Marry Me Slow Cooker Chicken

The name alone made my friend Sarah roll her eyes when I first mentioned it. She stopped laughing after one bite of that creamy, sun-dried tomato sauce and actually asked if I would make it for her anniversary dinner. Now I make a double batch whenever someone needs a little extra convincing.

My mother-in-law stayed over during a particularly chaotic week, and I threw everything in the slow cooker between school drop-off and a conference call. She kept asking what smelled so wonderful, and by dinner she was taking notes on her phone. That's when I knew this recipe was special.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: Pat them dry before seasoning so they sear beautifully and hold onto that gorgeous sauce later
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Even if you skip the searing step, do not skip this seasoning
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Creates that nice golden crust if you take the extra few minutes to sear
• 3 cloves garlic minced: Fresh garlic makes all the difference here, don't be tempted to use jarred
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano and 1 teaspoon dried thyme: These classic herbs give the sauce that cozy, home-cooked flavor
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Just enough warmth to make things interesting without overwhelming the cream
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil drained and sliced: These are the secret weapon, packing concentrated umami that transforms the whole dish
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth: Start with less salt since the sauce reduces and concentrates
• 1 cup heavy cream: Creates that luxurious, restaurant-quality texture everyone swoons over
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkle this on top before cooking so it melts down into the sauce
• 1/4 cup fresh basil sliced: Add this at the very end for that bright, fresh pop against all the richness

Instructions

Season and sear the chicken:

Sprinkle both sides of each chicken breast with the salt and pepper, then heat that olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sear for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown. Listen for that satisfying sizzle and watch for the gorgeous color.

Start the slow cooker magic:

Place those beautifully seared chicken breasts into your slow cooker, arranging them in an even layer so they all cook at the same rate.

Whisk together the sauce:

In a bowl, combine the garlic, oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes, sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream until everything is well incorporated. The cream might look slightly curdled when mixed with the acidic tomatoes but it will smooth out beautifully during cooking.

Pour and sprinkle:

Pour that gorgeous sauce mixture evenly over the chicken, then sprinkle the Parmesan cheese across the top like you're tucking them in for a long, cozy nap.

Let the slow cooker work:

Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is completely tender and reaches 165°F internally. Your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible.

Finish with flair:

Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and stir that sauce until it's perfectly smooth, then return the chicken to coat it in all that creamy goodness and top with fresh basil and extra black pepper.

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My husband proposed to me over a home-cooked dinner, so maybe that's why I'm such a sucker for recipes with these romantic names. But honestly, this one delivers on every promise. After our third baby was born, my sister brought over a fresh batch, and that creamy, comforting sauce was the first thing I actually wanted to eat in weeks.

Make It Lighter

Sometimes I swap half-and-half for the heavy cream when I'm feeling virtuous, and honestly, the sauce is still pretty luxurious. The trick is not to go any lighter than that, or you'll lose that velvety texture that makes everyone swoon.

Serving Suggestions

My family fights over the sauce, so I always serve this over something that can soak it all up. Mashed potatoes are classic, but angel hair pasta works beautifully too. One time I served it over roasted cauliflower and my husband didn't even complain about missing the carbs.

Make It Your Own

Spinach wilts down so beautifully in this sauce, and I love how it makes the dish feel a little more virtuous. Baby spinach added during the last 30 minutes is perfect, or try artichoke hearts if you really want to impress someone. Just remember that any additions will affect how much sauce you have left for spooning over everything.

• Don't forget to check the seasoning at the end since the flavors concentrate during cooking
• If the sauce is too thick, a splash more broth brings it back to that perfect consistency
• This freezes beautifully, so make a double batch and thank yourself later

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Whether you're cooking for someone special or just treating yourself on a Tuesday, this recipe has a way of making any dinner feel like an occasion.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I sear the chicken before slow cooking?

Yes, searing the chicken in a skillet for a few minutes per side adds a golden crust and enhances flavor but is optional.

→ What can I serve alongside this chicken?

This dish pairs well with pasta, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables to complement the creamy sauce.

→ Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried ones?

Fresh herbs can be used, but dried oregano and thyme provide a more concentrated flavor when slow cooking.

→ Is it possible to lighten the sauce?

Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream for a lighter version while still maintaining creaminess.

→ How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is tender.

→ Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?

Yes, adding baby spinach in the last 30 minutes is a great way to include extra greens.