If there’s one recipe guaranteed to make hearts flutter and taste buds sing, it’s my Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Sandwiches. This delightful twist on the viral “Marry Me Chicken” brings all those irresistible creamy, savory flavors to a convenient sandwich form, with the added bonus of hands-off slow cooking.
The name isn’t just cute—these sandwiches have that magical combination of tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a creamy garlic sauce that might just inspire marriage proposals! Perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend gatherings, these sandwiches deliver restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This
- Set-it-and-forget-it convenience—your crockpot does all the heavy lifting
- Creamy, flavorful sauce that transforms ordinary chicken into something extraordinary
- Perfect for meal prep—make once and enjoy delicious sandwiches all week
- Customizable with your favorite toppings and bread choices
- Kid-friendly but sophisticated enough for adults to crave repeatedly
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 8 oz block cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 8 slices bacon
- 6 brioche buns
- Butter or mayo for toasting buns
Instructions
- Spray crockpot with cooking spray. Add chicken breasts and season with salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, onion powder, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes, coating all sides.
- Add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the crockpot. Pour in chicken broth and stir the garlic and tomatoes around, making sure tomatoes are submerged in the broth to prevent burning.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours until chicken is fully cooked and easily shreds with a fork.
- Remove chicken and shred using two forks. Return shredded chicken to crockpot and add the block of cream cheese and shredded mozzarella. Continue cooking on low until cream cheese melts completely.
- Stir everything together well until the chicken is evenly coated with the creamy, cheesy mixture. Keep warm on low setting.
- While the cream cheese is melting, cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels and set aside.
- Slice brioche buns in half and spread with butter or mayo. Toast in a skillet or under the broiler until golden brown.
- Pile the creamy chicken mixture generously on the bottom halves of toasted buns. Top with crispy bacon and the top bun. Serve immediately while hot.
Tips & Variations
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream
- Add sliced mushrooms to the crockpot for an earthy flavor boost
- Try adding a slice of provolone or mozzarella cheese on top of the hot chicken before serving
- Make it spicier by doubling the red pepper flakes or adding a dash of hot sauce
- For a low-carb option, serve the chicken mixture over a bed of greens instead of on buns
- If sun-dried tomatoes are too intense, substitute roasted red peppers
Serving Suggestions
These sandwiches pair beautifully with a simple side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a heartier meal, serve alongside sweet potato fries or a cup of tomato soup for dipping.
For entertaining, cut sandwiches into quarters and serve as sliders with a pickle spear on the side. A crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon complements the creamy flavors perfectly.
Notes
- Leftover chicken mixture keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- The sauce will thicken as it cools—thin with a splash of chicken broth when reheating if needed
- For meal prep, store the chicken mixture separately from the buns and assemble just before eating
- Chicken is done when it easily shreds with a fork and reaches 165°F internal temperature
FAQs
Can I make this recipe with frozen chicken?
Yes, but add an additional 1-2 hours of cooking time and ensure the chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature before shredding.
Can I prepare this in an Instant Pot instead?
Absolutely! Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes with a 10-minute natural release, then add the cream and cheese using the sauté function.
Why is it called “Marry Me Chicken”?
The original dish earned its name because it’s so delicious that serving it to someone might prompt a marriage proposal! The combination of cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan creates an irresistible flavor.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, substitute full-fat coconut milk for the heavy cream and nutritional yeast for the parmesan cheese. The flavor will be different but still delicious.
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