Discover the delightful experience of making Dump and Go Crockpot Marry Me Chicken! This dish is not only easy to prepare, but also brims with mouth-watering flavors. Imagine tender chicken breasts simmering in a creamy sauce filled with ranch seasoning, cream cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes. Its vibrant colors and rich aroma make it a perfect centerpiece for any dinner party or special occasion.
As you take a bite, the blend of creamy and tangy flavors will have your taste buds dancing. You’ll love how the ingredients meld into a luscious sauce, ready to coat everything you serve it with. In this article, you’ll find everything you need to make this incredible dish, from ingredients to step-by-step instructions. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh Ingredients: This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that bring great flavor.
- Ease of Preparation: With minimal effort, you just dump everything in the crockpot and let it do the work.
- Nutrition: Packed with protein from the chicken and healthy fats from the cream cheese.
- Versatility: Perfect for serve over rice, pasta, or veggies, fitting any palate.
- Presentation: Its creamy texture and vibrant colors make for a stunning dish on the table.
You’re bound to love every bite of it!
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total time: 4-5 hours
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 4-5 hours on low
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this tasty dish, start with selecting 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1 packet of ranch seasoning mix, 1 cup cream of mushroom soup, 1 cup cream cheese, 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (optional), salt and pepper to taste, and fresh parsley for garnish (optional).
Main Protein
- What You Use: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts provide a tender and juicy texture.
- Preparation: Simply trim any excess fat and place them in the crockpot.
- Substitutions: If you’re looking for an alternative, try chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
- Tips: Make sure the chicken is evenly spaced in the pot for even cooking.
Seasoning/Spice Blend
- What You Use: Ranch seasoning mix adds a wonderful flavor profile.
- Preparation: Just sprinkle it over the chicken once it’s in the crockpot.
- Substitutions: You can use homemade ranch seasoning if you prefer.
- Tips: A little goes a long way, so stick to one packet.
Liquids/Dairy
- What You Use: Cream of mushroom soup and cream cheese create a creamy sauce.
- Preparation: Mix them to get a smooth consistency before pouring over the chicken.
- Substitutions: If you’re looking for an alternative, try cream of chicken soup for a different twist.
- Tips: Ensure cream cheese is softened for easy mixing.
Optional Finishing Ingredients
- What You Use: Shredded mozzarella cheese brings additional creaminess and flavor.
- Preparation: Add it towards the end of cooking time for melting.
- Substitutions: If you’re looking for an alternative, use cheddar cheese for a sharper taste.
- Tips: Keep it covered until serving for optimal gooeyness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Start with ease and simplicity in mind as everything cooks in one pot.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Place the 4 chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot. Make sure they fit comfortably with some space apart.
Step 2: Add the Ranch Seasoning
Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix evenly over the chicken, ensuring each piece gets flavorful coverage.
Step 3: Mix the Sauces
In a bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and cream cheese. Stir until smooth. Pour this mixture over the seasoned chicken.
Step 4: Cook on Low
Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is fork-tender.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Optional Ingredients
About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle shredded mozzarella and sun-dried tomatoes over the top. Cover to melt the cheese.
Step 6: Season to Taste
Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper if needed. This step ensures the flavors pop.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finally, garnish with fresh parsley before serving. A sprinkle of greenery will give a beautiful finish.
How to Serve
- Presentation: Serve in a large bowl, allowing guests to see the creamy mix.
- Accompaniments: Pair it with rice or pasta to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Portions: This recipe serves 4, making it great for family meals.
- Beverage Pairing: A light white wine or sparkling water complements the dish beautifully.
This dish is bound to impress everyone at your table!
Additional Tips
- For enhanced flavor, consider marinating the chicken in ranch dressing beforehand.
- Customize it with veggies like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition.
- Serve with a side salad to balance the creaminess.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños for a kick.
- Italian Twist: Replace ranch seasoning with Italian dressing and add olives.
- Veggie Delight: Incorporate mixed vegetables like broccoli and zucchini for a heartier dish.
Freezing and Storage
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: For best results, freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Special Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups
- Knife and cutting board
FAQ’s
1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken; just add extra cooking time.
2. Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
Check the ranch seasoning and soups for gluten-free labels if needed.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare everything the night before, store in the fridge, and cook in the morning.
4. How can I customize the flavors?
Feel free to explore different seasonings or add your favorite herbs to tailor it to your taste.
5. Can I cook this on the stove instead?
Yes, you can simmer it in a pot with the same ingredients on low heat, stirring occasionally until the chicken is cooked through.
Conclusion
This Dump and Go Crockpot Marry Me Chicken is a fantastic go-to recipe for easy weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. Its creamy, flavorful sauce and tender chicken create a joyful meal that both nourishes and delights. So, unleash your culinary skills and make this dish tonight—your taste buds will thank you!
Marry Me Chicken
Ingredients
Main Protein
- 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts Trim any excess fat before placing in the crockpot.
Seasoning/Spice Blend
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix A little goes a long way.
Liquids/Dairy
- 1 cup cream of mushroom soup Mix with cream cheese for a creamy sauce.
- 1 cup cream cheese Ensure softened for easier mixing.
Optional Ingredients
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Add towards the end of cooking for melting.
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes Optional; adds flavor and texture.
- to taste salt and pepper Season sauce as needed.
- for garnish fresh parsley Optional; adds a nice presentation.
Instructions
Preparation
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot, ensuring they have space between them.
- Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix evenly over the chicken.
- In a bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and cream cheese, stirring until smooth, then pour this mixture over the chicken.
Cooking
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is fork-tender.
- About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle shredded mozzarella and sun-dried tomatoes over the top and cover to melt the cheese.
- Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper if needed.
Serving
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
- Serve in a large bowl with rice or pasta to soak up the sauce.
