Creamy Slow-Cooked Chicken Delight

This sun-dried tomato crockpot chicken transforms ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering meal that practically cooks itself. The slow cooking process allows the chicken to become incredibly tender while absorbing the rich flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, herbs, and parmesan. After countless dinner emergencies, this recipe has become my lifesaver for busy weeknights when I need something delicious with minimal effort.

I discovered this recipe during a particularly hectic month when my family needed good meals but I had no time to cook. Now it appears on our table at least twice a month, and the leftovers disappear faster than I can save them for lunch.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs: the thighs have more flavor but either works beautifully
• Oil packed sun dried tomatoes: these are the secret weapon providing intense umami flavor concentrate
• Full fat coconut milk or heavy cream: creates the silky base for our sauce without curdling in the slow cooker
• Grated parmesan cheese: adds nutty depth and helps thicken the sauce naturally
• Fresh garlic minced: gives the essential aromatic foundation that develops during slow cooking
• Dried oregano: classic Mediterranean herb that holds up well to long cooking
• Smoked paprika: adds subtle smokiness that complements the sun dried tomatoes perfectly
• Red pepper flakes: for gentle warmth that builds in the sauce look for bright red flakes for the most flavor
• Fresh basil: added at the end provides bright color and aromatic freshness
• Lemon juice: the touch of acidity that balances the rich creamy sauce and wakes up all the flavors

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare The Base:

Layer your chicken pieces in the bottom of your crockpot making sure they're in a relatively even layer. This ensures even cooking and prevents any pieces from drying out. The chicken provides the protein foundation for our dish and will release its own juices during cooking.

Create The Sauce:

Sprinkle the chopped sun dried tomatoes evenly over the chicken, then pour in the coconut milk or heavy cream. Add the parmesan, minced garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Season generously with salt and pepper. This combination creates a flavor bomb that will develop and meld together during the long cooking process.

Set It And Forget It:

Cover your crockpot and set it to low for 6 to 7 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. The slow gentle heat transforms the chicken into tender morsels while creating a magnificent sauce. The longer cooking time on low yields more tender results, but high works when youre pressed for time.

Finish With Fresh Elements:

Once the cooking time is complete, remove the chicken and either shred it with two forks or leave it whole depending on your preference. Stir the fresh lemon juice, olive oil, and chopped basil into the sauce. These fresh additions brighten the long cooked sauce and add complexity. Return the chicken to the pot and gently coat it with the sauce.

Bookmark

The oil from the sun dried tomatoes is my secret weapon in this recipe. I actually save a tablespoon to drizzle over the finished dish for an extra punch of flavor. My daughter who normally picks around tomatoes devours this sauce, claiming the slow cooking makes them taste completely different from fresh ones.

Make Ahead and Storage Tips

This sun dried tomato chicken is perfect for meal prepping. You can assemble all ingredients in the crockpot insert the night before, cover and refrigerate, then simply place it in the crockpot base in the morning and turn it on. The finished dish keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, with the flavors continuing to develop. For freezing, cool completely then store in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating on the stovetop or microwave.

Ingredient Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly forgiving and adaptable to what you have on hand. If youre dairy free, skip the parmesan and use nutritional yeast for a similar savory note. No sun dried tomatoes? Roasted red peppers provide a different but equally delicious flavor profile. For a lighter option, substitute half the coconut milk with chicken broth. Fresh herbs can be swapped based on what you have available rosemary and thyme work wonderfully in place of basil for a more savory winter version.

Serving Suggestions

While pasta is the classic pairing for this creamy chicken, dont stop there. Serve it over cauliflower rice for a lower carb option that still soaks up the delicious sauce. Fluffy quinoa or farro add whole grain goodness, while roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers complement the flavors beautifully. For an elegant presentation, serve the chicken and sauce over creamy polenta with a side of steamed asparagus or broccoli. A crusty bread for sauce sopping is never a bad idea either.

Recipe Q&A

→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this dish?

Absolutely! The recipe works wonderfully with either boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Thighs tend to remain a bit more tender and juicy in the slow cooker, but breasts work perfectly well too. If using breasts, you might want to check for doneness closer to the minimum cooking time to ensure they don't become dry.

→ Is there a dairy-free alternative for the heavy cream?

Yes, full-fat coconut milk makes an excellent dairy-free substitute as mentioned in the recipe. It adds a subtle sweetness that complements the sun-dried tomatoes beautifully. For a neutral flavor, unsweetened cashew cream would also work well.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

This dish is perfect for make-ahead meals. You can prepare it completely, cool it, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop and improve over time. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot throughout.

→ What can I serve with Sun-Dried Tomato Crockpot Chicken?

The creamy sauce pairs wonderfully with starchy sides that can absorb the flavors. Try serving over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. For a lower-carb option, cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles work beautifully. A simple green salad or steamed vegetables make perfect accompaniments to complete the meal.

→ How can I thicken the sauce if it's too thin?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you have several options. After cooking, remove the chicken and set the slow cooker to high with the lid off for 15-20 minutes to reduce the sauce. Alternatively, you can create a slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water, then stirring it into the hot sauce until it thickens.

→ Can I freeze leftovers of this dish?

Yes, this dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers or freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop or microwave. The cream-based sauce might separate slightly when reheated, but giving it a good stir will recombine it nicely.