High Protein Crockpot Chicken

The name alone made me skeptical when my sister first texted me about this chicken. Who names a recipe after a marriage proposal anyway But that first evening when I walked through the door and smelled garlic and herbs bubbling away I started to understand the hype. My husband took three bites before asking what I did differently. Now it is the only slow cooker meal that disappears completely in our house.

I made this for my parents last winter when they were visiting for the weekend. My mom kept hovering around the crockpot asking what smelled so good. When we finally sat down to eat she made me write the recipe on the back of a grocery receipt before she left. That receipt is still taped inside her kitchen cabinet.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts: I have learned that slightly thicker pieces hold up better to long cooking times without drying out
• 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper: Do not skip this even though the sauce has plenty of flavor the chicken itself needs seasoning
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth: Regular broth makes this too salty as the sauce concentrates during cooking
• 1/2 cup light cream cheese softened: Let it sit on the counter for an hour or it will not blend smoothly into the sauce
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese: Fresh grated melts into the sauce better than the pre-shredded stuff
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes drained and chopped: These are the star of the show so buy the good ones packed in oil not the dry brittle kind
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme 1/2 tsp dried basil and 1 tsp garlic powder: This trio creates that classic Italian herb profile without needing fresh herbs
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes: Even if you think you do not like heat this tiny amount wakes up all the other flavors
• 2 tbsp fresh basil and 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped: Fresh herbs at the end make everything taste brighter and lighter

Instructions

Season the chicken generously:

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels then sprinkle salt and pepper over both sides pressing gently so it sticks.

Layer it in the slow cooker:

Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer at the bottom of your crockpot so they cook evenly.

Whisk up the sauce:

Combine the broth cream cheese parmesan sun-dried tomatoes and all the dried herbs in a bowl and whisk until the cream cheese breaks down into the liquid.

Pour and cover:

Pour that gorgeous sauce over the chicken making sure every piece is coated then pop on the lid.

Let it work its magic:

Cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 6 to 7 hours until the chicken shreds easily with a fork.

Shred and stir:

Pull out the chicken shred it with two forks right in the pot then stir everything together so every strand soaks up that sauce.

Garnish and serve:

Throw fresh basil and parsley on top right before serving because that pop of green makes it look as good as it tastes.

Save

This recipe became our go-to during a crazy month when work was nonstop and we were eating dinner at odd hours. Coming home to that smell made long days feel manageable. Now it is the meal I make for friends who need a dinner that feels special but requires zero effort.

Make It Your Own

Sometimes I swap in chicken thighs because they stay even juicier through the long cook time. The dark meat also adds a richness that pairs perfectly with the tangy sun-dried tomatoes.

Serving Ideas That Work

Cauliflower rice soaks up the sauce without adding extra carbs but any really good crusty bread is also perfect for sopping up every last drop.

Meal Prep Success

This actually tastes better on day two when the flavors have had more time to hang out together.

• Portion into glass containers before adding the fresh herbs
• Squeeze fresh lemon over leftovers to wake them up
• The sauce thickens in the fridge so splash in a little broth when reheating

Save

There is something deeply satisfying about a recipe that delivers restaurant-level results with almost zero effort. That is the magic of this dish.

Recipe FAQs

→ What cut of chicken is best for this dish?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best to absorb the sauce and cook evenly in the crockpot.

→ Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative and use vegan parmesan to keep the creamy texture without dairy.

→ How do I add extra vegetables to this meal?

Adding spinach or baby kale during the last 30 minutes of cooking enhances nutrition and flavor without impacting cooking time.

→ What sides pair well with this chicken preparation?

It pairs nicely with cauliflower rice, quinoa, or whole wheat pasta for a balanced, satisfying dish.

→ How can I increase the protein content further?

Using Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese after cooking prevents curdling and adds extra protein to the dish.