If you've seen the viral Marry Me Chicken all over social media but wanted a lighter version with fewer calories and way less effort, this one's for you! This Lightened-Up Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken delivers rich flavors, a creamy texture, and tender chicken breasts all made in the slow cooker with simple ingredients.
It's cozy enough for date night, easy enough for weeknight dinner, and impressive enough for a special occasion. One bite and everyone will be asking for this recipe!
If you love this recipe and you're looking for some more easy and healthy recipes, you will love Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken , Creamy Crock Pot Rotel Chicken , Slow Cooker BBQ chicken sandwiches
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Made in the slow cooker for minimal effort
- A healthier version of the original Marry Me Chicken recipe
- Creamy sauce without heavy cream overload
- Packed with flavor from sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and herbs
- Easy to customize for gluten-free or dairy-free needs
- Great for meal prep and leftovers
- Perfect with orzo, cauliflower rice, or a fresh side salad
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Ingredients
- Skinless chicken breasts - Lean, tender, and perfect for slow cooking
- Sea salt & black pepper - Enhances all the rich flavors
- Garlic powder & onion powder - Build a savory base
- Dried oregano & thyme - Classic Italian seasoning vibes
- Smoked paprika - Adds warmth and depth
- Red pepper flakes - Just a little heat to balance the creaminess
- Fresh garlic (minced) - Brings bold, aromatic flavor
- Sun-dried tomatoes (julienned) - Tangy, rich, and essential
- Chicken bone broth - Adds flavor while keeping things lighter
- Half and half - Creates that signature creamy sauce
- Parmesan cheese (shredded) - Salty, savory, and melty
- Fresh spinach (optional) - Boosts micronutrients and color
- Fresh basil - Bright, fresh finish that takes it next level
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
- Step 1: Season the Chicken. Add the chicken breasts to the slow cooker and season evenly with salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Sprinkle minced garlic on top.
- Step 2: Build the Sauce Base. Add the strained sun-dried tomatoes and pour in the chicken bone broth. Gently move things around so the flavors distribute evenly.
- Step 3: Slow Cook. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. You can keep the chicken whole or shred it, both work great.
- Step 4: Make It Creamy. Stir in the half and half and shredded parmesan, add spinach if using. Close the lid and let it sit for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and the spinach wilts, then top with fresh basil ribbons and serve!
Substitutions
- Dairy-Free: Skip the half and half and parmesan (still plenty of flavor from the sun-dried tomatoes and herbs)
- Gluten-Free: Serve with gluten-free orzo, cauliflower rice, or potatoes
- Lower-Fat Option: Use Greek yogurt or cottage cheese stirred in at the end for a similar creamy texture
- Chicken Thighs: Swap chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra richness
- Extra Veggies: Add mushrooms or green beans during the last hour of cooking
Variations
- Add a splash of white wine for extra depth
- Stir in tomato paste for a more concentrated sauce
- Finish with lemon juice for a tangy flavor
- Serve over pasta with crusty bread to soak up the sauce
- Try searing the chicken in a large skillet first for browned bits (optional)
- This recipe was inspired by my Easy & Healthy Chicken Alfredo Casserole
Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Measuring spoons
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Meat thermometer
- Tongs or spoon
Storage
- Make-ahead friendly and perfect for meal prep
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
- Reheat gently on low heat to maintain the creamy sauce
- Add a splash of bone broth if the sauce thickens too much
Christina's Dietitian Tip
This healthy Marry Me Chicken keeps the creamy, indulgent feel of the original recipe while using lean protein and bone broth for a more balanced meal. Adding spinach boosts fiber, iron, and vitamin A with zero extra effort. Small changes, big impact!
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great and create an even richer, creamier sauce.
Do I need to sear the chicken first?
Nope! The slow cooker does all the work. If you want extra depth, you can sear first but it's totally optional.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, freeze without the cream added. When reheating, stir in fresh half and half or Greek yogurt for best texture.
Slow Cooker
Looking for other slow cooker recipes like this? Try these:
Jump to: Recipe
Lightened-Up Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken
Creamy, flavorful, and made healthier in the crockpot! This easy viral favorite is perfect for weeknight dinners or date night with minimal prep, maximum flavor!
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Measuring spoons
- Cutting Board
- Sharp Knife
- Meat Thermometer
- Tongs or spoon
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 8.5 oz sun-dried tomatoes julienned (oil strained and discarded)
- ½ cup chicken bone broth
- ½ cup half and half
- ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 8 oz fresh or frozen spinach thawed (optional)
- Fresh basil sliced (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Add the chicken breasts to the slow cooker and season evenly with salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Sprinkle minced garlic on top.
- Add the strained sun-dried tomatoes and pour in the chicken bone broth. Gently move things around so the flavors distribute evenly.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. You can keep the chicken whole or shred it-both work great.
- Stir in the half and half and shredded parmesan, add spinach if using. Close the lid and let it sit for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and the spinach wilts, then top with fresh basil ribbons and serve!
Notes
Scroll up to see substitutions, variations, storage tips and my dietitian tip!
if you love this recipe, please don't forget to leave a rating and review and make sure to tag me on socials @easyeatsdietitian
Nutrition
Serving: 1servingCalories: 471kcalCarbohydrates: 39gProtein: 50gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.03gCholesterol: 181mgSodium: 1075mgPotassium: 2880mgFiber: 9gSugar: 24gVitamin A: 6254IUVitamin C: 40mgCalcium: 327mgIron: 9mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Food Safety
- Cook chicken to a minimum temperature of 165 F.
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
- See more guidelines at USDA.
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