Marry Me High Protein Chicken

The name alone made me skeptical when my sister texted it to me at 2 AM after her third date with someone special. Something about throwing chicken in a slow cooker with cream cheese and sun-dried tomatoes sounded suspiciously simple for something claiming marriage proposals. Yet here I am, years later, still making it for Tuesday dinners and impressing dinner guests without breaking a sweat.

I first served this at a potluck where three different people asked for the recipe before they even finished their plates. The way the sauce thickens and coats every piece of chicken creates this rich, velvety texture that makes people think you spent hours at the stove. My friend Sarah actually texted me the next day saying her husband had already requested it for his birthday dinner.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless keeps it lean while absorbing all that creamy sauce flavor
• Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning that forms the flavor foundation
• Chicken broth: Low sodium version lets you control the salt level while adding depth
• Cream cheese: Creates that luscious sauce texture without heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty richness and helps thicken the sauce naturally
• Sundried tomatoes: Little bursts of intense umami that elevate the entire dish
• Dried herbs: Thyme and basil bring classic Italian notes that complement the creamy base
• Garlic powder: Distributes garlic flavor evenly throughout the sauce
• Red pepper flakes: Optional but adds just enough warmth to cut through the richness
• Fresh herbs: Basil and parsley add bright pops of color and fresh flavor at the end

Instructions

Season the chicken:

Sprinkle salt and pepper over both sides of the chicken breasts, rubbing it in gently to ensure even coverage

Arrange in the slow cooker:

Place the seasoned chicken in an even layer at the bottom of your crockpot

Whisk together the sauce:

Combine the broth, cream cheese, parmesan, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and all seasonings in a bowl until mostly smooth

Pour and cover:

Empty the sauce mixture over the chicken, making sure every piece gets coated

Let it work its magic:

Cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 6-7 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through

Shred and combine:

Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, then return it to the sauce and stir until everything is beautifully coated

Save

This recipe has saved me countless weeknights when I want something impressive but have zero energy to cook. Last month my neighbor smelled it through our shared wall and knocked on the door just to ask what I was making. That is the power of slow-cooked garlic and parmesan filling the air.

Making It Your Own

I have played around with different proteins over the years, and chicken thighs work wonderfully if you prefer darker meat. The extra fat keeps everything moist and adds another layer of flavor. Sometimes I throw in baby spinach during the last thirty minutes just to sneak in some greens without anyone noticing.

Serving Suggestions

Cauliflower rice soaks up that sauce like a dream while keeping it low carb. For heartier appetites, whole wheat pasta or quinoa turns it into a complete meal that leaves everyone satisfied. My personal favorite is serving it over roasted garlic mashed potatoes when I want something truly comforting.

Storage And Meal Prep

This recipe actually tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. I often make a double batch on Sunday and portion it out for lunches throughout the week. The sauce keeps everything incredibly moist, so reheating is practically foolproof.

• Store in airtight containers for up to four days in the refrigerator
• Freeze portions for up to three months if you want to stockpile meals
• Add a splash of chicken broth when reheating to restore the creamy consistency

Save

Whether you are trying to impress someone special or just need a reliable dinner that delivers every time, this recipe has your back. Simple enough for weeknights but impressive enough for company, it earns its permanent spot in your recipe rotation.

Recipe FAQs

→ How long should the chicken cook on low in the crockpot?

Cooking on low requires 6-7 hours to ensure the chicken becomes tender and infused with the sauce’s flavors.

→ Can I substitute cream cheese with another ingredient?

Yes, Greek yogurt can be used after cooking to add creaminess and boost protein without curdling during slow cooking.

→ What are good serving options for this dish?

Serve it over cauliflower rice, quinoa, or whole wheat pasta for a balanced meal that complements the creamy sauce.

→ Are fresh herbs necessary or optional?

Fresh basil and parsley are optional garnishes that brighten the dish but aren’t required.

→ Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, provided all ingredients are gluten-free certified, this dish fits gluten-free dietary needs.

→ Can I add vegetables to the crockpot?

Adding spinach or baby kale in the final 30 minutes enhances nutrition and adds color without altering cooking times.