If you’re searching for a high protein crockpot marry me chicken recipe that delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort, you’ve found it. This slow cooker version transforms simple chicken breasts into tender, creamy perfection while packing 30 grams of protein into every single serving.
I still remember the first time I made marry me chicken in my crockpot on a busy Tuesday evening. The house filled with the aroma of sun-dried tomatoes and Italian herbs, and by dinnertime, my family was hovering around the kitchen, asking what smelled so incredible. That’s the magic of this dish – it requires just 15 minutes of hands-on work, then the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting while you go about your day. The creamy sauce, made healthier with cottage cheese instead of heavy cream, clings to every bite of tender chicken, creating that velvety texture everyone loves. Time to get your crockpot ready for something special!
Why This High Protein Marry Me Chicken Belongs in Your Recipe Box
When my grandma first taught me about slow cooking, she always said the best recipes are the ones that work hard while you don’t. This high protein crockpot marry me chicken embodies that wisdom perfectly, combining convenience with impressive nutrition.
Here’s what makes this recipe so practical:
- Ready in just 15 minutes of active prep – sear, season, and forget it
- Delivers 30g of protein per serving while staying low carb at only 9.3g carbs
- Uses cottage cheese as a secret weapon – adds 13g extra protein without the fat of heavy cream
- Perfect for meal prep – stays delicious in the fridge for up to 4 days
- Set-it-and-forget-it convenience – no babysitting required during the 4-6 hour cook time
- Adapts easily for gatherings – doubles effortlessly when company’s coming
I’ve made this recipe countless times for busy weeknights and Sunday dinners alike. The combination of creamy texture and savory flavor always impresses, whether I’m feeding my family or hosting friends who are watching their macros.
What Goes Into This High Protein Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts form the protein-packed foundation of this dish, providing lean meat that stays tender through slow cooking. I always look for breasts that are similar in size so they cook evenly.
Italian seasoning brings that classic herb blend of oregano, basil, and thyme that makes this dish taste like it came from a trattoria. In my kitchen, I prefer brands with visible herb flakes rather than powdered versions for better flavor.
Sun-dried tomatoes (not packed in oil) contribute deep, concentrated sweetness and umami that develops even more during the slow cooking process. Betty always kept these in her pantry for adding instant flavor to simple dishes.
Low-sodium chicken broth creates the base for our creamy sauce while giving you control over the salt level. I’ve learned that starting with low-sodium broth prevents the sauce from becoming too salty as it reduces.
Blended cottage cheese is the secret ingredient that makes this recipe high protein without loading up on fat. After years of experimenting, I discovered that blending it completely smooth creates that luxurious, creamy texture you’d expect from heavy cream.
Parmesan cheese adds sharp, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce naturally. My family prefers when I use freshly grated Parmesan rather than pre-shredded for the best melting quality.
Cornstarch slurry thickens the sauce to that perfect consistency that coats the chicken beautifully. Through trial and error, I learned that adding it during the last 30 minutes prevents the sauce from becoming gummy.
Fresh basil provides a bright, herbaceous finish that cuts through the richness of the creamy sauce. Betty always said fresh herbs at the end wake up the whole dish.
How to Make High Protein Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
Step 1. I’ve found that seasoning the chicken breasts generously with kosher salt and pepper before searing creates a flavorful crust that holds up beautifully during slow cooking.
Step 2. Heat the olive oil in your skillet over medium heat and sauté the finely chopped shallot and crushed garlic for about 2 minutes until fragrant – this develops the aromatic base for your sauce.
Step 3. Push the sautéed shallot and garlic to the side of the skillet, then sear each chicken breast for 2-3 minutes per side until golden. Betty’s tip: sprinkle the onion powder and Italian seasoning directly on the chicken while it’s in the pan for maximum flavor adhesion.
Step 4. Transfer the seared chicken to your slow cooker and add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, low-sodium chicken broth, and optional chili crunch oil or red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
Step 5. Set your crockpot to LOW and cook for 4-6 hours, checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F with your meat thermometer – I always check the thickest part of the largest breast.
Step 6. After years of making this, I learned that stirring in the cornstarch slurry (2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) during the last 30 minutes of the 4-6 hour cooking time gives the sauce time to thicken properly without clumping.
Step 7. Turn off the heat completely, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and blended cottage cheese until the sauce becomes silky smooth – this prevents the cottage cheese from curdling.
Step 8. Coat the chicken thoroughly with the creamy sauce and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving garnished with fresh chopped basil. The key I discovered is letting it rest so the flavors meld together beautifully.
Keeping This High Protein Marry Me Chicken Fresh
I typically store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator where this high protein crockpot marry me chicken stays delicious for up to 4 days. The creamy sauce actually develops even more flavor overnight, making the leftovers something my family fights over. Betty’s storage method works well because she always let the chicken cool completely before refrigerating to maintain the best texture.
For freezing, I’ve had mixed results with this particular recipe due to the cottage cheese-based sauce. The texture can become slightly grainy after freezing and thawing, though the flavor remains excellent. If you do choose to freeze it, I recommend storing it in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months and thawing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
For the best texture, I reheat by placing the chicken and sauce back in the slow cooker on LOW for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally. This gentle reheating method preserves that velvety sauce consistency. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave at 50% power, stirring every 30 seconds to ensure even heating without breaking the sauce.
Perfect Partners for High Protein Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
Cauliflower rice provides a low-carb base that soaks up the creamy sauce while adding extra vegetables to your plate. The neutral flavor lets the savory chicken shine without competing for attention.
Roasted asparagus with lemon juice offers a bright, crisp contrast to the rich, creamy chicken. I love how the slight bitterness of asparagus balances the sweetness from the sun-dried tomatoes.
Whole grain pasta or crusty bread works beautifully for those who aren’t counting carbs – there’s something satisfying about sopping up every bit of that velvety sauce. My family prefers a rustic Italian bread warmed in the oven.
Simple arugula salad with olive oil and lemon juice adds peppery freshness and cuts through the richness of the dish. Betty always served a green salad with creamy main courses to keep the meal balanced.
If you’re looking for more crockpot inspiration, my slow cooker garlic butter beef bites offer similar set-it-and-forget-it convenience with incredible flavor. For another high-protein option, try my high protein chicken enchiladas that deliver 35g of protein per serving.
Garlic green beans complement the Italian flavors in the chicken while adding color and crunch to your plate. The garlic echoes the aromatics in the sauce for a cohesive meal.
Mashed cauliflower gives you another low-carb option that feels indulgent while keeping the meal protein-forward. Whip it with a bit of butter and Parmesan for extra creaminess, similar to how I prepare my creamy scalloped potatoes but with fewer carbs.
FAQs
I recommend sticking with chicken breasts for this high protein recipe since thighs contain more fat and fewer grams of protein per serving. However, boneless, skinless thighs will work if you prefer darker meat – just adjust the cooking time to 5-7 hours on LOW.
Blending the cottage cheese until completely smooth is the secret to achieving that restaurant-quality creamy sauce. Many home cooks find success with a regular blender or food processor – just blend for 30-60 seconds until no curds remain.
To prevent missing out on deep flavor development, I always sear the chicken before slow cooking. Betty’s solution is that those browned bits add complexity you simply can’t achieve by skipping this step, and it only takes 5 extra minutes.
High Protein Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Season chicken breasts generously with kosher salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped shallot and crushed garlic, sautéing for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Push the sautéed shallot and garlic to the side of the skillet. Add chicken breasts and sear for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Sprinkle with onion powder and Italian seasoning while searing.
- Transfer seared chicken to the slow cooker. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, low-sodium chicken broth, and optional chili crunch oil or red pepper flakes.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer.
- During the last 30 minutes of the 4-6 hour cooking time, mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water to create a slurry. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce.
- Turn off the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and blended cottage cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Coat chicken thoroughly with the sauce. Let rest for 5-10 minutes, then serve garnished with fresh chopped basil.
