Why You’ll Love This Dump & Go Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
This Dump & Go Crockpot Marry Me Chicken recipe is a busy weeknight hero. You dump everything into your slow cooker, set it, and go about your day. When you return, a creamy, flavorful meal awaits, practically begging you to propose to it (or at least your culinary skills). It’s incredibly easy, uses simple ingredients, and the resulting dish is rich, tender, and utterly delicious. It’s the kind of comfort food that satisfies everyone at the table without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Marry Me Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 (10.75-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained and chopped)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh Parmesan cheese, grated (for serving, optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Directions of Dump & Go Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
Prep Work: Getting Started
- Place the chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom of a 6-quart or larger slow cooker.
Slow Cooker Magic: Set It and Forget It
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, softened cream cheese, chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth.
- Pour the mixture evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender. The cooking time varies based on your slow cooker and chicken thickness.
The Finishing Touch: Creamy Perfection
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker. Shred the chicken using two forks, then return it to the slow cooker and stir well to combine with the creamy sauce. The chicken should be very tender and easy to shred.
- The sauce will thicken as it cools slightly. Serve hot.
How to Serve Dump & Go Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
Classic Pairings
Serve this creamy chicken over a bed of hot pasta like penne, fettuccine, or linguine. It also pairs wonderfully with fluffy white rice or mashed potatoes. The rich sauce coats these starches perfectly.
Elevated Sides
For a complete meal, consider serving a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Steamed vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or broccoli make excellent companions, adding a fresh contrast to the creamy chicken. A crusty bread also works well for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
Variations & Customizations
Spice It Up
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture if you enjoy a little heat. You can also include a dash of hot sauce directly to your plate for individual preference.
Veggie Boost
Stir in some fresh spinach during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking. It will wilt into the sauce, adding extra nutrients and color. Sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers can also be added at the beginning of the cooking process for more vegetable variety.
Dairy-Free Alternatives
For a dairy-free version, use a dairy-free cream of chicken soup alternative, a dairy-free cream cheese substitute, and plant-based milk (like cashew or almond milk) instead of chicken broth if a thicker sauce is desired. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor without dairy.
How to Store Dump & Go Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
Store leftover Dump & Go Crockpot Marry Me Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Tips for Success with Dump & Go Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
Perfecting Your Chicken
Do not overcook the chicken. Chicken breasts are best cooked just until they are no longer pink inside. Overcooking can make them dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If using thighs, they are more forgiving and remain moist even with longer cooking.
Creaminess Control
If the sauce is too thick for your liking, you can thin it out with a little extra chicken broth or water before serving. If it’s too thin, you can generally let it sit for a few minutes and it will thicken as it cools.
Storage & Reheating
When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to help the sauce regain its creamy consistency. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
FAQs About Dump & Go Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this Dump & Go Crockpot Marry Me Chicken recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. However, you will need to add an extra hour or two to the cooking time on low, or about 30-60 minutes on high, to ensure the chicken cooks thoroughly. Make sure to check the internal temperature before shredding.
What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes in Dump & Go Crockpot Marry Me Chicken?
If you do not have sun-dried tomatoes, you can use a few tablespoons of roasted red peppers, finely chopped. These will offer a similar savory and slightly sweet flavor profile. You could also omit them entirely if preferred.
How long does Dump & Go Crockpot Marry Me Chicken last in the refrigerator?
Dump & Go Crockpot Marry Me Chicken lasts for about 3 to 4 days when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can I make Dump & Go Crockpot Marry Me Chicken ahead of time for meal prep?
Absolutely! This recipe is excellent for meal prep. Cook it as directed, then portion it into individual containers with your preferred sides. It reheats wonderfully.
What kind of pasta pairs best with Dump & Go Crockpot Marry Me Chicken?
Penne, fettuccine, linguine, or rotini all pair very well with Dump & Go Crockpot Marry Me Chicken. Their shapes hold the creamy sauce beautifully.
The Enduring Allure of Dump & Go Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
Print
Dump & Go Crockpot Marry Me Chicken
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Dump & Go Crockpot Marry Me Chicken recipe is a super easy, creamy, and flavorful dish that comes together effortlessly in your slow cooker. Perfect for a weeknight meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen!
Ingredients
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts 1 (10.75 oz) can cream of chicken soup 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened 1/2 cup chicken broth 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, diced 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder Salt and black pepper to taste Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional) Cooked pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for serving
Instructions
1. Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. In a medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, softened cream cheese, chicken broth, diced sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. Pour the mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and shreds easily. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the creamy sauce. Serve hot over your favorite pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. This Dump & Go Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is fantastic for meal prep; simply store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. You can also add fresh spinach in the last 30 minutes of cooking for added greens.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 485 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 810mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 135mg