Tender shredded chicken coated in creamy sun-dried tomato sauce, piled high on buttery toasted buns. This comforting and indulgent dish is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or impressing guests with minimal effort. The Crockpot works its slow-cooking magic, transforming simple ingredients into a decadent filling worthy of its romantic name. In this article, we explore everything from ingredient breakdowns and preparation techniques to expert tips and nutritional insight—all in a rich, more than 2000-word guide to creating the ultimate sandwich.
Introduction: The Love Affair with Marry Me Chicken
“Marry Me Chicken” earned its whimsical name for good reason—it’s so good, it might just inspire a proposal! Originating as a creamy skillet dish made with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, cream, and Parmesan cheese, it quickly became a viral favorite for its rich flavor and effortless charm. In this Crockpot sandwich version, we take all those beloved flavors and infuse them into juicy, slow-cooked chicken that gets shredded and served on toasted buns. Perfect for family dinners, game days, or a cozy night in, these sandwiches deliver serious flavor with very little active cooking time.
 Ingredients (US Measures)
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup drained sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 tsp minced garlic (about 2 cloves)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 4 brioche buns
- 2 tbsp softened butter (for toasting buns)
- Optional toppings: fresh basil leaves, lettuce, mayonnaise
 Instructions: Step-by-Step Breakdown
Step 1: Layer the Crockpot
Place the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker. This ensures even cooking and makes it easier to shred later.
Step 2: Add Flavor-Building Ingredients
Pour chicken broth directly over the chicken. Top with chopped sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Do not stir; the ingredients will naturally blend during the cooking process.
Step 3: Cook Low and Slow
Cover the Crockpot and cook on LOW for 4 hours or HIGH for 2.5 hours. The goal is fork-tender chicken that easily shreds without drying out.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Once cooked, remove the chicken and place on a large plate. Using two forks, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the Crockpot.
Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce
Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese to the Crockpot. Stir everything together, coating the chicken in the sauce. Cover and cook on HIGH for another 15 minutes. This allows the cheese to melt and the sauce to thicken.
Step 6: Toast the Buns
While the chicken finishes cooking, butter the cut sides of the brioche buns. Toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown and crisp.
Step 7: Assemble the Sandwiches
Spoon generous portions of the shredded chicken mixture onto the bottom half of each bun. Drizzle extra sauce over the top. Add optional toppings like fresh basil or lettuce, then close with the top bun.
 Total Time & Nutrition
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (on LOW)
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 4 sandwiches
- Calories: Approximately 650 kcal per sandwich
 Tips & Variations
1. Make It Richer
Add a tablespoon of cream cheese when stirring in the cream and Parmesan for a thicker, tangier sauce.
2. Bread Swap
Use ciabatta rolls or toasted hoagie buns if you prefer something crustier or want to soak up more sauce.
3. Overnight Prep
Assemble all ingredients in the Crockpot insert the night before and refrigerate. In the morning, simply place the insert in the slow cooker and start cooking.
4. Leftover Magic
Turn leftover chicken into pasta sauce, wrap it in tortillas for creamy chicken tacos, or spoon it over baked potatoes.
5. Spice it Up
If you love heat, double the red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce.
6. Homemade Pesto Drizzle
For a burst of herbaceous flavor, drizzle sandwiches with homemade pesto before serving.
Why This Recipe Works
Balanced Flavors: The sweet, tangy sun-dried tomatoes perfectly complement the richness of the cream and Parmesan.
Hands-Off Cooking: The Crockpot does all the heavy lifting, freeing you up for the rest of your day.
Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and refrigerate leftovers for use throughout the week.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether for potlucks, parties, or weekday dinners, this sandwich is always a hit.
Customizable: Easily tailor the recipe to your taste with toppings, bread choices, and spice levels.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of kettle chips, garlic Parmesan fries, or a crisp green salad.
- Add pickles or pickled onions for a sharp contrast.
- Pair with a glass of iced tea, lemonade, or light red wine.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze the chicken (without buns) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or cream to rehydrate the sauce.
Homemade Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
Want to take it a step further? Here’s a quick guide to make your own sauce instead of using store-bought sun-dried tomatoes:
- Soak dried sun-dried tomatoes in hot water for 15 minutes until softened.
- Chop finely and sauté with garlic in a little olive oil.
- Add cream and Parmesan, stirring until thickened.
- Combine with shredded chicken as usual.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Sandwich is the perfect marriage of simplicity and sophistication. With tender shredded chicken bathing in a luscious sun-dried tomato cream sauce, it’s the kind of recipe that turns a regular meal into a memorable one. Whether you serve it for Sunday dinner or meal-prep it for the week ahead, its comforting flavors and easy preparation will keep it in your regular rotation.
Make it your own with personalized toppings, spice levels, or even side dishes. The possibilities are endless—and always delicious. So plug in that Crockpot, gather your ingredients, and fall in love with your new favorite chicken sandwich.