Creamy Crockpot Marry Me Chicken: Easy Weeknight Magic (Print Version)

Creamy Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Recipe brings rich, tender chicken in a luscious sauce with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights!

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 4 Hours minutes
Total Time: 19 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Contains Dairy

# Ingredients:

→ Base Ingredients

01 - 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
02 - 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
03 - 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, drained)

→ Flavor Enhancers

04 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
06 - 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

→ Creamy Elements

07 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
08 - 1/2 cup heavy cream

→ Finishing Touches

09 - 1/2 cup grated fresh Parmesan cheese
10 - 1/4 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped

# Instructions:

01 - Okay, so this step for the creamy crockpot marry me chicken recipe is technically optional, but honestly, it makes a huge difference in flavor! Heat a tablespoon of oil (maybe that sun-dried tomato oil!) in a skillet over medium-high heat. Pat your chicken thighs dry and sear them for 2-3 minutes per side until they're golden brown. You're not cooking them through, just building that lovely crust. I always forget to salt the chicken here, but try to remember! It adds so much depth.
02 - Pour the chicken broth into your slow cooker. Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Give it a good stir. The smell of the garlic hitting the warm broth is just heavenly, a promise of good things to come! This is where all those incredible flavors start to meld. I used to just dump everything in, but mixing the liquids first really helps distribute the seasonings evenly.
03 - Carefully place your seared (or un-seared, no judgment!) chicken thighs into the slow cooker. Scatter the drained sun-dried tomatoes around and over the chicken. Make sure the chicken is mostly submerged in the liquid. This step feels so satisfying, seeing all the vibrant colors come together. Sometimes I get a little tomato oil on the counter here, but hey, that's just real cooking, right?
04 - Cover your crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fork-tender. You want it to practically fall apart when you nudge it. I always peek a little too often, but resist the urge! Let the slow cooker do its magic. The aroma filling your kitchen during this time is just incredible, honestly. It's the best kind of kitchen waiting game.
05 - Once the chicken is tender, carefully remove it from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. It should be super easy! Add the softened cream cheese and heavy cream to the sauce in the crockpot. Whisk everything together until the sauce is smooth and creamy, no lumps allowed! I once added cold cream cheese and it took forever to melt, so let it sit out a bit, trust me.
06 - Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot, stirring to coat it completely in that gorgeous, creamy sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Just before serving, sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley. It’s a simple touch, but it makes this dish feel extra special and vibrant!

# Notes:

01 - Always pat your chicken dry before searing; it truly helps create that beautiful golden crust.
02 - If the sauce seems too thick after adding cream, a splash of warm chicken broth thins it out perfectly.
03 - I've swapped cream cheese for mascarpone once – it was richer, but still delicious if you're feeling fancy!
04 - Serve this with a generous side of mashed potatoes; the sauce is incredible spooned over them.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Slow cooker (Crockpot)
02 - large skillet (optional)
03 - whisk
04 - forks

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 450 kcal
Total Fat: 35g
Total Carbohydrate: 8g
Protein: 28g

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