Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken is your weeknight savior. With minimal prep and a rich, savory flavor that develops as it simmers, it’s perfect for those busy days when time and energy are in short supply. Preps in minutes and delivers a dinner that tastes like you’ve been in the kitchen all day.

• Cuisine: American
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 2.5-3 hrs (high) or 5-6 hrs (low)
• Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
• Servings: 4

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hands-off Cooking: Let the slow cooker do the work while you go about your day.
• Rich, Creamy Sauce: The combination of cream cheese and Parmesan creates an indulgent texture.
• Simple Ingredients: Common pantry staples come together for a gourmet-level dinner.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Easily makes enough for leftovers or freeze a portion for later.

Ingredients

• 650 g Skinless, boneless chicken breast: Versatile and lean protein, easily absorbent of flavors. Cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
• 30 g Plain flour: Helps thicken the sauce as it cooks. Toss with the chicken to ensure an even coat.
• 3 Garlic cloves (Peeled and crushed): Adds depth and aromatic warmth. Fresh garlic is always best.
• 100 g Sun dried tomatoes (Drained and very finely chopped): Introduces a concentrated sweet-tangy flavor. Canned or jarred work well.
• 1 tsp Dried oregano: Provides a robust herbal note, essential in Italian dishes.
• 2 tsp Paprika: Imparts a sweet smokiness, enhancing the depth of flavor.
• 300 ml Boiling water: Acts as the cooking liquid. Combine with stock cube to form a flavorful broth.
• 1 Chicken stock cube (undiluted, crumbled): Amplifies the chicken flavor. Ensure it’s fully crumbled for even distribution.
• 100 g Cream cheese: Stir in at the end for creamy richness, balancing acidity and spices.
• 50 g Parmesan (Grated): Adds a salty, umami sharpness. Freshly grated is preferable for texture.
• 15 g Fresh basil leaves: Use for garnish or stir through just before serving to introduce freshness.
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all other flavors.

How to Make It

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Toss the bite-sized chicken pieces in plain flour with a generous amount of salt and pepper. Coating the chicken helps the flour thicken the sauce as it cooks, ensuring each piece is seasoned.

Step 2: Assemble Ingredients

Place the floured chicken, garlic, sun dried tomatoes, oregano, and paprika into the slow cooker. Add the crumbled chicken stock cube and pour in boiling water. This mixture forms the base of your sauce, infusing flavor as it cooks.

Step 3: Slow Cook

Cook on HIGH for 2.5-3 hours or LOW for 5-6 hours. The slow cooking process allows flavors to meld and develop while ensuring the chicken remains tender and juicy. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is fully cooked through.

Step 4: Finish with Cream

Just before serving, mix in the cream cheese and Parmesan. Stir until the cheeses have melted completely, creating a luxurious, creamy sauce. This final step enriches the dish and ties all the flavors together.

Step 5: Add Freshness

Stir in the fresh basil or use as a garnish. The fresh leaves cut through the richness, adding a bright, aromatic finish to the dish.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs are a fantastic option. They are juicier and add to the flavor of your dish. Cook for the same amount of time until tender.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely. Vegetables like spinach or mushrooms can be added to the slow cooker. Just note that additional moisture from veggies might affect the sauce texture slightly.

Can I make it on the stovetop?

Yes, simply brown the chicken in a pan, add the other ingredients except the cream cheese and Parmesan, and simmer covered for about 30 minutes or until cooked. Finish with cream cheese and Parmesan as in the slow cooker method.