Okay, seriously, you *need* this Crockpot Marry Me Chicken in your life. I’m not kidding! It’s the easiest, most flavorful slow cooker situation I’ve got going on right now, and trust me, that’s saying something. The smell alone will have everyone begging for dinner. I first made this for a friend’s potluck last year – total chaos, I almost forgot the cream cheese! – and it vanished. People were literally scraping the bottom of the dish. Someone *actually* said they could marry the cook (hence the name, right?). This is your secret weapon for weeknight dinners that taste like you spent hours slaving away, without actually spending hours slaving away. It just simmers, and you get all the credit. Couldn’t be easier!

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Recipe

Seriously, what ISN’T to love? This Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is a weeknight WINNER. Here’s the lowdown:

Super easy prep: Just dump and go! Okay, there’s a *slight* sear involved, but trust me, it’s worth it!
Flavor explosion: Creamy, tomato-y, garlicky… it’s got it all. Your tastebuds will thank you.
Minimal cleanup: ‘Cause who wants to do dishes all night? The slow cooker is your best friend.
Crowd-pleaser: Even the picky eaters will be asking for seconds. I swear!

Ingredients for Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this ridiculously easy Crockpot Marry Me Chicken. Don’t skimp on the good stuff, okay?

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts. I usually grab the bigger ones!
1 tsp garlic powder.
1 tsp onion powder.
1/2 tsp salt. Pink Himalayan, sea salt… whatever you dig!
1/4 tsp black pepper. Freshly cracked is always best, isn’t it?
1 tbsp olive oil. For that quick sear!
2 cloves garlic, minced. Don’t be shy, garlic is life.
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained. Get the good ones, the flavor is worth it.
1 tsp Italian seasoning.
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes. Adjust to your spice level, people!
1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, *undrained*. Yup, all the juices!
8 oz cream cheese, softened. This is key!
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Freshly grated? Always.
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil. Adds a lil’ something special.

How to Make Crockpot Marry Me Chicken: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, here’s the deal. This is SO easy, you’ll laugh. Just follow these ridiculously simple steps and BOOM! Dinner is served. Seriously, I sometimes make this before I even have coffee. Don’t judge!

Season chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Don’t be afraid to get generous!
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 2-3 minutes per side. You’re not trying to cook it through, just get a little color on it. Trust me, it adds flavor! Be careful, it splatters!
Transfer chicken to a slow cooker. Gently place each seared chicken breast in to the slow cooker, being careful not to splash yourself with any oil.
In the same skillet (don’t wash it yet!), sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes for 1 minute. Oh, that smell! Stir in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Let it all get happy in the pan.
Pour diced tomatoes *with* the juice over the chicken. Don’t drain them! The juice is important for moisture!
Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Honestly, I usually go with low ’cause I’m usually at work. But high works great too if you’re in a hurry! The chicken should be easy to shred with a fork when it’s done.
Stir in cream cheese and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. This is where the magic happens! Make sure that cream cheese is nice and soft, or it won’t incorporate as easily.
Garnish with fresh basil before serving. Chop it up and sprinkle it on top. Makes it look all fancy and stuff!

And that’s it! Told ya it was easy. Now go forth and conquer dinner!

Tips for the Best Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

Want to take your Crockpot Marry Me Chicken from “yum” to “OMG”? Here are a few little secrets I’ve picked up along the way. Trust me, they make a difference!

Don’t skip the sear! I know, it’s tempting to just dump everything in the crockpot. But that quick sear adds so much flavor. It’s worth the extra five minutes, promise!
Wanna thicken that sauce? No problem. Just mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little cold water (like, two tablespoons-ish) and stir it into the sauce during the last half hour. Boom!
Spice it up (or down)! Red pepper flakes are your friend! Add more if you like it hot, less (or none!) if you’re spice-averse. It’s all good! I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne if I’m feeling extra feisty.
Don’t have sun-dried tomatoes? I’ve used roasted red peppers in a pinch, and it’s pretty darn good, too. It’s not *quite* the same, but it definitely works!

Serving Suggestions for Your Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

Okay, so you’ve got this amazing Crockpot Marry Me Chicken… what do you even serve it with? Don’t worry, I got you! Honestly, it goes with almost anything. My personal fave? Toss it with some perfectly cooked pasta. But, it’s also amazing over rice – white, brown, even quinoa if you’re feeling fancy. Creamy mashed potatoes are also a winner, especially on a chilly night. And hey, don’t forget some steamed veggies on the side for a lil’ somethin’ green!

Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

Got questions about this “Marry Me Chicken” miracle? I bet you do! Here are a few of the most common questions I get asked. Don’t worry, I’ve got answers!

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will give you a richer, more flavorful result, if you ask me. Just use the same amount (about 2 lbs), and you don’t even need to adjust the cooking time! Just make sure they’re boneless and skinless for the best experience, okay?

Can I make Crockpot Marry Me Chicken on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?

Yep, totally doable! Just sear the chicken as directed, then add all the other ingredients (except the cream cheese and parmesan) to a large pot or Dutch oven. Simmer on low for about 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Then, stir in the cream cheese and parmesan until melted. Easy peasy!

Can I freeze leftover Crockpot Marry Me Chicken?

You sure can! Let the chicken cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container (or a freezer bag). It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. The sauce might separate slightly, but just give it a good stir, and it’ll be fine! It’s still gonna be delicious!

What if I don’t have any cream cheese?

Okay, that’s a tough one, because the cream cheese is really what *makes* it “Marry Me” chicken. But, if you are in a pinch, you can try using mascarpone cheese or even sour cream. It won’t be *exactly* the same, but it’ll still add a creaminess to the dish. Just don’t tell anyone I suggested it, haha!

Storing Leftover Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

Okay, so you have leftovers? Lucky you! This Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is just as good (maybe even better!) the next day. Just let it cool down completely, then pop it into an airtight container and stash it in the fridge. It’ll be good for about 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Just thaw it out overnight before reheating…and enjoy all over again!

Crockpot Marry Me Chicken: Nutritional Information

Heads up! Nutritional info can seriously vary based on the brands and exact ingredients you use. So, these numbers are just estimates, okay? Don’t take ’em as gospel!

Enjoyed This Crockpot Marry Me Chicken? Leave a Comment!

If you gave this Crockpot Marry Me Chicken a whirl, let me know what you think! Drop a comment below, rate the recipe, and share it with your friends! And hey, if you’re lovin’ the slow cooker action, check out my Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Dip, or maybe even my BBQ Chicken Crockpot Recipe! Or how about some Chicken Tacos made in the Crockpot? Oh! And if you really want some savory goodness, you should try my Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie! Happy cooking!