This Dump & Go Marry Me Chicken is exactly what it sounds like—rich, creamy, and totally magical, especially because it’s made effortlessly in the crockpot. Tender chicken breasts swim in a dreamy sauce made with cream, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan cheese. The best part? You literally dump everything in, set the slow cooker, and let the magic happen!
I love this recipe because it feels like a special treat but takes almost no work. One of my favorite things to do is toss in some fresh herbs like basil or thyme to freshen it up, and honestly, it’s just so comforting to come home to a meal that’s been cooking all day while you’ve been busy with other things. The sauce gets thick and luscious, perfect for spooning over rice, pasta, or even mashed potatoes.
Whenever I make this dish, it’s like everyone’s lining up at the table asking for seconds, so it’s perfect for family dinners or when friends come over. It reminds me of those cozy nights where you want something warm and satisfying without standing over the stove—this chicken makes that happen every time. Give it a try, and I bet you’ll be adding this to your regular meal rotation too!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Using boneless, skin-on chicken gives great flavor and keeps the meat moist. If you want less fat, skinless works fine but might be a little less juicy.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a tangy, sweet punch. If you don’t have them, you can use roasted red peppers or just skip for a milder taste.
Heavy Cream and Parmesan Cheese: They make the sauce rich and creamy. For a lighter option, try half-and-half or coconut cream and a bit less cheese.
Garlic and Mushrooms: Garlic adds aroma and mushrooms bring an earthy flavor. Feel free to use fresh or dried mushrooms, or add onions if you like.
How Do You Get Tender, Juicy Chicken Without Drying It Out in the Crockpot?
Cooking chicken in a slow cooker risks drying if not careful. Here are some tips I use:
- Sear First: Browning the chicken skin creates a flavorful crust and helps lock in moisture.
- Use Skin-On: The skin keeps the chicken tender as it slowly cooks in the sauce.
- Don’t Overcook: Stick to the recommended 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high. Longer times can dry out the chicken.
- Keep It Covered: This traps steam and keeps the environment moist.
- Add Cream and Broth: The sauce’s liquid gently cooks the chicken and bathes it in flavor.
Following these steps makes the chicken perfectly tender, juicy, and full of delicious flavors every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Slow cooker (crockpot) – perfect for hands-off cooking and keeps the chicken tender and juicy.
- Skillet or frying pan – great for searing the chicken to lock in flavor before slow cooking.
- Mixing bowl – handy for whisking together the creamy sauce ingredients.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – ideal for stirring ingredients without scratching your cookware.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for richer flavor and extra tenderness.
- Add fresh spinach or kale in the last 30 minutes of cooking for a healthy green boost.
- Swap sun-dried tomatoes for roasted red peppers to add a smoky, sweet flavor.
- Stir in a handful of shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese before serving for a gooey twist.
Dump & Go Marry Me Chicken – Creamy, Dreamy, Crockpot Magic!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Sauce:
- 4 boneless, skin-on chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed, drained)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, thyme)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 10-15 minutes of active preparation time, mainly for searing the chicken and sautéing garlic and mushrooms. Then, it cooks slowly in the crockpot for 4 to 6 hours on low, or 2 to 3 hours on high. This makes it perfect for starting in the morning and coming home to a delicious, creamy dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season and Sear the Chicken:
Sprinkle salt and pepper generously on both sides of the chicken breasts. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken skin-side down and cook until golden brown, about 4 to 5 minutes. Flip the chicken and sear the other side for 2 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. Sauté Garlic and Mushrooms:
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sliced mushrooms. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes until mushrooms are soft and garlic is fragrant. This step builds rich flavor for the sauce.
3. Assemble in the Crockpot:
Arrange the seared chicken breasts in the crockpot. Spoon the sautéed garlic and mushrooms over the chicken. Sprinkle the chopped sun-dried tomatoes evenly on top.
4. Make Creamy Sauce and Cook:
In a bowl, whisk together heavy cream, chicken broth, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning until smooth. Pour this creamy mixture over the chicken and veggies in the crockpot.
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. The chicken will become tender and soak up all the creamy flavors.
5. Garnish and Serve:
Once the chicken is cooked through, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve the creamy, dreamy chicken alongside pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes—any of these will soak up that luscious sauce perfectly.
Enjoy your easy and delicious Dump & Go Marry Me Chicken!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, but make sure it’s fully thawed before searing. Thaw frozen chicken breasts in the fridge overnight or use the cold water method by sealing them in a bag and submerging in cold water until thawed. Pat dry before seasoning and cooking to avoid extra moisture.
Can I Skip Searing the Chicken?
You can skip searing if you’re short on time, but searing adds flavor and helps keep the chicken juicy. If you do skip it, expect a milder flavor and slightly different texture, but the slow cooker will still make tender chicken.
How Do I Store 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 warm the sauce evenly.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes! Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free creamer and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast. The sauce will still be creamy and flavorful.