Dump & Go Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
There’s Magic in a Chicken Dinner
I stumbled upon this Dump & Go Crockpot Marry Me Chicken recipe during a hectic week when dinner plans fell through. At first, I was suspicious of its catchy name, but I soon realized that it’s not just about the title—it’s about the comforting flavors and effortless preparation. Picture this: a creamy, garlic-infused chicken dish simmering in your slow cooker while you tackle life’s to-dos. This dish has quickly become a go-to for busy weeknights, cozy family dinners, or even surprise guests. Trust me; it might just make you fall in love with cooking all over again!
Reasons to Try It
Why should you make this dish? Let me count the ways! First off, it’s incredibly easy with minimal prep—just dump, set, and forget. Perfect for busy bees, this recipe lets you come home to a warm, delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s budget-friendly too, demanding only a handful of affordable ingredients that you likely already have. Plus, it has that “kid-approved” stamp of approval, making it a hit for the entire family.
“I can’t believe how easy this was! The chicken turned out so tender and flavorful—definitely a recipe I’ll keep forever!”
The Cooking Process Explained
This recipe for Dump & Go Crockpot Marry Me Chicken requires only straightforward steps, perfect for both novice and seasoned home cooks.
- Season Away: Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor.
- Whisk It Up: In a bowl, whisk together everything from chicken broth to the Parmesan cheese. This will create the rich, creamy sauce.
- Crockpot Time: Place your seasoned chicken in the crockpot and pour the sauce over it, followed by the sun-dried tomatoes.
- Let It Cook: Set it on LOW for 4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours, and voilà! You won’t believe how great your kitchen smells when it’s cooking!
- Final Touch: Add butter during the last half hour for that luscious finish.
What You’ll Need
Gather these ingredients for your magical culinary experience:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (in oil, drained)
- 2 tbsp butter
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Feel free to swap heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter option or use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan for a dairy-free spin!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s break this down into simple steps:
- Season the Chicken: Generously season both sides of your chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Make the Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, heavy cream, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, and optional red pepper flakes until blended.
- Combine in the Crockpot: Place the chicken in your crockpot and pour the sauce over it. Scatter the sun-dried tomatoes on top for a burst of flavor.
- Set and Forget: Cook on LOW for 4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Butter it Up: Add the butter to the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking and give it a gentle stir to incorporate.
- Garnish and Serve: Once done, garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve over rice, pasta, or alongside crusty bread.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Now that your delicious chicken is ready, you might wonder how to enjoy it best. Consider serving the chicken over a fluffy bed of steamed rice to soak up that creamy sauce. Alternatively, pasta lovers can toss it with fettuccine or tagliatelle for a satisfying twist. Fresh veggies on the side add color and nutrition; think sautéed greens or a light salad for balance.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
What to do with any leftovers? First off, let the dish cool down to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for 3–4 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. If you want to enjoy it later, you can freeze leftovers in freezer-safe containers for up to three months. Just remember to label them with the date!
Pro Chef Tips
To elevate your Marry Me Chicken game, here are a few pro tips:
- Searing the chicken breasts in a skillet before placing them in the crockpot can give it a slightly caramelized flavor.
- Feel free to customize by adding veggies like spinach or mushrooms right at the beginning of cooking.
- If you like a bit of tang, squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the chicken just before serving for a zesty contrast.
Creative Twists
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Swap the sun-dried tomatoes for roasted red peppers if you prefer a different flavor. You could also use different types of cheese—try goat cheese or mozzarella for a creamier finish. For an Italian flair, add a tablespoon of pesto to the sauce. Vegan? Replace the chicken with tofu and use coconut milk instead of heavy cream. The possibilities are endless!
Your Questions Answered
What’s the prep time for this dish?
You can get everything ready in about 10–15 minutes!
Can I substitute chicken with other proteins?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with turkey or even pork chops.
How do I freeze the leftovers?
Make sure they cool down first, then store them in airtight containers, labeling them with the date for easy identification later.
By diving into this delightful crockpot recipe, you’re not only set to impress but also to savor moments spent around the dinner table. Enjoy!
Marry Me Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Generously season both sides of your chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, heavy cream, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, and optional red pepper flakes until blended.
- Place the chicken in your crockpot and pour the sauce over it. Scatter the sun-dried tomatoes on top for a burst of flavor.
- Cook on LOW for 4 hours or HIGH for 2 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the butter to the crockpot and stir gently to incorporate.
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve over rice, pasta, or alongside crusty bread.
