Dump & Go Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

Oh, the delightful surprise of a well-loved dish! Let me take you back to the day I stumbled upon this little gem known as Dump & Go Crockpot Marry Me Chicken. It was a chilly evening when I was rifling through my somewhat chaotic recipe box, searching for something cozy to warm us up after a long day. I found it nestled between an ancient casserole and a never-tried curry. The moment I laid eyes on it, I was captivated by its simplicity and potential to create magic in my kitchen.

Table of Contents

As I set about making it, the aroma began filling the air—a luscious blend of garlic, rich cream, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes. Each whiff whisked me away to a cozy Italian trattoria, where the food is simple but bursting with flavor. When it was finally ready and we gathered around the table, I watched my family’s faces light up with joy. Tender chicken bathed in creamy sauce accompanied by crusty bread for dipping—need I say more? This dish has since become a staple in our home, loved for its ease and incredible flavor, and I have no doubt it will win a place in your heart too!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Prep: Just dump the ingredients in and let the crockpot do the magic!
• Time-Saver: Perfect for busy weeknights; it cooks while you go about your day.
• Rich & Creamy: The combination of heavy cream and Parmesan creates a heavenly sauce that’s perfect for dipping or scooping.
• Crowd-Pleasing: It’s a guaranteed winner for family dinners, potlucks, or date nights.
• Customization: You can easily adjust flavors and ingredients to fit your taste and pantry staples.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: The base of the dish—tender and juicy, allowing the flavors to shine!
• Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning; don’t be shy, this enhances the flavor of the chicken!
• 1 cup chicken broth: Provides moisture and depth; homemade or store-bought, both work beautifully.
• 1 cup heavy cream: It adds a rich and luscious texture to the sauce, making it delightfully creamy.
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: For that nutty, cheesy goodness—don’t skimp on the quality for an extra burst of flavor!
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: The aromatic foundation that fills your kitchen with warmth and comfort.
• 1 tsp dried oregano: Such a fragrant herb, it brings a hint of Mediterranean flair to the dish.
• ½ tsp dried thyme: Complements the chicken beautifully, adding a subtle earthiness.
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional): For a little kick—feel free to adjust to your heat preference!
• ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (in oil, drained): Adds a sweet and tangy bite that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.
• 2 tbsp butter: Just a little rich addition at the end makes everything taste divine!
• Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish: Adds a pop of color and freshness—don’t forget this lovely finishing touch!

Full recipe card is below.

How to Make It

Season the Chicken

First things first, let’s get our chicken ready! Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This simple step ensures that every bite is bursting with flavor.

Prepare the Sauce

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, and optional red pepper flakes. Just imagine that creamy blend—thick, rich, and oh-so-inviting!

Combine in the Crockpot

Place the seasoned chicken breasts at the bottom of your trusty crockpot and pour that luscious sauce over the top. Let all those wonderful flavors mingle together for a moment.

Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Now sprinkle the sun-dried tomatoes over the chicken. They add delightful sweetness and a touch of color to our dish.

Cook It Low & Slow

Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours, until the chicken is tender and gives way effortlessly to your fork. Ah, can you smell it yet?

The Butter Touch

In the last 30 minutes, add the butter to the crockpot, stirring to incorporate. It will melt into the sauce, making it irresistibly creamy and rich.

Garnish & Serve

Before serving, top with fresh basil or parsley—their vibrant green colors are such a feast for the eyes! Pair the Marry Me Chicken with rice, pasta, or a crusty loaf of bread to soak up every last spoonful of that decadent sauce.

Pro Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcook: Adapt cooking times based on your crockpot’s heat. Check the chicken for tenderness at the 4-hour mark on LOW.
• Rest Your Chicken: Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking lets the juices redistribute for even more flavor.
• Take It Up a Notch: Use freshly grated Parmesan for an extra rich finish!

Flavor Variations

• Herb Swaps: Feel free to change things up with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary.
• Vegetable Additions: Toss in some spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for added nutrition.
• Cheesy Twist: Substitute some of the cream with cream cheese for an even richer sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This delightful dish pairs wonderfully with steaming bowls of rice, al dente pasta, or even a simple side salad. For a cozy twist, consider serving it with freshly baked garlic bread for dipping into that heavenly sauce. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a crisp white wine, like Chardonnay, would complement your meal beautifully!

Make-Ahead & Storage

This dish is a champion of convenience! You can prep all the ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge. Just pop them into the crockpot in the morning, and you’re all set! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Leftovers

Leftovers shouldn’t go to waste! You can create wonderful sandwiches, toss the chicken onto a salad, or make a sumptuous pasta dish by mixing it with your favorite noods!

Freezing

Yes, this dish can be frozen! Just let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight, then reheat until warmed through.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat your chicken on the stovetop over low heat, stirring gently to preserve that creamy goodness. You can also do it in the microwave, just heat in short bursts to avoid overcooking.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Just add an extra hour on LOW or an hour and a half on HIGH.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked?
The chicken should be tender and have an internal temperature of 165°F. A fork should easily shred it!

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a non-dairy version!

What can I do if the sauce is too thick?
No worries—just stir in a bit more chicken broth until you reach your desired consistency!

Final Thoughts

As we wrap up, my heart swells knowing you’ll try out this Dump & Go Crockpot Marry Me Chicken! It’s not just a dish; it’s an experience—one filled with love, cozy gatherings, and mouthwatering flavors. I hope it fills your kitchen with warmth, laughter, and plenty of happy tummies. Enjoy every moment of this delightful journey in your own kitchen, and until next time, happy cooking!

With love and warmth,
Chef Caroline