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Marry Me Chicken Orzo

Close-up of Marry Me Chicken Orzo with rich sauce and tender chicken breasts.

This Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken is a creamy, savory, slow-cooked dish that’s bursting with flavor—and rumored to be so good, it could inspire a proposal! Juicy chicken breasts simmered in a rich sauce of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, parmesan, and cream make this a no-fuss, gourmet meal perfect for busy weeknights or special dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken & Sauce:

2 lbs (about 34) boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

1 tbsp olive oil

1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp Italian seasoning

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

1 cup chicken broth

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

2 tbsp fresh chopped basil or parsley (for garnish)

Optional for Serving:

Cooked pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice

Instructions

Prep Chicken:

Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Sear (Optional for Extra Flavor):

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly browned (not fully cooked).

Transfer seared chicken to the bottom of the slow cooker.

Build the Sauce:

In the same skillet (optional step), sauté garlic for 30 seconds, then deglaze with a splash of chicken broth. Pour into the slow cooker.

Add remaining chicken broth, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes to the Crock Pot. Stir to combine.

Slow Cook:

Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2.5–3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through (internal temp 165°F).

Add Cream & Cheese:

Once chicken is cooked, stir in heavy cream and parmesan cheese.

If sauce is thin, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water and stir into the sauce. Cook an additional 20–30 minutes to thicken slightly.

Garnish & Serve:

Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley before serving.

Serve over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice for a comforting meal.

Notes

Chicken Thighs Option: Substitute chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier result.

Make It Gluten-Free: This dish is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure your chicken broth and sun-dried tomatoes are gluten-free.

Vegetarian Tip: Substitute chicken with canned chickpeas and add spinach in the last 30 minutes for a vegetarian version.

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, allow it to cook uncovered on HIGH for 15–20 minutes after adding the cream.

Keywords: Marry Me Chicken Orzo