Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Thighs

These Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Thighs are exactly what I crave when I want something rich, comforting, and completely effortless. With tender chicken thighs slow-cooked in a creamy, herb-infused sun-dried tomato sauce, every bite feels like a cozy hug. I love how this dish builds deep flavor over hours, turning simple ingredients into something worthy of a proposal—or at least a second helping.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is all about bold flavor with zero fuss. Here’s why I keep coming back to it:

• Hands-off cooking thanks to the slow cooker

• Juicy chicken thighs that fall apart with a fork

• A dreamy sauce packed with sun-dried tomatoes, cream, and herbs

• Perfect over mashed potatoes, pasta, or crusty bread

• Easy enough for a weeknight, impressive enough for guests

• Just one pan to sear, then let the crockpot do the rest

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 6 chicken thighs (skinless or skin-on)

• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

• 1 teaspoon olive oil (optional)

• ¼ cup white wine + ¼ cup water (or substitute with ½ cup chicken broth)

• 4 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes, drained and diced

• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika

• 1 teaspoon garlic granules

• 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon (if using wine)

• ½ cup sour cream or heavy cream

• 2–3 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons cold water (optional, for thickening)

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped

Directions

1. Season the Chicken:
   I pat the chicken thighs dry and season them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

2. Sear the Chicken:
   In a skillet, I melt butter with a little olive oil over medium heat. I sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes on each side, just until golden.

3. Transfer to Crockpot:
   I move the seared chicken into the slow cooker.

4. Deglaze the Skillet:
   In the same pan, I add white wine and water (or broth), scraping up all those flavorful browned bits. I pour that into the crockpot.

5. Add Flavor:
   I stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, paprika, garlic granules, and bouillon (if using wine). Then I cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours or high for 2½–3 hours.

6. Creamy Finish:
   About 15 minutes before serving, I stir in the sour cream or heavy cream and Parmesan. If I want the sauce thicker, I mix in a cornstarch slurry and let it cook a bit longer.

7. Garnish and Serve:
   I finish it off with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or basil and serve warm over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people. It takes about 10 minutes to prep, and cooks in 5–6 hours on low or 2½–3 hours on high.

Variations

• Swap chicken thighs for boneless breasts or drumsticks—just adjust cooking time slightly.

• Add spinach during the last 30 minutes for color and freshness.

• Use Greek yogurt instead of cream for a tangy twist.

• Make it spicy with a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.

Storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. If the sauce thickens in the fridge, I stir in a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up.

FAQs

Can I make this without wine?

Yes, I just use ½ cup chicken broth in place of the wine and skip the bouillon if it’s salty enough.

Can I use jarred sun-dried tomatoes in oil?

Definitely. I drain and dice them, and the oil adds extra flavor.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Yes! I freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in portions. To reheat, I thaw overnight and warm on the stovetop with a little extra liquid.

What’s the best way to serve this?

I usually serve it over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice. Crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the sauce too.

Can I skip the cornstarch?

Sure. The sauce is creamy without it, but if I want it thicker, the slurry helps it cling to the chicken and pasta.

Conclusion

These Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Thighs are the kind of meal that makes people lean back, close their eyes, and say “wow.” It’s rich, cozy, and filled with slow-cooked goodness. Whether I’m cooking for date night, Sunday dinner, or a regular Tuesday, this dish always wins hearts—and seconds.

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