Dump & Go Crockpot Marry Me Chicken: Creamy & Easy (Print Version)
Dump & Go Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is your ultimate easy, creamy weeknight meal. Effortless to make, this flavorful dish will have everyone asking for more!
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 4 Hours minutes
Total Time: 19 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Contains Dairy
# Ingredients:
→ Main Proteins & Dairy
01 -
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
02 -
1 cup heavy cream
03 -
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
→ Flavor Builders
04 -
1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes (chopped, with a little oil)
05 -
4-5 cloves garlic, minced
06 -
1 cup low sodium chicken broth
07 -
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
08 -
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)
09 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Fresh & Finishing Touches
10 -
5 oz fresh spinach
11 -
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish, optional)
# Instructions:
01 -
Okay, first things first! Grab your trusty slow cooker. Place your chicken thighs right in the bottom. Now, scatter those glorious sun-dried tomatoes (with a bit of their oil, yum!) over the chicken. Toss in your minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Pour in the chicken broth. This is where the 'dump & go' magic starts, honestly. Don't worry about stirring too much just yet; it'll all mingle beautifully as it cooks.
02 -
Pop the lid on your slow cooker. Set it to low for 4-5 hours or high for 2.5-3 hours. I usually go for low if I'm heading out for the day; it makes the chicken incredibly tender. That smell, oh my goodness, it's heavenly as it cooks! Sometimes I peek, and I didn't expect that much liquid, but it's all good. Resist the urge to lift the lid too often, though, as it lets out all that precious heat.
03 -
Once your chicken is cooked through and super tender (it should shred easily with two forks!), carefully remove it from the slow cooker. You can shred it right on a cutting board, or if you're feeling adventurous (and a bit messy like me), use your forks directly in the pot. Don't burn your fingers like I almost did last time! Get it all nicely shredded, then return it to the pot.
04 -
Now for the luscious part! Pour in your heavy cream and stir in that freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Give it a good whisk to combine everything. The sauce will thicken up beautifully, and it'll turn that lovely creamy orange color. I didn't expect that richness the first time I made this Dump & Go Crockpot Marry Me Chicken; it's just divine.
05 -
Finally, stir in your fresh spinach. It'll look like a mountain of greens, but don't fret; it wilts down incredibly quickly into the warm sauce. Give it a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach is tender and vibrant green. Taste and adjust your seasonings here – a little more salt, maybe some black pepper? This is your moment to make it perfect for your palate.
06 -
Ladle your creamy, dreamy Dump & Go Crockpot Marry Me Chicken over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. It looks like a rustic, comforting mess but tastes like a gourmet dream. Garnish with a little extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you have it. It just makes the plate look extra special, even if it's just for a Tuesday night dinner.
# Notes:
01 -
Adding the heavy cream and spinach at the very end is crucial; cream can curdle if cooked too long on high heat.
02 -
For the best reheating, gently warm leftovers on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if needed to restore creaminess.
03 -
I've found that using bone-in, skin-on thighs (if you sear them first) adds an incredible depth of flavor, though boneless works great for ease.
04 -
Serving this over a bed of creamy polenta is a game-changer; it soaks up all amazing sauce beautifully.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Slow cooker (Crockpot)
02 -
Forks for shredding
03 -
Whisk
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 450-550
Total Fat: 30-40g
Total Carbohydrate: 10-15g
Protein: 35-45g