Crockpot Marry Me Chicken: A Creamy, Cozy Dinner Delight
I still remember the first time I set this Crockpot Marry Me Chicken: A Creamy, Cozy Dinner Delight on the table — leaves drifting past the window, cider steaming in mugs, and the whole house smelling like garlic and warm herbs. This recipe quickly became a reader favorite for its tender, velvety sauce and simple slow-cooker comfort that pairs perfectly with pumpkin bread or a crisp fall salad. If you love seasonal meals that feel indulgent without fuss, this is one to keep in your weekly rotation. For more cozy dinner inspiration that pairs well with this dish, try this comforting lasagna soup recipe: cozy easy lasagna soup crockpot recipe.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds), salted and peppered
- 6 slices turkey bacon, roughly chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little warmth)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
- A squeeze of lemon juice (optional, to brighten)
Step-by-step Instructions
This Crockpot Marry Me Chicken: A Creamy, Cozy Dinner Delight is designed for beginners — the slow cooker does most of the work. Follow these steps for a perfectly creamy result.
- Brown the bacon and onions (optional but recommended)
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the turkey bacon until lightly crisp. Add the onion and cook until soft. This adds flavor that deepens in the slow cooker.
- Assemble in the slow cooker
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot. Sprinkle the sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes over the chicken. Pour the chicken broth around the sides.
- Add the creamy components
- Pour the heavy cream over the top and scatter the grated Parmesan. Spoon the cooked bacon and onions across the chicken.
- Cook low and slow
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Thicken the sauce
- Remove the chicken to a plate and stir the cornstarch slurry into the sauce. Return the chicken to the crockpot and cook for an additional 10–15 minutes until the sauce is thickened.
- Finish and serve
- Stir in a squeeze of lemon juice if using, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and serve over mashed potatoes, pasta, or roasted seasonal vegetables.
Tips for Success
- Use room-temperature chicken for even cooking and to prevent overcooking.
- Browning the bacon and onion first adds depth, but if you’re short on time, you can skip straight to the crockpot.
- For a richer sauce, add a little extra Parmesan at the end and stir until melted.
- If you’d like a lower-fat option, swap heavy cream for a full-fat evaporated milk for a slightly lighter texture.
- Want to pair this with another cozy dish? This dish complements intimate dinners and pairs nicely with budget-friendly, romantic meal ideas like those found here: dinner ideas for 2 romantic easy budget friendly meals.
Possible Variations
- Gluten-free: Serve over gluten-free pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. Ensure your chicken broth and any packaged ingredients are labeled gluten-free.
- Streusel topping (seasonal twist): For a fall-inspired crunch, top with a savory herb streusel of panko (or gluten-free crumbs), butter, and rosemary, broiling briefly on a baking sheet until golden before sprinkling over plated portions.
- Vegetarian version: Swap chicken for firm roasted cauliflower steaks and use vegetable broth, increasing the cream slightly to maintain richness.
- Spice level: Increase red pepper flakes or add a pinch of smoked paprika for a deeper, cozy flavor.
You can also explore cheesy casseroles and sides to round out your meal; a cheesy baked dish makes a lovely complement: 10 best cheesy dinner casseroles.
Storage Recommendations
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce.
- Freeze: Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating tip: Avoid boiling the sauce when reheating—gentle heat preserves the creamy texture.
Conclusion
This Crockpot Marry Me Chicken: A Creamy, Cozy Dinner Delight brings warm, comforting flavors to weeknight dinners and special autumn gatherings. It’s forgiving for beginners and versatile enough for variations, from gluten-free swaps to a festive streusel finish. For the original inspiration and a skillet version to compare techniques, check out the classic recipe here: The Original Marry Me Chicken – Delish.
FAQs
- How long should I cook Crockpot Marry Me Chicken on low?
- Cook on LOW for 4–5 hours for tender chicken that remains juicy. Cooking time can vary slightly by slow cooker model.
- Can I use frozen chicken breasts in the crockpot?
- It’s best to use thawed chicken for even cooking and food safety. If using frozen, increase the cooking time and ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- How do I prevent the cream sauce from separating?
- Thicken the sauce at the end with a cornstarch slurry and heat gently. Avoid boiling the sauce vigorously to maintain a smooth, creamy texture.
- What should I serve with Crockpot Marry Me Chicken?
- Serve over mashed potatoes, pasta, rice, or roasted seasonal vegetables. A simple green salad and warm bread complete the cozy meal.
Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
- Total Time: 315 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A creamy and cozy dinner delight, this Crockpot Marry Me Chicken features tender chicken breasts cooked in a velvety sauce with flavorful ingredients, perfect for intimate meals.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds), salted and peppered
- 6 slices turkey bacon, roughly chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
- A squeeze of lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the bacon and onions: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the turkey bacon until lightly crisp. Add the onion and cook until soft.
- Assemble in the slow cooker: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot and sprinkle the sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes over the chicken. Pour the chicken broth around the sides.
- Add the creamy components: Pour the heavy cream over the top and scatter the grated Parmesan. Spoon the cooked bacon and onions across the chicken.
- Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on LOW for 240–300 minutes or HIGH for 120–180 minutes, until the chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Thicken the sauce: Remove the chicken to a plate and stir the cornstarch slurry into the sauce. Return the chicken to the crockpot and cook for an additional 10–15 minutes until the sauce is thickened.
- Finish and serve: Stir in a squeeze of lemon juice if using, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and serve over mashed potatoes, pasta, or roasted seasonal vegetables.
Notes
Use room-temperature chicken for even cooking. Browning the bacon and onion adds depth to the flavor, but can be skipped if short on time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 300 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American