Dump & Go Marry Me Chicken is exactly what it sounds like—an easy, creamy, and dreamy slow cooker recipe that feels like a little bit of magic in your crockpot. Tender chicken breasts bathed in a rich, creamy sauce made with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and a touch of cheese come together effortlessly for a meal that’s bursting with flavor but surprisingly simple to prepare.
I love this recipe because it takes almost zero effort to throw together, and yet it tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen crafting a special dinner. I usually toss everything into the crockpot before I head off to work or run errands, and by the time I’m back, my house smells amazing, and dinner is ready to go. It’s one of those recipes that always impresses guests without the stress.
My favorite way to enjoy the Marry Me Chicken is over a bed of fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up all that incredible sauce. It’s the kind of dinner that invites you to sit down, relax, and savor each bite, and I swear it feels like a little celebration on a regular weeknight. If you’re looking for a comforting and fuss-free meal that still tastes fancy, this one’s a winner every time.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless breasts cook evenly and stay tender in the crockpot. If you prefer dark meat, thighs work well too and stay juicy longer.
Heavy Cream: This is the secret to the creamy sauce. For a lighter option, try half-and-half or coconut cream, but the sauce won’t be quite as rich.
Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: They add a mild kick and flavor. You can swap for chopped sun-dried tomatoes if you want a deeper, sweeter taste without heat.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully into the sauce. Grated Pecorino Romano or Asiago can be delicious substitutes.
Bacon: Adds smoky crunch. Turkey bacon or smoked sausage can work if you want to avoid pork or reduce fat.
How Can You Make Sure the Chicken Stays Tender and Juicy in the Crockpot?
Slow cookers are perfect for tender chicken, but cook on low for most gentle results. Here’s how I do it:
- Place chicken in a single layer so it cooks evenly.
- Don’t lift the lid during cooking—that traps heat and moisture.
- Use a meat thermometer and remove chicken once it reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety and tenderness.
- If sauce looks thin, remove chicken and cook sauce uncovered on high for 10-15 minutes to thicken.
- Let chicken rest a few minutes before serving so juices settle.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Crockpot or slow cooker – This is the star for hands-off cooking with gentle, even heat.
- Mixing bowl – Perfect for combining the sauce ingredients quickly without making a mess.
- Measuring cups and spoons – Keep the flavors balanced by measuring your cream, broth, spices, and cheese.
- Knife and cutting board – For slicing onions, garlic, bacon, and chopping parsley easily.
- Tongs or a slotted spoon – To lift the chicken out gently without breaking it.
- Meat thermometer (optional) – Helps check chicken is cooked perfectly to 165°F (75°C) every time.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken breasts for thighs for a juicier, more tender meat that works well with slow cooking.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or baby spinach during the last hour for extra earthiness and greens.
- Use feta or goat cheese instead of Parmesan for a tangier, creamier sauce twist.
- Stir in a splash of balsamic vinegar or a teaspoon of smoked paprika for more depth and subtle smoky flavor.
Dump & Go Marry Me Chicken – Creamy, Dreamy, Crockpot Magic!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (or sun-dried tomatoes, chopped)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 slices cooked bacon, roughly chopped
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning or a mix of dried basil and oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- Optional: fresh thyme sprig for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and then 4 to 6 hours on low or 2 to 3 hours on high in your crockpot. It’s perfect for a hands-off meal, letting you get other tasks done while the magic happens. Total time including cooking is roughly 4 to 6 hours depending on your cooker settings.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep Your Crockpot and Chicken:
Lightly spray or grease the inside of your crockpot to prevent sticking. Lay your chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom.
2. Mix Your Creamy Sauce:
In a bowl, combine the heavy cream, diced tomatoes (with their juices), chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, sliced onion, minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to blend all those flavors.
3. Combine and Cook:
Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken breasts. Sprinkle the chopped cooked bacon on top. Cover your crockpot and cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours, or HIGH for 2 to 3 hours. The chicken is ready when it’s tender and has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
4. Finish and Serve:
Carefully remove the chicken from the crockpot and place it on a serving dish. Stir the sauce in the pot to blend in any separated cream and spoon it along with the bacon over the chicken. Garnish with chopped parsley and thyme if you like. Serve warm over mashed potatoes, rice, or pasta to enjoy all that creamy goodness.
Enjoy your effortless, rich, and flavorful Dump & Go Marry Me Chicken straight from the crockpot!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
It’s best to use fully thawed chicken breasts to ensure even cooking. If using frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge or place in a sealed bag submerged in cold water before starting the recipe.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce and place everything in the crockpot insert the night before. Keep it refrigerated and cook fresh the next day, or cook fully, then refrigerate and reheat gently before serving.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to keep the sauce creamy and flavorful.
Can I Substitute the Heavy Cream?
You can use half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter or dairy-free option, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy. Adding a little cornstarch slurry can help thicken it if needed.
