Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken

Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken is rich, creamy and deeply comforting; the kind of dinner that feels a little bit indulgent but is surprisingly simple to make.

marry me chicken in a bowl with sun dried tomato

Tender chicken breasts slow-cook in a luscious garlic-parmesan cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes until everything becomes silky, savory, and absolutely spoon-worthy.

It's the classic "Marry Me" flavor profile made even easier in the slow cooker; minimal effort, maximum payoff. For more slow cooker recipes, you've got to try this Slow Cooker Cowboy Casserole, my Slow Cooker Mississippi Casserole and this Slow Cooker Rump Roast next.

Ingredients

chicken, broth, cream and sun dried tomatoes in bowls

Chicken breasts: Tender, lean protein that becomes soft and juicy as it slowly cooks in the sauce
Garlic powder: Builds a deep savory base flavor throughout the dish
Italian seasoning: Brings herbal warmth and classic Italian-inspired depth
Garlic: Fresh aromatic flavor that infuses the sauce as it cooks
Chicken broth: Adds moisture and savoury depth to the cream sauce
Heavy cream: Creates a rich, silky base for the signature creamy texture
Parmesan cheese: Adds saltiness, umami, and helps thicken the sauce naturally
Sun-dried tomatoes: Sweet, tangy bursts that cut through the richness of the cream
Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce into a glossy, clingy consistency
Fresh basil: Bright, fragrant finish that lifts the entire dish

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

ingredients and raw chicken in slow cooker

Step 1: Place the chicken breasts directly into the slow cooker in an even layer. Add the salt, pepper, garlic powder, chicken broth and Italian seasoning. Add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes over the chicken.

Step 2: Pour in the heavy cream.

parmesan being added to the slow cooker chicken

Step 3: Sprinkle Parmesan over the top.

Step 4: Cover and cook on low.

rue being added to the creamy marry me chicken

Step 5: Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside while you thicken the sauce. Mix cornstarch and water into a slurry, then stir it into the slow cooker sauce.

finished marry me chicken in slow cooker

Step 6: Return the chicken to the slow cooker and cook for a further 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and finish with fresh basil.

Substitutions

Chicken breasts: Can be replaced with boneless chicken thighs
Heavy cream: Half-and-half can be used for a lighter sauce (though slightly less creamy)
Parmesan cheese: Pecorino Romano works well instead
Sun-dried tomatoes: Can be swapped for cherry tomatoes
Chicken broth: Vegetable broth can be used if that's what you have on hand
Cornstarch: Arrowroot powder can be used as an alternative thickener

Variations

Add baby spinach in the last 10 to 15 minutes of cooking for a classic Tuscan chicken feel
Some red pepper flakes or a spoon of Calabrian chili paste
Fold in some sliced mushrooms at the beginning
Stir in a spoonful of cream cheese at the end
Serve over zucchini noodles, cauliflower mash or steamed greens instead of pasta or rice

Equipment

A 4-6 quart slow cooker works best for this recipe, along with a small bowl for mixing the cornstarch slurry and a spoon for stirring the sauce.

Tongs are helpful for cleanly removing and returning the chicken.

Storage

Store: I keep the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days

Reheat: Warm leftovers gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed

Freeze: For up to 3 months in sealed containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating

Top tip

For the creamiest, most restaurant-style sauce, make sure you stir the cornstarch slurry in gradually and let it cook through at the end; the sauce will thicken and turn glossy as it rests, clinging perfectly to the chicken.

FAQ

Can I use chicken thighs instead?

Yes, chicken thighs work beautifully and stay extra juicy.

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these: