This High Protein Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is creamy, tangy, and simple to make. Tender shredded chicken sits in a rich sun-dried tomato and parmesan sauce that smells savory and looks glossy and inviting. If you want a hands-off meal that yields big flavor and plenty of protein, this slow-cooker version is a weeknight winner. For a slightly different take and extra tips, see the original inspiration on this High Protein Marry Me Chicken recipe page.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–7 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high
- Total Time: 6 hr 15 min–7 hr 15 min (low) or 3 hr 15 min–4 hr 15 min (high)
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
(Approximate per serving)
- Calories per serving: 635 kcal
- Protein: 65 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fat: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
Why Make This High Protein Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
This recipe gives you tender, juicy chicken with a creamy, tangy sauce and high protein per serving. The slow cooker makes the chicken very tender so it shreds easily. The sauce tastes rich and savory with a bright tomato tang from sun-dried tomatoes and a nutty finish from parmesan. It’s low-effort, family-friendly, and fills a dinner table with warm, comforting aromas.
How to Make High Protein Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
You’ll assemble a simple sauce, let the crockpot do the work, then shred and mix the chicken into the sauce. The result is a silky, spoonable sauce that clings to pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables. Use fresh basil at the end for bright color and aroma.
Ingredients:
4 chicken breasts, 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, 1 cup heavy cream, 1 cup chicken broth, 1 cup parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, Salt and pepper to taste, Fresh basil for garnish
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot in a single layer. Season them lightly with salt and pepper so they start to pick up flavor.
Step 2: Mixing
In a bowl, mix together the sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, chicken broth, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Cooking
Pour the mixed sauce over the chicken in the crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Step 4: Finishing
Once cooked, remove the chicken and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir well so the chicken soaks up the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot over pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables and garnish with fresh basil.
How to Serve High Protein Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
Serve this chicken over a bed of al dente pasta for a classic feel, or spoon it over rice or cauliflower rice for lower carbs. It also pairs well with roasted zucchini, steamed green beans, or a crisp green salad. Finish each plate with chopped fresh basil and an extra sprinkle of parmesan for a fresh, aromatic touch.
How to Store High Protein Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
- Refrigerator: Cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally; add a splash of broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.
Expert Tips for Perfect High Protein Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
- Use similar-sized chicken breasts so they cook evenly.
- If your sun-dried tomatoes are packed in oil, drain them first. If dry-packed, rehydrate in warm water for 10 minutes.
- For a lighter version, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or Greek yogurt (stir in off heat to prevent curdling).
- Stir in fresh spinach at the end for color and extra nutrients; it wilts quickly in the hot sauce.
- Taste before adding salt—parmesan and sun-dried tomatoes can add a lot of sodium.
- If the sauce seems thin after cooking, remove the lid and cook on high for 15–20 minutes, or thicken with a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp cold water).
Delicious Variations
- Spicy: Add 1/4–1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the sauce.
- Mediterranean: Stir in olives and artichoke hearts at the end.
- Low-carb: Serve over spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice.
- Extra cheesy: Mix in cream cheese or an extra 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella before shredding the chicken.
- Herb-forward: Replace Italian seasoning with chopped fresh thyme and oregano for a brighter herb flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes. Boneless, skinless thighs work well and stay moist. They may cook a little faster, so check for doneness earlier.
Q: Can I make this on the stove or in an Instant Pot?
A: Yes. For stovetop, simmer gently in a covered pan for 25–35 minutes until chicken is cooked. For Instant Pot, cook on high pressure for 10 minutes with a quick release, then shred and mix.
Q: Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
A: Yes. Cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently.
Q: How can I reduce sodium in this dish?
A: Use low-sodium chicken broth and a low-sodium or smaller amount of parmesan. Skip adding extra salt until after tasting.
Q: Will the cream split if I reheat the leftovers?
A: Reheat slowly over low heat and stir often. Add a splash of broth or milk to smooth the sauce if it looks grainy. Avoid boiling.
Q: Can I make this ahead for a dinner party?
A: Yes. Cook it a day ahead, refrigerate, then reheat slowly before serving. Finish with fresh basil right before plating for the best aroma.
Conclusion
This High Protein Crockpot Marry Me Chicken gives you creamy, savory comfort with minimal hands-on time and a high protein boost. It’s versatile, freezes well, and adapts easily to your tastes. For another slow-cooker take and extra serving ideas, check out Delicious Crockpot Marry Me Chicken – The Real Food Dietitians. Enjoy the warm, rich flavors and have fun making it your own!
High Protein Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
- Total Time: 375 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: High Protein
Description
This creamy, tangy crockpot chicken is tender, savory, and packed with protein, making it a perfect low-effort weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot in a single layer. Season them lightly with salt and pepper.
- Mix together the sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, chicken broth, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Pour the mixed sauce over the chicken in the crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir well.
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt. This dish is freezer-friendly and can be reheated gently.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 360 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 635
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 65g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
