CROCKPOT MARRY ME CHICKEN

I can still picture my friend Sarah’s face when she first tasted this dish. Eyes wide, a slow smile spreading, and then, “Oh my gosh, I could marry whoever made this!” That’s the power of Marry Me Chicken, and transforming it into a fuss-free, set-it-and-forget-it crockpot masterpiece? Pure genius. Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most amazing Dump & Go Crockpot Marry Me Chicken you’ll ever make – a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with minimal effort!

Why You’ll Fall Head Over Heels for This Dump & Go Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

Okay, friends, let’s talk about why this recipe is about to become your new best friend. We all have those days (or weeks!) when cooking feels like a Herculean task. That’s where the “dump and go” element comes in. Seriously, it’s the easiest way to make this delicious meal. This isn’t just throwing ingredients into a pot; it’s about creating a symphony of flavors with minimal effort. Here’s what makes it so irresistible:

• Effortless Elegance: Impress your family or guests with a dish that tastes like you spent hours slaving away in the kitchen, when really, you just dumped everything into the crockpot!
• Flavor Explosion: The creamy, sun-dried tomato sauce is an absolute flavor bomb. It’s rich, savory, slightly sweet, and utterly addictive.
• Tender, Juicy Chicken: Slow cooking guarantees that your chicken will be incredibly tender and juicy, practically falling apart at the touch of a fork.
• Minimal Cleanup: One pot cooking means less dishes! Need I say more?
• Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to your liking with different vegetables, herbs, or spices.

What *IS* Marry Me Chicken?

Before we dive into the crockpot version, let’s quickly discuss the legend of Marry Me Chicken. The original recipe, which gained viral fame, involves pan-searing chicken and then simmering it in a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. The name supposedly comes from the fact that people who make it get marriage proposals. While I can’t guarantee a proposal, I *can* guarantee a delicious meal that will have everyone singing your praises! Now, we’re taking that concept and simplifying it for ultimate ease.

The Star Ingredients for Your Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece. Don’t worry; most of them are pantry staples!

• Chicken Breasts: I prefer boneless, skinless chicken breasts for their convenience, but you could also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: The *key* ingredient! Use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for the best flavor. Drain them well before adding them to the crockpot.
• Heavy Cream: This is what creates the luscious, creamy sauce. Don’t skimp!
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and depth of flavor. You can substitute vegetable broth if you prefer.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is a must for that salty, nutty flavor.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds a touch of Italian flair.
• Garlic: Because everything is better with garlic!
• Onion: Adds a savory base to the sauce.
• Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): For a touch of heat.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste!

Making Your Dump & Go Crockpot Marry Me Chicken: Step-by-Step

Alright, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious, restaurant-worthy meal on the table in no time. Remember, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

1. Prep the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. If the chicken breasts are extra thick, you may want to pound them slightly to ensure even cooking.
2. Add the Aromatics: Sprinkle the diced onion and minced garlic evenly over the chicken. The raw garlic smell will soon mellow into a savory aroma.
3. Sun-Dried Tomato Magic: Add the drained sun-dried tomatoes. Spread them around so that they will distribute the flavor.
4. Creamy Base: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Imagine the richness and flavor building.
5. Seasoning Time: Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) over the mixture. Don’t be shy with the seasoning – it’s what brings everything together!
6. Parmesan Perfection: Add the grated Parmesan cheese. You should see the cheese begin to melt slightly.
7. Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork. The smell at this stage is absolutely intoxicating!
8. Shred and Serve: Once the chicken is cooked, shred it with two forks directly in the crockpot. Stir everything together so that the shredded chicken is fully coated in the creamy sauce.
9. Serve and Enjoy!: Serve your Dump & Go Crockpot Marry Me Chicken over pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or penne work well), rice, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and flavor.

Serving Suggestions: Beyond the Plate

While this dish is amazing on its own, here are a few ideas to elevate your serving experience:

• Pasta Power: As mentioned, pasta is a classic pairing. Toss the shredded chicken and sauce with your favorite pasta shape. Consider adding some steamed broccoli or spinach for extra veggies.
• Rice, Rice Baby: Serve it over fluffy white rice, brown rice, or even quinoa for a healthier option.
• Mashed Potato Dreams: Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect comfort food accompaniment.
• Bread for Sopping: Don’t forget some crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce!
• Side Salad Sensation: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette will balance out the richness of the dish.

Variations and Substitutions: Make It Your Own!

The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!

• Vegetable Power: Add sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to the crockpot for extra nutrients and flavor.
• Spice It Up: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.
• Cream Cheese Creaminess: Stir in a block of cream cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking for an even richer and creamier sauce.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free version. The flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious.
• Chicken Thighs for Deeper Flavor: As mentioned before, chicken thighs bring more flavor to the table.
• Wine Time: Add ½ cup of dry white wine to the crockpot along with the chicken broth for added depth of flavor.

Success Tips for Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

Want to guarantee a perfect result every time? Here are my top tips for success:

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Use High-Quality Sun-Dried Tomatoes: The flavor of the sun-dried tomatoes will greatly impact the overall taste of the dish. Invest in good quality ones!
• Don’t Skip the Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor that is essential to the recipe.
• Thicken the Sauce (If Needed): If the sauce is too thin at the end of cooking, you can thicken it by stirring in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons of cold water). Cook on high for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your liking.
• Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Always taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may need to add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to your liking.

Crockpot Cooking: Is it Safe?

I get it, questions arise when we’re talking about slow cooking! Concerns about bacteria are valid, but easily addressed. Remember, slow cookers are designed to cook food at safe temperatures over extended periods. The key is to start with fresh ingredients, ensure your crockpot is functioning correctly, and follow the recommended cooking times. Your Dump & Go Crockpot Marry Me Chicken will be perfectly safe and utterly delicious!

More Delicious Crockpot Inspiration

If you’re looking for more easy and delicious crockpot recipes, be sure to check out some of my other favorites! I am a huge fan of a dump and go recipe on a busy weeknight!

For another Italian-inspired dish, you might want to try my Chicken Tortellini. It’s another easy dump-and-go meal that’s sure to please. Or, if you’re in the mood for something with a bit of sweetness, you’ll love my Honey Garlic Chicken. It’s sweet, savory, and incredibly easy to make. If you are looking for something with a bit more of a kick, try my Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta. Want something super simple and comforting? My Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Potatoes is always a winner. And if you love pasta, you might also like my Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta.

Of course, you can’t forget the original! If you want to impress someone with the traditional recipe, try my Marry Me Chicken recipe.

Make-Ahead & Freezing Instructions

Want to get ahead of the game? Here’s how to make this recipe in advance:

• Make-Ahead: You can prepare all the ingredients up to the point of adding them to the crockpot. Store the chicken and vegetables in one container and the sauce ingredients in another. When you’re ready to cook, simply dump everything into the crockpot and follow the instructions.
• Freezing: This dish freezes beautifully! Allow the cooked chicken and sauce to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat the thawed chicken and sauce in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave.

Dump & Go Crockpot Marry Me Chicken Recipe

Here’s the full recipe, ready for you to print out and keep in your recipe binder!

Ingredients:

• 1.5-2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (10 oz) jar sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot.
2. Sprinkle the diced onion and minced garlic evenly over the chicken.
3. Add the drained sun-dried tomatoes.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth.
5. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) over the mixture.
6. Add the grated Parmesan cheese.
7. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
8. Once the chicken is cooked, shred it with two forks directly in the crockpot. Stir everything together so that the shredded chicken is fully coated in the creamy sauce.
9. Serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, if desired.

Final Thoughts: Ready to Be Wowed?

And there you have it! My foolproof Dump & Go Crockpot Marry Me Chicken recipe. I know you’re going to absolutely love this dish. It’s the perfect combination of ease, flavor, and comfort. So go ahead, give it a try, and get ready for the rave reviews (and maybe even a proposal!). Happy cooking, friends!

Crockpot Marry Me Chicken

Amelia Chen-Morrison

This Crockpot Marry Me Chicken recipe is a simple and delicious dump-and-go meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breasts are slow-cooked in a creamy, sun-dried tomato sauce, resulting in a restaurant-worthy dish with minimal effort.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 7 hours hrs

Total Time 7 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian-American

Servings 6

Calories 550 kcal

Equipment

• Crockpot (slow cooker)
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Garlic mincer (optional)
• Fork
• Spoon
• Can opener
• Meat thermometer (optional)

Ingredients

  

• 1.5-2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish optional
• Pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, for serving

Instructions

 

• Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot.
• Sprinkle the diced onion and minced garlic evenly over the chicken.
• Add the drained sun-dried tomatoes.
• Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth.
• Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) over the mixture.
• Add the grated Parmesan cheese.
• Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Once the chicken is cooked, shred it with two forks directly in the crockpot. Stir everything together so that the shredded chicken is fully coated in the creamy sauce.
• Serve hot over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, if desired.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. If the sauce is too thin at the end of cooking, thicken it with a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) and cook on high for 15-20 minutes. To make ahead, prepare all ingredients and store separately until ready to cook. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before reheating. Consider adding vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrients. For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk.