Dump & Go Marry Me Chicken is exactly what it sounds like—simple, creamy, and full of flavor, all cooked effortlessly in your crockpot. Tender chicken breasts soak up a dreamy sauce made with cream, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and a sprinkle of Parmesan that melts into pure magic as it slow cooks. This is comfort food at its easiest, perfect for busy days when you want a tasty meal without lots of fuss.
I love this recipe because it feels like a special dinner but takes almost no work. You literally throw everything into the crockpot, press start, and go about your day. The slow cooking makes the chicken super tender, and the sauce thickens beautifully, so you get a rich, cozy dish without standing over the stove. It’s my go-to when I want to impress friends with hardly any effort.
My favorite way to serve it is over a bed of fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up all that delicious sauce. Sometimes I add a side of steamed green veggies for a pop of color and freshness. This meal always makes me think of cozy nights at home, gathering around the table with loved ones and enjoying something warm and comforting. If you’re looking for a no-stress recipe that still feels like a treat, this one’s a winner every time.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best here. They cook evenly and soak up the sauce nicely. You can swap for chicken thighs if you prefer juicier meat—they stay tender in the crockpot too.
Heavy Cream: This makes the sauce creamy and rich. If you want a lighter option, try half-and-half or coconut milk, but the sauce will be less thick and creamy.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: They add a tangy sweetness that balances the cream. Oil-packed tomatoes give extra flavor, but dry-packed work too—just soak them in warm water first.
Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan adds a salty, nutty depth. If you don’t have Parmesan, Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano make good substitutes.
How Can I Make Sure My Chicken Stays Tender and Juicy in the Crockpot?
Slow cooking chicken breasts can sometimes dry them out, but here’s how to avoid that:
- Use enough liquid: The cream and broth keep chicken moist while cooking.
- Layer carefully: Place the chicken in a single layer for even cooking.
- Low and slow: Cook on low heat for the best tenderness. High heat can make chicken tough.
- Check doneness timely: Use a meat thermometer or fork to test tenderness around 4 hours. Avoid overcooking.
- Stir the sauce gently: After cooking, mix the sauce well to blend flavors without tearing the chicken.
Following these tips will give you tender, creamy chicken full of flavor every time. Enjoy!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Crockpot or slow cooker – perfect for hands-off cooking and keeps the chicken tender all day.
- Mixing bowl – for combining the cream, broth, and spices easily before dumping into the crockpot.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get your cream, broth, and seasonings just right.
- Knife and cutting board – to chop the sun-dried tomatoes and garlic quickly and safely.
- Spatula or spoon – for stirring the sauce gently after cooking.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken breasts for thighs if you want a richer flavor and moister meat.
- Add a handful of fresh spinach or kale near the end of cooking for extra color and nutrients.
- Mix in sliced mushrooms for an earthy touch that pairs well with creamy sauce.
- Try shredded mozzarella or fontina cheese instead of Parmesan for a milder, gooey sauce.
Dump & Go Marry Me Chicken – Creamy, Dreamy, Crockpot Magic!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed preferred)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of basil, oregano, thyme)
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes just 10 minutes to prep — you simply mix and pour the ingredients. Then, let your crockpot do the magic with 4 to 5 hours on low heat, or 2 to 3 hours on high. It’s perfect for a hands-off meal that feels special!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Arrange the Chicken:
Place the 4 chicken breasts in a single layer in the bottom of your crockpot. This makes sure they cook evenly and soak up the creamy sauce.
2. Mix the Creamy Sauce:
In a bowl, combine the heavy cream, chicken broth, minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir it all together until smooth and well mixed.
3. Pour & Cook:
Pour the creamy mixture evenly over the chicken in the crockpot. Cover with the lid. Cook on low for 4 to 5 hours, or if you’re short on time, cook on high for 2 to 3 hours. The chicken should be tender and fully cooked (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).
4. Finish & Serve:
Before serving, give the sauce a gentle stir to blend the rich flavors. Taste and add any more salt or pepper if you like. Serve the chicken with lots of creamy sauce on top. Garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley for a beautiful, fresh finish.
Enjoy your creamy, dreamy Marry Me Chicken served over rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta to soak up every last bit of that delicious sauce!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to fully thaw the chicken breasts before adding them to the crockpot for even cooking. Thaw overnight in the fridge or use the cold water method to speed it up.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare everything in advance and refrigerate before cooking. You can also cook it fully, then refrigerate and gently reheat on low in the crockpot or on the stove to maintain the creamy texture.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce smooth.
Can I Substitute the Heavy Cream?
You can use half-and-half or a dairy-free creamer for a lighter or dairy-free version, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy. Adding a little cornstarch slurry can help thicken it up if needed.
