There’s something magical about a meal that whispers “I love you” without a single word – and my Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken does just that. I first made this creamy, dreamy dish for my husband on our anniversary when our toddler was going through a no-nap phase (bless slow cookers for saving date nights!). The tender chicken swimming in that garlicky parmesan sauce with pops of sweet sun-dried tomatoes? Absolute perfection. What I adore most is how effortlessly romantic it feels – just sear, dump, and let the crockpot work its magic while you light candles or, let’s be real, fold laundry.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken
Listen, I’m not exaggerating when I say this dish is a game-changer. Here’s why it’s become my go-to for everything from lazy Sundays to last-minute date nights:
- Effortless elegance: Just sear, dump, and let the slow cooker do the heavy lifting while you sip wine (or chase kids).
- That sauce though: Creamy parmesan with garlic and sun-dried tomatoes clings to every bite like a delicious hug.
- Date night magic: Looks and tastes fancy, but requires zero fancy skills – my kind of romance.
- One-pot wonder: Minimal cleanup means more time for what really matters (aka dessert).
Trust me, the name isn’t just cute – this recipe has actually gotten me out of the doghouse more than once!
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken
This dish gets its magic from simple ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
- The stars of the show: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (thighs stay extra juicy!)
- Flavor bombs: 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped, in oil – that oil is liquid gold), 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- Creamy dream team: 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (the real stuff, not the green can!)
- Liquid love: 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Spice squad: 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional but so good), salt & black pepper to taste
- For searing: 2 tbsp olive oil
- The finishing touch: Fresh chopped parsley for that pop of color
Equipment You’ll Need
Gather these trusty kitchen helpers – nothing fancy, just the basics to make magic happen:
- Your slow cooker (obviously! Mine’s a 6-quart but any size works)
- A good skillet for that golden sear (cast iron is my hero here)
- Measuring cups & spoons – eyeballing the cream is a risky game, friends
- A sharp knife for mincing garlic (or use a press if you’re lazy like me)
- Whisk or wooden spoon to blend that dreamy sauce
That’s it! No fancy gadgets needed – just tools you probably already have collecting dust in your drawers.
How to Make Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken
Okay, let’s get cooking! This recipe is so simple, but I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that make all the difference. Follow these steps, and you’ll be serving up restaurant-worthy romance in no time.
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
First things first – don’t skip the sear! I know it’s tempting to just dump everything in the slow cooker, but those golden-brown crispy edges add SO much flavor. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in your skillet over medium-high heat (you’ll know it’s ready when a drop of water sizzles). Season your chicken well with salt and pepper, then lay it in the pan. Now walk away! Seriously, no peeking for at least 3 minutes – that’s how you get that perfect golden crust. Flip and repeat on the other side. The chicken won’t be cooked through yet – that’s exactly what we want!
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
While the chicken rests, let’s make that luscious sauce. In your slow cooker, whisk together the heavy cream, chicken broth, grated parmesan, minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes (don’t forget that flavorful oil!), Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Tip: if you want to be extra fancy, deglaze your hot skillet with a splash of the chicken broth after searing – all those brown bits add incredible depth to the sauce. Scrape every last delicious bit into the slow cooker!
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Now nestle your seared chicken into the sauce, making sure each piece gets coated. Here’s my golden rule: LOW and SLOW wins the race. Set your slow cooker to LOW for 3-4 hours (my sweet spot is 3.5) or HIGH for 2 hours if you’re in a pinch. No peeking! Every time you lift that lid, you’re adding cooking time. The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F internally, but honestly, you’ll know – it’ll be fork-tender and practically falling apart. About 10 minutes before serving, you can stir in some fresh spinach or basil if you’re feeling fancy – it wilts perfectly into that creamy sauce.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken
After making this dish more times than I can count (seriously, my slow cooker deserves a medal), here are my foolproof tips:
- Patience is key: Let that chicken get a proper golden sear – no rushing or it won’t develop that deep flavor.
- Spice to your life: Start with 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if you’re sensitive – you can always add more next time!
- Garnish game: Add parsley right before serving so it stays bright and fresh-looking.
- Sauce saver: If the sauce seems thin, whisk in a tablespoon of cornstarch slurry at the end.
- Leftover love: The flavors get even better overnight – if you can resist eating it all!
Serving Suggestions for Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken
Oh, the possibilities! This dreamy chicken plays so well with others. My absolute favorite? Twirling that creamy sauce into a big bowl of fettuccine – it clings to every strand perfectly. For cozy nights, try it over buttery mashed potatoes (bonus points for garlicky ones!). Rice works too if you want to soak up every last drop of sauce. And don’t forget the sides! A simple arugula salad with lemon dressing cuts through the richness, or grab some crusty bread for sauce-dipping emergencies. Trust me, you’ll want to lick your plate clean!
Storage and Reheating
If you somehow have leftovers (rare in my house!), this chicken keeps beautifully. Just pop it in an airtight container – it’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, go low and slow! I like adding a splash of cream to the sauce and warming it gently on the stovetop, stirring often. The microwave works too – just cover and use 30-second bursts so the chicken doesn’t dry out. Pro tip: The sauce thickens as it cools, so don’t panic – it’ll loosen right back up when heated!
Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken FAQs
I get asked these questions all the time – let’s clear up the most common mysteries about this romantic chicken dish!
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Thighs are actually my secret weapon – they stay juicier during the long cook time. Just trim excess fat and follow the same searing method. You might need an extra 30 minutes on LOW since they’re thicker.
Help! I don’t like spicy food – can I tone it down?
No problem at all! Simply skip the red pepper flakes entirely. The sun-dried tomatoes and garlic give plenty of flavor without the heat. My mother-in-law prefers it this way (and she’s who I need to impress most!).
What if my sauce looks thin after cooking?
Don’t panic! Whisk together 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water, then stir it into the hot sauce. Let it cook uncovered for 10 more minutes – it’ll thicken right up. Works like magic every time.
Can I prep this ahead for a special dinner?
You bet! Sear the chicken and mix the sauce the night before, then refrigerate separately. Next day, just dump everything in the slow cooker – add an extra 30 minutes since it’s starting cold. Perfect for stress-free date nights!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk numbers – but remember, these are just ballpark figures to give you an idea. Your actual nutrition facts might dance around a bit depending on your chicken’s size or whether you go heavy on that dreamy parmesan (no judgment here!). Here’s the general breakdown per serving:
- Calories: Around 530 (mostly from that luscious cream and cheese – totally worth it!)
- Protein: 42g (thanks to our chicken superstar)
- Carbs: 8g (just enough from the tomatoes to balance things out)
- Fat: 32g (hello, creamy goodness!)
A little disclaimer from my kitchen to yours: These values are estimates based on standard ingredients. Your mileage may vary depending on brands, exact measurements, and whether you sneak extra sauce (again, no judgment!). If you’re watching specific nutrients, I always recommend calculating with your exact ingredients – but for most of us, knowing this dish packs protein and flavor is enough!
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Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken: 3-Ingredient Magic for Romance
- Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A creamy, flavorful slow cooker chicken dish with sun-dried tomatoes and parmesan, perfect for a romantic dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped, in oil)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for searing)
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken on both sides until golden, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- In the slow cooker, whisk together cream, chicken broth, parmesan, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Nestle chicken into the sauce. Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours.
- Once done, spoon sauce over chicken and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice.
- Optional: Stir in spinach or chopped basil 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Searing the chicken first enhances flavor.
- Adjust red pepper flakes for desired spice level.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3.5 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 180mg