Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, you can. Thighs are slightly more forgiving in the slow cooker and stay moist. You may need to add an extra 30 minutes to the cooking time on Low, as thighs are thicker. Check that the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F) before serving

Why did my cream curdle when I added it?

Cream can curdle if added too early or if the temperature is too high when added. Always add cream in the final 30 minutes of cooking and ensure the slow cooker is on Low. Stir gently but thoroughly to combine. If curdling occurs, it won't affect the taste significantly, though the texture may be slightly grainy

Can I make this recipe without sun-dried tomatoes?

Absolutely. You can substitute with fresh tomatoes (chopped), tinned diced tomatoes (drained), or simply omit them. If using fresh tomatoes, add them in the final 30 minutes so they don't fall apart. The dish will still be delicious, though it may lack the concentrated tanginess that sun-dried tomatoes provide

What's the best way to serve Marry Me Chicken?

This creamy sauce is delicious poured over rice, mashed potato, egg noodles, or pasta. Rice and mashed potato are traditional choices that absorb the sauce beautifully. For a lighter option, serve over steamed vegetables or alongside a crisp green salad

Marry Me Chicken | The Best Slow Cooker Chicken Recipe

by What's For Tea?

Chicken

Published 12 May 2026Original video

Marry Me Chicken is a showstopping slow cooker dish that lives up to its name—it's so delicious, it might just convince someone to marry you! Tender boneless chicken breasts are cooked low and slow with aromatic garlic, Italian herbs, smoked paprika, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes, then finished with a luxurious double cream sauce. The result is a restaurant-quality, comforting meal that's surprisingly simple to prepare. Serve it over your favourite carbohydrate for a dish that's elegant enough for entertaining yet easy enough for weeknight dinners

Video thumbnail: Marry Me Chicken | The Best Slow Cooker Chicken Recipe

Watch: Marry Me Chicken | The Best Slow Cooker Chicken Recipe

Original recipe video — click to play

Original video by What's For Tea?2k likes on YouTube

15 mins

Prep time

6 hrs

Slow cook (Low)

4 hrs

Slow cook (High)

Serves

6 hrs 15 mins

Total (Low)

Slow cooker setting:Low 6 hours or High 4 hours

Original method: Approximately 45 minutes on stovetop

Ingredients

Servings:

Units:

Main

3 whole Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, approximately 200g or 7 oz each
Can use 4 breasts for a fuller dish; use 3 if you prefer larger portions
30 ml Olive oil(optional)
For optional browning step to enhance flavour
45 ml Plain flour (all-purpose flour)
Helps thicken the sauce

Flavour Base

300 ml Chicken stock or broth
Reduced from original recipe to account for slow cooker moisture retention
3 whole Garlic cloves
, chopped or minced
27 g Sun-dried tomatoes, drained of any oil
Pat dry with kitchen paper to remove excess oil

Seasoning

½ tsp Salt
1 tsp Black pepper
1 tsp Italian herbs
Dried mixed Italian herbs work well
1 tsp Smoked paprika

Sauce

60 g Butter
Add with flour to create a flavourful roux
240 ml Double cream (or heavy cream)
Add in the final 30 minutes of cooking to prevent curdling
Must be added near the end to preserve delicate flavour

Garnish

handful Fresh basil leaves(optional)
Add just before serving
For garnish only
to taste Grated Parmesan cheese(optional)
Add just before serving
For garnish only

Method

1
Pat the chicken breasts dry with kitchen paper. If desired, heat the olive oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat and briefly brown the chicken breasts on both sides (about 2 minutes per side) to enhance colour and flavour. This step is optional but recommended.
~10 mins
Optional step
Tip: Browning adds depth of flavour but is not essential for slow cooker cooking
2
In a small bowl, whisk together the plain flour, salt, black pepper, Italian herbs, and smoked paprika until well combined.
~5 mins
3
Place the chicken breasts into the slow cooker. If not browning separately, sprinkle the flour and spice mixture over the chicken, rubbing gently to coat.
~3 mins
4
Add the chopped garlic, sun-dried tomatoes (drained and patted dry), and chicken stock to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine, ensuring the flour mixture is incorporated into the liquid.
~5 mins
Tip: The flour will help thicken the sauce as the dish cooks
5
Cover the slow cooker and cook on Low for 6 hours or High for 4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender. The internal temperature should reach 75°C (165°F).
~6 hrs
Tip: Cooking time depends on the thickness of your chicken breasts and slow cooker model
6
About 30 minutes before the end of cooking time, add the butter and stir it gently into the sauce to incorporate. This helps enrich the flavour.
0
Tip: Do not stir excessively to avoid breaking up the chicken
7
In the final 30 minutes of cooking, pour the double cream into the slow cooker and stir gently to combine. Do not allow the mixture to boil after adding cream.
0
Tip: Adding cream at the end prevents it from curdling and preserves its delicate flavour
8
Once cooked, taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If the sauce seems too thin, remove the chicken breasts with a slotted spoon, increase the slow cooker to High for 10–15 minutes to thicken slightly, then return the chicken and stir in the cream.
~5 mins
9
Serve the Marry Me Chicken over rice, mashed potato, or pasta. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
~5 mins

Nutrition

Detailed nutritional information is coming soon.

Frequently Asked Questions

: Yes, you can. Thighs are slightly more forgiving in the slow cooker and stay moist. You may need to add an extra 30 minutes to the cooking time on Low, as thighs are thicker. Check that the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F) before serving

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