Dump & Go Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is the weeknight dinner that checks every box: creamy, comforting, low-effort, and downright delicious. This recipe brings everything you love about a home-cooked meal; tenderness, flavor, and soul-satisfying goodness, with none of the fuss. Whether you’ve had Marry Me Chicken before or this is your first time, this slow cooker version will become a family favorite faster than you can say “seconds, please.” In this article, we’ll walk through why it’s so loved, the exact ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, plus tips, variations, and answers to common questions.
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Why You’ll Love This Dump & Go Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
It started with a bite… and a marriage proposal.
Hi, I’m Saly. I’m a home cook who believes in simple steps and big flavors. The first time I made Crockpot Marry Me Chicken, it was one of those “Is this real life?” kind of meals. My husband, who notices every pinch of paprika and hint of garlic, looked up and said, “You know I’d marry you all over again just for this.” And from that moment on, this creamy, garlicky, parmesan-packed chicken got its name, and a permanent spot in our meal rotation.
What makes it magical? It’s a true dump and go dish. You toss everything in the slow cooker and let time (and flavor) do the work. No searing. No stirring. No stress. It’s perfect for busy days when you want comfort without chaos. And unlike fussy stovetop versions, this slow-cooked take turns out incredibly tender, soaking up every bit of that sun-dried tomato, garlic cream sauce.
Even better, it pairs well with nearly anything: pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or even crusty bread for scooping. It’s like the creamy cousin of Crockpot Cowboy Casserole, but with a romantic twist.
If you’re looking for a meal that tastes like a Sunday but cooks like a Monday, this is it. The flavor is rich and indulgent without being heavy, and the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting while you go about your day. One bite, and you’ll see why people say this recipe could seal the deal.
Dump & Go Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
Creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor, this Dump & Go Crockpot Marry Me Chicken recipe brings together tender chicken, a parmesan garlic sauce, and sun-dried tomatoes for a slow cooker dinner that practically cooks itself.
- Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
3–4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs)
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Place chicken breasts in a single layer in the crockpot.
2. In a bowl, whisk together heavy cream, broth, garlic, parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Pour over chicken.
3. Top with sun-dried tomatoes if not mixed in already.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2.5–3 hours.
5. Optional: thicken sauce with cornstarch slurry or remove lid and cook on HIGH for 20 more minutes.
6. Garnish with fresh basil and serve with your favorite sides.
Notes
Avoid overcooking by checking internal temp (165°F).
Swap chicken breasts for thighs for a richer result.
Add spinach during the last 30 minutes for extra nutrition.
Serve with rice, pasta, or cauliflower mash.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 425
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Ingredients for Crockpot Marry Me Chicken That Deliver Big Flavor
Pantry and fridge staples with star power
The beauty of Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is that it feels luxurious but uses everyday ingredients. If you keep a stocked spice rack and a few staples in your fridge, you’re already halfway there. What makes this recipe shine is the balance of creaminess, savory depth, and a pop of tangy brightness from sun-dried tomatoes. It’s rich but not overpowering, and every ingredient has a purpose.
Here’s exactly what you’ll need:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Boneless skinless chicken breasts | 3 to 4 (about 2 pounds) |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup |
| Chicken broth | 1/2 cup (low sodium preferred) |
| Fresh garlic (minced) | 3 cloves |
| Sun-dried tomatoes | 1/2 cup, drained and chopped |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | 1/2 cup |
| Italian seasoning | 1 tsp |
| Crushed red pepper flakes (optional) | 1/4 tsp |
| Salt and black pepper | To taste |
| Fresh basil (optional garnish) | For topping |
Ingredient tips for best results
Use fresh garlic; it makes a difference in a slow cooker where flavors develop over time. If you only have jarred sun-dried tomatoes, that works too, but aim for the oil-packed kind and drain them first. Parmesan cheese adds a salty depth, so be cautious with additional salt until the end.
This dump-and-go version is also versatile. You can swap the chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer dark meat, which stays extra juicy in the slow cooker. Want to make it even more protein-packed? Stir in a handful of spinach or white beans during the last 30 minutes, similar to how we boost nutrition in our High Protein Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites.
How to Make Dump & Go Marry Me Chicken in the Crockpot
Set it and forget it – slow cooker magic at its best
Making Crockpot Marry Me Chicken truly lives up to the “dump and go” promise. No searing. No extra pans. Just pure comfort food with minimal effort. And once everything is in the slow cooker, the hardest part is waiting for the aroma to fill your kitchen.
Here’s how to do it step-by-step:
- Layer your chicken.
Place your boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. Try to keep them in a single layer so they cook evenly. - Whisk the sauce.
In a medium bowl, combine the heavy cream, chicken broth, grated parmesan, garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk until smooth. You can stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes now, or layer them on top of the chicken after pouring in the sauce. - Pour and go.
Pour the creamy mixture evenly over the chicken in the crockpot. Add the sun-dried tomatoes if you didn’t mix them in earlier. - Cover and cook.
Set your slow cooker to LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2.5–3 hours. The chicken should be fully cooked and easy to shred or slice with a fork. - Optional: thicken the sauce.
If the sauce is too thin for your liking, remove the lid and let it cook on HIGH for an extra 20–30 minutes. Or, stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water). - Garnish and serve.
Top with fresh basil or extra parmesan before serving. Pair with pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or your favorite crusty bread.
It’s that easy. And the results? Creamy, dreamy, and absolutely unforgettable. Whether you serve it as a romantic dinner or a family-friendly Sunday supper, this recipe delivers every time, no oven, no stress, just flavor-packed comfort.
If you’re a fan of cozy meals with minimal prep, you might also love our Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice; another weeknight winner.
Tips and Variations for the Perfect Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
Helpful tips to get it just right
This Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is already simple and delicious, but a few small tweaks can make it even better, or help tailor it to your preferences or pantry.
- Use thighs for extra tenderness.
Chicken thighs are a great substitute for breasts if you prefer darker, richer meat. They hold up beautifully in the slow cooker and are less likely to dry out. - Don’t overcook.
Even in the crockpot, chicken can overcook and get rubbery. Stick to the time guidelines: 4–5 hours on LOW or 2.5–3 on HIGH. Check with a thermometer if needed (165°F internal temp). - Freshly grated parmesan = best flavor.
Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that don’t melt smoothly. Freshly grated parmesan gives you a creamy, velvety sauce without the graininess. - Adjust seasoning after cooking.
Because parmesan adds salt, it’s best to taste the finished sauce before adding more salt. You can always stir in cracked pepper or fresh herbs at the end. - Want it thicker?
A quick cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp cold water) stirred in 20 minutes before serving can thicken the sauce without changing flavor.
Fun variations to try
- Add spinach. Toss in 2 cups of fresh spinach during the last 30 minutes of cooking. It wilts beautifully into the sauce and adds a pop of color and nutrition.
- Go low-carb. Serve over cauliflower mash, zoodles, or a bed of sautéed greens.
- Make it spicy. Crank up the heat with extra red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
- Add a starch. Stir in cooked penne, rice, or gnocchi just before serving for a one-pot meal.
If you love creamy slow cooker meals like this, you’ll definitely want to try our Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta; another easy recipe where your slow cooker does all the work and your tastebuds get all the glory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Yes, but it’s not recommended. Starting with frozen chicken can lead to uneven cooking and safety concerns since slow cookers heat up gradually. For best texture and food safety, always thaw your chicken before adding it to the crockpot.
What should I serve with Crockpot Marry Me Chicken?
This dish is incredibly versatile. It pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or even cauliflower mash for a low-carb option. A side of roasted vegetables or crusty garlic bread also makes a complete meal.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely. While the creamy sauce is traditionally made with heavy cream and parmesan, you can substitute full-fat coconut milk for cream and use a dairy-free parmesan alternative. The flavor will change slightly but still be delicious.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce. For freezer storage, portion into airtight containers and freeze for up to 2 months.
Final Thoughts
Dump & Go Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a kitchen hero without lifting more than a spoon. With tender chicken, a silky parmesan cream sauce, and sun-dried tomatoes that bring it all to life, this dish has a little bit of everything; ease, flavor, and comfort.
Whether you’re cooking to impress someone or just want to keep dinner stress-free, this recipe delivers every time. It’s the perfect example of how cooking can be simple and soul-satisfying.
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