Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
Creamy tomato basil chicken slow‑cooked to perfection — a dish so good, it just might win hearts.
Introduction
“Marry Me Chicken” has become a viral recipe for good reason — it’s rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor. This crockpot version makes it even easier: seared chicken breasts simmer slowly in a tomato‑cream sauce infused with basil and Italian seasoning. The result is tender, juicy chicken enveloped in a sauce that clings beautifully to pasta or rice.
It’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent yet comforting, perfect for family dinners, date nights, or cozy weekends.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
1 cup heavy cream
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
½ cup fresh basil, chopped
Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Step‑by‑Step Directions
Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Sear 2–3 minutes per side until golden.
Transfer to Crockpot: Place seared chicken into crockpot. Pour diced tomatoes over chicken.
Mix Cream Sauce: In a bowl, whisk heavy cream with Italian seasoning. Pour over chicken and tomatoes.
Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low 6–7 hours or high 3–4 hours, until chicken is tender.
Shred & Stir: Shred chicken with two forks directly in crockpot. Stir to combine with sauce.
Serve: Spoon over pasta or rice. Garnish with fresh basil and Parmesan.
Prep & Cook Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6–7 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
Total Time: 6–7 hours
Servings: 4
Calories: ~480 kcal per serving
Cooking Notes
Searing chicken first locks in flavor and adds depth to the sauce.
Fresh basil brightens the creamy tomato base.
Parmesan adds a salty, nutty finish.
Tips for Success
Use heavy cream (not milk) for a rich, stable sauce.
Don’t skip searing — it prevents bland chicken.
Taste before salting — Parmesan adds natural saltiness.
For thicker sauce, remove lid during last 30 minutes of cooking.
Variations
Spicy Marry Me Chicken: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
Sun‑Dried Tomato Twist: Replace canned tomatoes with sun‑dried tomatoes for deeper flavor.
Low‑Carb Option: Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
Cheesy Upgrade: Stir in mozzarella before serving for extra creaminess.
Serving Ideas
Ladle over fettuccine or penne pasta.
Serve with garlic bread to soak up sauce.
Pair with roasted vegetables for balance.
Present in a shallow bowl with fresh basil leaves for elegance.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in airtight container up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze portions up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheat: Warm gently on stovetop; avoid boiling to preserve creaminess.
Storytelling Element
Imagine lifting the crockpot lid after hours of slow simmering — the aroma of basil and garlic fills the kitchen. The chicken is tender enough to shred with a fork, the sauce creamy and rich. You serve it over pasta, sprinkle Parmesan, and watch smiles spread around the table. It’s a dish that feels like love in every bite.
Conclusion
This Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is creamy, flavorful, and effortlessly impressive. With simple ingredients and slow‑cooked magic, it’s a recipe that belongs in your collection — one that truly lives up to its name.