Dump & Go MARRY ME CHICKEN is the perfect meal when you want something simple but super tasty. This dish is all about tender chicken cooked in a creamy, dreamy sauce with herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, and a bit of cheesy goodness. The best part? You just toss everything into the crockpot and let it work its magic while you relax or take care of other things.
I love making this chicken on busy days because it feels like a special treat without the fuss. There’s something about the slow cooking that makes the chicken so juicy and the sauce so rich and comforting. I always find myself sneaking tastes straight from the pot before it’s even time to serve—no shame here!
When it’s ready, I like to serve it over some garlic mashed potatoes or a bed of fluffy rice to soak up all that creamy sauce. It’s a crowd-pleaser for sure, and I’ve noticed folks always ask for seconds. If you want to make it even easier, just toss in a big salad or some roasted veggies on the side, and you’ve got a full meal without any stress.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breasts: I like using boneless, skinless breasts for tender and easy-to-eat chicken. You can use thighs if you want juicier meat—they hold up well in slow cooking.
Heavy cream: This makes the sauce rich and smooth. For a lighter version, try half-and-half or coconut milk (if dairy-free), but the sauce will be less creamy.
Sun-dried tomatoes: They add a tangy, sweet punch. Oil-packed ones taste richer, but dry-packed soaked in hot water works too. You can skip them or add roasted red peppers if preferred.
Mushrooms: Add a lovely earthy flavor. Cremini or button mushrooms are best here, but feel free to try shiitake or portobello slices for a meatier texture.
Parmesan cheese: It gives a salty, nutty note to the sauce. Grate fresh for best flavor. Pecorino Romano can be a great substitute if you want a sharper bite.
How Do You Get the Creamy Sauce Perfectly Thick and Flavorful in a Crockpot?
The sauce is the heart of this dish, so here’s how to make it just right in your slow cooker:
- Whisk the cream, broth, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, cheese, and seasonings before pouring over the chicken to ensure even flavor.
- Cook on low for a longer time to meld flavors gently and keep the sauce creamy.
- If the sauce is too thin at the end, remove the chicken, then turn the crockpot on high and let the sauce cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes to thicken up.
- Stir gently before serving to mix the creamy sauce with all the tasty bits.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Crockpot or slow cooker – slow cooks the chicken evenly and lets the sauce thicken without you watching the pot.
- Mixing bowl – easy to whisk together the creamy sauce ingredients before adding to the crockpot.
- Whisk – helps blend the cream, broth, and seasonings smoothly for a rich sauce.
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate amounts to get the best flavor balance.
- Serving spoon – to scoop the chicken and sauce neatly over rice or potatoes.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken breasts for thighs for more juicy, tender meat that stands up well to slow cooking.
- Add fresh spinach or kale near the end of cooking for some green, extra nutrients, and color.
- Stir in a handful of shredded mozzarella or cream cheese for a cheesier, creamier sauce.
- Use roasted red peppers instead of sun-dried tomatoes for a milder sweetness and softer texture.
Dump & Go Marry Me Chicken – Creamy, Dreamy, Crockpot Magic!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped (oil-packed preferred)
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or mix of basil, oregano, thyme)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Cooked rice or mashed potatoes, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and set up, then slow cooks in the crockpot for 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high. It’s mostly hands-off time, giving you freedom to relax or do other things while your meal cooks to creamy perfection.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Season each chicken breast generously with salt, pepper, and dried Italian seasoning on both sides. This adds great flavor right from the start.
2. Set Up Your Crockpot:
Place the seasoned chicken breasts evenly in the bottom of your slow cooker. This lets the sauce surround each piece as it cooks.
3. Combine Sauce Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, chicken broth, minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, sliced mushrooms, red pepper flakes if using, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until everything is blended smoothly.
4. Pour Sauce Over Chicken:
Pour the creamy mixture evenly over the chicken in the crockpot, making sure each piece gets lots of the sauce and tasty bits.
5. Cook:
Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. The chicken will become tender and absorb all the creamy, savory flavors.
6. Finish and Serve:
Before serving, give the sauce a gentle stir to mix all the yummy ingredients together. Taste the sauce and add more salt or pepper if you like.
7. Presentation:
Serve your Marry Me Chicken over warm cooked rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce. Sprinkle with chopped fresh basil or parsley and some sun-dried tomatoes for a beautiful finish.
Enjoy a heartwarming, cheesy meal that feels special but takes almost no effort, making your busy day just a little more magical!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, but make sure the chicken is fully thawed before cooking. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the cold water method to speed things up. This helps the chicken cook evenly in the crockpot.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prep everything and assemble it in the crockpot insert, then refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just add an extra 30 minutes to the cooking time if cooking straight from cold.
How Do I Store and Reheat Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce creamy and smooth.
Can I Use Other Vegetables Instead of Mushrooms?
Yes! Feel free to swap mushrooms for bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini for a different flavor and added veggies. Add softer veggies like spinach toward the end of cooking to keep them fresh.
