Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

This irresistible Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken lives up to its romantic name with tender, juicy chicken bathed in a rich, creamy tomato basil sauce. The slow cooker does all the work while you go about your day, creating a restaurant-quality meal that’s so delicious it might just inspire a proposal! With its perfect blend of Italian herbs, tangy tomatoes, and luxurious cream, this one-pot wonder is comfort food at its finest.

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crock pot.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together the diced tomatoes, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the mixture over the chicken in the crock pot, ensuring the chicken is well coated.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
5. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the crock pot and shred it using two forks.
6. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil into the sauce in the crock pot, mixing well.
7. Return the shredded chicken to the crock pot and stir to combine with the sauce.
8. Serve over cooked pasta or rice, garnished with additional basil if desired.

Variations

1. Mediterranean Twist – Add 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, 1/4 cup kalamata olives, and 2 tablespoons capers for a briny, Mediterranean flavor profile that pairs beautifully with the creamy base.
2. Spicy Marry Me Chicken – Incorporate 1-2 teaspoons red pepper flakes and 1 diced jalapeño to the sauce mixture for those who like their romance with a little heat.
3. Herb-Crusted Version – Mix 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons melted butter and extra herbs, then sprinkle over the chicken during the last 30 minutes of cooking for added texture.

Cooking Notes

1. Chicken Thickness Matters – Pound chicken breasts to even thickness (about 3/4 inch) before cooking to ensure uniform cooking and prevent dry spots while maintaining juicy centers.
2. Sauce Consistency Control – If the sauce seems too thin after cooking, remove the lid and cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes to reduce and thicken naturally.
3. Temperature Safety – Always check that chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before shredding, especially if using thicker breast pieces.

Serving Suggestions

1. Classic Pasta Pairing – Serve over al dente penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and fresh basil for the ultimate comfort meal.
2. Low-Carb Options – Spoon over cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or spaghetti squash for a lighter version that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
3. Rustic Bread Service – Pair with crusty garlic bread or focaccia to soak up every drop of that incredible creamy tomato sauce.

Tips

1. Make-Ahead Magic – Prepare the sauce mixture the night before and store in the refrigerator, then simply add to the crock pot with chicken in the morning for effortless meal prep.
2. Cheese Integration – Add the Parmesan cheese gradually while stirring to prevent clumping and ensure a smooth, creamy sauce that coats everything perfectly.
3. Fresh Herb Timing – Reserve half the fresh basil to stir in just before serving to maintain its bright color and fresh flavor, while adding the other half during cooking for deeper herb infusion.

Prep Time:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
• Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes – 7 hours 10 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 480 kcal
• Protein: 45g
• Sodium: 650mg

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? – Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and will be even more tender and flavorful. Use the same cooking times, though thighs are more forgiving if they cook a bit longer.
2. Can I make this recipe dairy-free? – Yes, substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use nutritional yeast or dairy-free Parmesan alternative. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
3. How do I store and reheat leftovers? – Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
4. Can I freeze this dish? – The cooked chicken and sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months, though the cream sauce may separate slightly when thawed. Stir well when reheating and add fresh cream if needed to restore the creamy texture.

Conclusion

This Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken truly lives up to its romantic name, delivering restaurant-quality flavors with minimal effort. The combination of tender, slow-cooked chicken in a rich, creamy tomato basil sauce creates a meal that’s both comforting and elegant. Whether you’re cooking for a special someone or simply treating your family to something extraordinary, this recipe proves that the best dishes often come from the simplest ingredients prepared with love. Set it, forget it, and prepare to fall head over heels for this irresistible chicken dish that practically cooks itself while filling your home with amazing aromas.

Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken

---

• Author: Avery
• Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes - 7 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

This irresistible Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken lives up to its romantic name with tender, juicy chicken bathed in a rich, creamy tomato basil sauce. The slow cooker does all the work while you go about your day, creating a restaurant-quality meal that’s so delicious it might just inspire a proposal! With its perfect blend of Italian herbs, tangy tomatoes, and luxurious cream, this one-pot wonder is comfort food at its finest.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• Cooked pasta or rice, for serving

---

Instructions

1. Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crock pot.
2. In a separate bowl, mix together the diced tomatoes, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the mixture over the chicken in the crock pot, ensuring the chicken is well coated.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
5. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the crock pot and shred it using two forks.
6. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil into the sauce in the crock pot, mixing well.
7. Return the shredded chicken to the crock pot and stir to combine with the sauce.
8. Serve over cooked pasta or rice, garnished with additional basil if desired.

Notes

For extra richness, add 2 tablespoons of cream cheese in step 6. If you prefer whole chicken breasts instead of shredded, reduce cooking time slightly and check for doneness at 5-6 hours on low. Fresh herbs make a big difference – try adding fresh oregano or thyme along with the basil.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving (1/4 of recipe)
• Calories: 480 kcal
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 45g
• Cholesterol: 145mg

Keywords: crock pot chicken, marry me chicken, creamy chicken, slow cooker, Italian chicken, comfort food, easy dinner