seems too thick.
  • Freezing creamy sauces can sometimes alter their texture upon thawing, making them a little grainy. If freezing, be prepared to whisk in a little more liquid when reheating.
• Variations:
  • For extra nutrients, stir in a handful of fresh spinach or kale during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
  • Add sliced mushrooms or diced bell peppers at the beginning of the cooking process for more vegetable goodness.
  • Spice things up with a pinch of red chili flakes added with the other spices.
  • Substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts for a richer, more succulent flavour that stands up well to slow cooking.

Nutrition

Here is the approximate nutritional information per serving of Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken.

Please note: These nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients, preparation methods, and serving sizes.

FAQ

Got questions about making this delicious chicken? We have you covered with common queries and helpful answers.

• Can I make this dairy-free? Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe by substituting dairy-free cream cheese and plant-based Parmesan alternatives.
• Where does Marry Me Chicken come from? The original Marry Me Chicken recipe, known for its rich, Italian-style creamy chicken sauce, was popularized by Delish and has inspired many variations, including this slow cooker adaptation.
• Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker? Absolutely. Heartier vegetables like chopped carrots, diced potatoes, or even bell peppers can be added at the start of cooking.
• Can I use frozen chicken? For the best results and food safety, always thaw your chicken fully before adding it to the slow cooker.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken recipe truly delivers on its promise of an easy, flavourful, and utterly satisfying meal. Its creamy, rich sauce and tender chicken make it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for beginners and busy parents alike. Enjoy the simplicity of slow cooking and the incredible taste of this Italian-inspired classic. Give this convenient meal a try tonight and discover your new favourite garlic parmesan crockpot chicken and potatoes! Don’t forget to share your experience and leave a review.

Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken

This comforting slow cooker recipe features tender chicken breast coated in flour and seasoned with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and paprika. Finished with cream cheese, Parmesan, and fresh basil, it’s a creamy and flavorful meal perfect for a cozy dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 3 hours hrs

Total Time 3 hours hrs 5 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Slow Cooker

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 387 kcal

Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Knife
• Cutting Board
• Grater
• Measuring spoons/cups

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 650 g Skinless, boneless chicken breast (About x4, cut into bite sized pieces)
• 30 g Plain flour (0.25 cups)
• 3 Garlic cloves (Peeled and crushed)
• 100 g Sun dried tomatoes (3.5 oz), Drained and very finely chopped
• 1 tsp Dried oregano
• 2 tsp Paprika
• 300 ml Boiling water (1.25 cups)
• 1 Chicken stock cube (undiluted, crumbled)
• 100 g Cream cheese (3.5 oz)
• 50 g Parmesan (0.5 cups), Grated
• 15 g Fresh basil leaves (3 tsp)
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

 

Instructions

• Toss the bite-sized chicken pieces in plain flour, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper until thoroughly coated.
• Place the coated chicken into the slow cooker along with crushed garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, paprika, crumbled chicken stock cube, and boiling water.
• Cook the mixture on HIGH for 2.5-3 hours, or on LOW for 5-6 hours, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked.
• Just before serving, stir in the cream cheese, grated Parmesan, and fresh basil leaves until well combined and melted.

Notes

Serve this creamy Marry Me Chicken over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up all the delicious sauce. For an added touch, garnish with extra fresh basil before serving.

Keyword slow cooker