This Dump & Go Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Recipe is one of those magical dishes that just makes dinner feel special without any fuss. I absolutely love how creamy and flavorful the sauce turns out, and the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting for you. Whether you’re coming home from a busy day or need a no-stress meal for guests, this recipe is a total game changer.
When I first tried this crockpot version, I was amazed by how tender the chicken became and how the sun-dried tomatoes added such a lovely pop of flavor. You’ll find that it’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends alike, and with just a few simple ingredients tossed in the slow cooker, you can focus on everything else—and still impress at the dinner table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking: Just dump everything in the crockpot and forget about it until dinnertime.
- Rich, Creamy Sauce: Heavy cream and Parmesan make a velvety sauce that’s seriously addictive.
- Flavor Packed: Sun-dried tomatoes and herbs add a depth that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
- Family Friendly: Kids and adults alike adore this dish — a perfect weeknight winner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients that blend beautifully to create a creamy, savory sauce. When shopping, pick sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for maximum flavor, and don’t skimp on fresh garlic—it makes a big difference here.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Choose fresh or thawed breasts for even cooking.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning your chicken well.
- Chicken broth: Adds flavor and moisture to the sauce.
- Heavy cream: For that rich, luscious texture.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated if possible for best flavor.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic brings a punch of savory goodness.
- Dried oregano and thyme: Classic herbs that complement chicken perfectly.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Just a pinch to add a subtle heat.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Chopped and drained, they deliver a sweet-tart zing.
- Butter: Added at the end for extra richness and smoothness.
- Fresh basil or parsley: For garnish and a fresh herbal finish.
Variations
I love how versatile this Dump & Go Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Recipe is, so I often tweak it depending on what’s in my kitchen or my mood. Feel free to make it your own—you can’t really go wrong here.
- Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts: I swap in thighs sometimes for extra juiciness and tenderness.
- Adding Greens: Throwing in fresh spinach during the last 15 minutes adds a nice veggie boost that my family never notices but benefits from.
- Milder Version: Skip the red pepper flakes if you prefer no heat; the sauce is still rich and flavorful.
- Cheese Swap: You can use Pecorino Romano or a blend of Italian cheeses if you want a slightly different flavor profile.
How to Make Dump & Go Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Season and Prepare Your Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This simple step really amps up the flavor and ensures the meat isn’t bland after slow cooking. I like to use kosher salt for better control and a nice crust if you ever brown it beforehand (optional but adds great texture!).
Step 2: Whisk Together Your Creamy Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, heavy cream, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. This mixture is the magic behind the rich, luscious sauce. Make sure to whisk it well so the cheese is evenly distributed and nothing clumps—trust me, this makes a big difference!
Step 3: Assemble in the Crockpot
Place your seasoned chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot, then pour the creamy sauce right over them. Sprinkle the chopped sun-dried tomatoes on top—their sweet tanginess balances the cream beautifully. You’re almost done—the slow cooker does the rest!
Step 4: Cook and Finish with Butter
Set your crockpot on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours, depending on your schedule. I usually go with low because the chicken turns out super tender that way. About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, add the butter and give everything a gentle stir—it melts into the sauce for that perfect silky finish.
Pro Tips for Making Dump & Go Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Recipe
- Don’t Skip Seasoning: Well-seasoned chicken before slow cooking ensures every bite is flavorful, not bland.
- Use Full-Fat Cream: It makes the sauce rich and velvety, avoiding a watery or thin consistency.
- Drain Your Sun-Dried Tomatoes Well: Excess oil can make the sauce greasy—pat them dry for best results.
- Add Butter Last: Stir in butter in the last 30 minutes instead of at the start to keep the sauce glossy and smooth.
How to Serve Dump & Go Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
I always finish this dish with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley — they add a fresh color contrast and a hint of herbal brightness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce. It’s a simple touch but elevates the whole plate, making it look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
My go-to sides for this crockpot chicken are fluffy white rice to soak up all that sauce, or a pile of buttery pasta noodles. Sometimes, I serve it with crusty bread to mop up every last bit, and roasted green veggies to add some balance and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to serve this chicken over a bed of creamy polenta or garlic mashed potatoes, topped with a little shaved Parmesan and a sprig of basil. Setting the table with candles and fresh flowers helps make this simple dish feel extra fancy without extra effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they keep well for up to three days. The sauce thickens as it chills, so I usually add a splash of broth or cream when reheating to soften it back up.
Freezing
This Dump & Go Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Recipe freezes beautifully. I portion it into freezer-safe containers, seal tightly, and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, I warm leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce feels thick or clumpy. This method keeps the chicken tender and sauce silky—microwaving tends to dry it out, so I try to avoid it.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in the Dump & Go Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and tend to stay juicier and more tender after slow cooking. Just adjust cooking time as needed, since thighs may take a bit longer depending on thickness.
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Do I need to brown the chicken before putting it in the crockpot?
Browning is optional. It adds extra flavor and texture if you have the time, but this recipe is designed to be dump-and-go so skipping browning absolutely works fine and still results in a luscious dish.
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Can I make this Dump & Go Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast. The flavor and texture will change a bit, but it still turns out tasty and creamy.
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How spicy is this recipe with the red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add just a gentle warmth, not overpowering heat. You can easily omit them if you prefer a completely mild dish or adjust the amount to suit your family’s taste.
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What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without drying out the chicken?
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat while stirring, adding a splash of broth or cream to keep the sauce smooth and prevent drying. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the chicken rubbery.
Final Thoughts
This Dump & Go Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Recipe has become my go-to meal for those busy days when I want something comforting without standing over the stove. It’s so easy to throw together, and the creamy, flavorful sauce feels indulgent enough for a special dinner but quick enough for any weeknight. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this recipe as much as I’ve enjoyed discovering and perfecting it with my family—it’s definitely worth adding to your slow cooker rotation!
Print
Dump & Go Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Dump & Go Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a creamy Parmesan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and aromatic herbs. Perfect for an easy, hands-off meal, this recipe requires minimal prep and slow cooks to perfection, resulting in a rich and satisfying dinner that pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, or crusty bread.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (in oil, drained)
- 2 tbsp butter
Garnish
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts generously on both sides with salt and pepper to enhance their flavor before cooking.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, and optional red pepper flakes until well combined.
- Assemble in Crockpot: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the crockpot. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken, then sprinkle the chopped sun-dried tomatoes over the top for added texture and flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through. This slow-cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Add Butter and Stir: About 30 minutes before the cooking time ends, add the butter to the crockpot and gently stir it into the sauce to add richness and smoothness to the dish.
- Garnish and Serve: Once done, garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a fresh herbal note. Serve hot alongside rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Notes
- Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for a juicier outcome.
- Add fresh spinach during the last 15 minutes of cooking to include a nutritious vegetable boost.
- Leftovers will keep well for up to 3 days refrigerated or can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 460 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg
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