If you’re on the hunt for a dinner recipe that practically does the work for you, this Dump & Go Crockpot Marry Me Chicken has you covered. It’s the kind of dish that welcomes you after a long day, bathing tender chicken breasts in a silky, dreamy sauce laced with sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan. I’ll let you in on a little secret: this recipe truly lives up to its name because once you taste that creamy sauce, you’ll swear you’ve found the one. Weeknight chaos? Long workdays? Busy families? This beauty swoops in and saves the evening without demanding hours of prep or babysitting.
Over the years, I’ve tested countless slow-cooker dinners, yet this Marry Me Chicken reliably wins first place at family tables and dinner parties alike. The ease of “dump and go” means you get more precious minutes to relax, set the table, or catch up with loved ones. As the crockpot works its magic, your kitchen fills with a gentle hum of anticipation. When that buzzer finally sounds, you unveil perfectly cooked chicken nestled in a rich, velvety sauce that’s just begging to be spooned over pasta, rice, or fluffy mashed potatoes. Trust me, one bite and your guests will be jotting down your recipe like it’s a life hack for happiness.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN DUMP & GO CROCKPOT MARRY ME CHICKEN
Before diving into the crockpot, let’s talk about the star players that come together to create this luscious, no-fail dinner. Each ingredient has its moment to shine, whether by building depth, pumping up the creaminess, or infusing tangy brightness. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chicken breasts
Boneless, skinless chicken delivers lean, tender meat that soaks up the flavorful sauce. It forms the heart of this dish and ensures each bite is juicy and satisfying.
- Chicken broth
This liquid foundation adds savory depth and keeps the sauce just light enough to let the Parmesan and cream shine. It prevents the sauce from becoming too heavy while contributing robust flavor.
- Heavy cream
The secret to that silky, dreamy sauce that clings to each chicken breast. It lends a luxurious texture and rich mouthfeel, elevating this dinner into “date-night” territory.
- Sun-dried tomatoes
Chopped for bursts of tangy sweetness, these tomatoes add a vibrant color and a concentrated tomato flavor that cuts through the richness of the cream.
- Parmesan cheese
Freshly grated for optimal flavor, Parmesan brings a nutty, salty punch and helps thicken the sauce as it melts into the liquid.
- Garlic powder
Provides an even, mellow garlic flavor throughout the dish without the risk of bits burning in the skillet.
- Paprika
Adds a warm, slightly smoky undertone and a beautiful reddish hue to the chicken’s seasoning.
- Dried oregano and dried thyme
These classic herbs round out the chicken’s seasoning blend with earthy, aromatic notes that pair perfectly with tomatoes and cream.
- Salt and pepper
Simple but essential for enhancing all the other flavors and ensuring the chicken is perfectly seasoned.
- Olive oil
Used to sear the chicken and develop a golden crust, building extra flavor before the slow-cooker phase.
- Fresh parsley
Chopped at the end for a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous finish that brightens every spoonful.
HOW TO MAKE DUMP & GO CROCKPOT MARRY ME CHICKEN
When you’re ready to start cooking, you’ll appreciate how straightforward each step is. From seasoning to searing, then letting your crockpot do the heavy lifting, this method guarantees deeply flavored, juicy chicken and a sauce that’s nothing short of heavenly.
1. Season the chicken breasts generously on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, dried oregano, and dried thyme. This seasoning blend forms the flavorful base that will infuse the meat during cooking.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil shimmers, sear the chicken breasts for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. This step locks in juices and develops that irresistible crust. Transfer the chicken to the crockpot.
3. In the same skillet, pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and grated Parmesan cheese. Give everything a good stir and let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes until it’s slightly thickened and creamy.
4. Carefully pour the sauce over the chicken breasts in the crockpot, ensuring they’re fully covered in that luscious liquid.
5. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4–5 hours, or until the chicken is fork-tender and cooked through.
6. When the timer goes off, uncover and sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a bright, herby finish.
7. Serve the chicken with plenty of that creamy sauce spooned over your choice of pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR DUMP & GO CROCKPOT MARRY ME CHICKEN
Once your crockpot has done its magic, it’s time to present a meal that looks and tastes like it came straight from a gourmet kitchen—effortlessly. Whether you’re feeding hungry teenagers, entertaining friends, or simply treating yourself, these serving ideas will turn your Marry Me Chicken into an unforgettable centerpiece.
- Over Al Dente Pasta
Pile the chicken and sauce onto a nest of spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne for an indulgent Italian-style feast. Finish with extra Parmesan and a twist of black pepper.
- On Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Spoon the saucy chicken over a fluffy bed of buttery mashed potatoes. The velvety potatoes soak up every last drop of sauce, making each mouthful comfort food bliss.
- With Garlic Butter Green Beans
Add a side of sautéed green beans tossed in garlic butter for a crisp, vibrant contrast. The bright green color and slight crunch balance the richness of the chicken.
- Alongside Garlic Bread or Dinner Rolls
Offer soft garlic bread or warm dinner rolls so diners can mop up every bit of that heavenly sauce. It’s a crowd-pleasing combo that satisfies carb cravings.
HOW TO STORE DUMP & GO CROCKPOT MARRY ME CHICKEN
With leftovers that delicious, you’ll want to know the best ways to keep this dish tasting as amazing as when it first came off the heat. Proper storage not only preserves flavor but also ensures food safety. Follow these tips so you can easily reheat and enjoy this saucy chicken on busy days or pack it for a satisfying lunch.
- Refrigerator Storage
Transfer cooled chicken and sauce into an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. When reheating, warm gently on low heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally to maintain the sauce’s creaminess.
- Freezing Portions
For longer storage, portion the chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to ensure even warming and preserve the texture of the sauce.
- Vacuum Sealing
If you have a vacuum sealer, use it to remove excess air and seal your chicken in freezer bags. This method helps prevent freezer burn and locks in moisture and flavor for up to 3 months.
- Reheating Tips
Whether refrigerated or thawed from frozen, reheat gently in a covered dish in the oven at 325°F or on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much during storage.
CONCLUSION
This Dump & Go Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is the ultimate weeknight hero: minimal prep, maximum flavor, and hands-off cooking that lets you reclaim your evenings. We’ve walked through every step, from seasoning and searing to slow-cooker bliss, ensuring your chicken emerges tender, juicy, and bathed in the creamiest tomato-Parmesan sauce you’ll ever taste. With straightforward storage and reheating tips, you can confidently plan ahead and enjoy this dish for lunches or another stress-free dinner later in the week. Go ahead and print this article, tuck it into your recipe binder, or bookmark it for whenever you need a foolproof, crowd-pleasing meal.
Feel free to save this guide for future dinner victories, and keep an eye out for the FAQ section below where I’ll answer your most pressing questions about timing, substitutions, and more. If you give this recipe a try, drop a comment to let me know how it turned out or if you have any tweaks of your own. I love hearing your feedback, anecdotes, or even troubleshooting questions—so don’t hesitate to share! Here’s to delicious, effortless dinners that make you fall in love with cooking all over again.
Dump & Go Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
Description
This Dump & Go Crockpot Marry Me Chicken features tender chicken bathed in a creamy, flavorful sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan. Perfect for a cozy dinner!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, and thyme on both sides.
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Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Sear the chicken breasts in the skillet for about 2-3 minutes per side until they are golden brown. Remove from the skillet and transfer to the crockpot.
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In the same skillet, add the chicken broth, heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. Stir the mixture and let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
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Pour the sauce over the chicken breasts in the crockpot, ensuring they are well-covered.
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Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
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Once done, garnish the chicken with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
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Serve the chicken with the creamy sauce over your choice of pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Note
- This dish gets its name because it's "so good you'll want to marry it!"
- Searing the chicken adds flavor but can be skipped if you're short on time.
- Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more or less cream, based on preference.
- This recipe can also be made using a pressure cooker on the manual setting for about 15 minutes.
- Sun-dried tomatoes add a rich and tangy flavor, but fresh tomatoes can be used as a substitute.
