Bookmark
This hearty sun-dried tomato crockpot chicken transforms ordinary chicken into a luscious, flavor-packed meal with minimal effort. The slow cooking process allows the chicken to become incredibly tender while soaking up the rich flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, herbs, and creamy sauce.
I first made this on a busy weeknight when I needed something hands-off but impressive. The way the kitchen filled with those Mediterranean aromas completely changed my perspective on slow cooker meals—this has since become our family's most requested Sunday dinner.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs choose thighs for more flavor and tenderness, breasts for leaner option
- Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes these provide intense concentrated flavor that regular tomatoes cannot match
- Full-fat coconut milk or heavy cream creates the silky texture that makes this dish so luxurious
- Grated parmesan cheese adds umami depth and helps thicken the sauce naturally
- Fresh garlic always opt for fresh over jarred for the brightest flavor profile
- Dried oregano Mediterranean herb that complements tomatoes beautifully
- Smoked paprika adds subtle smokiness that elevates the entire dish
- Crushed red pepper flakes adjustable heat that balances the creaminess
- Fresh basil the finishing touch that brightens everything up
- Lemon juice cuts through richness and wakes up all the flavors
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Base
- Place chicken pieces in an even layer at the bottom of your crockpot. This ensures even cooking throughout. If using chicken breasts of different sizes, place larger pieces toward the edges where the heating element is strongest.
- Build the Flavor Profile
- Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, making sure they're well distributed. Pour in coconut milk or heavy cream, sprinkle in the parmesan, garlic, oregano, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Season generously with salt and pepper. The seasonings might seem abundant, but slow cooking tends to mellow flavors.
- Mix and Set
- Gently stir everything together, ensuring the chicken is thoroughly coated with the creamy mixture. This initial coating creates a protective barrier that helps keep the chicken moist during the long cooking process. Cover with the lid and set to low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Finishing Touches
- Once the chicken is tender enough to shred easily with two forks, decide whether to leave it whole or shred it completely. Removing it temporarily allows you to enhance the sauce with fresh elements. Stir the lemon juice, olive oil, and chopped basil into the hot sauce, which will release their aromatic oils and brighten the flavors.
- Final Assembly
- Return the chicken to the sauce, allowing it to absorb the enhanced flavors for at least 5 minutes before serving. This resting period is crucial for the flavors to fully integrate. Serve generously over your chosen base and garnish with additional fresh basil for color contrast and flavor brightness.
Bookmark
The sun-dried tomatoes are truly the heart of this dish. I discovered their transformative power years ago when trying to recreate a restaurant dish from our anniversary dinner. Now I always keep a jar in the pantry specifically for this recipe. My husband claims he can smell this cooking from the driveway and knows its going to be a good night.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
This dish actually improves with time as the flavors continue to meld. You can prepare it up to two days ahead and refrigerate in an airtight container. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much. For longer storage, this freezes beautifully for up to three months. Portion it into individual containers for quick weeknight dinners that only need reheating.
Versatile Serving Options
While pasta is the classic pairing, this sauce works wonders with so many alternatives. Try it over cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option, or spoon it over roasted spaghetti squash for added nutritional value. For a truly luxurious meal, serve it with creamy polenta or risotto. The sauce also makes an excellent filling for twice-baked potatoes or stuffed bell peppers.
Easy Substitutions
Dietary restrictions need not limit your enjoyment of this dish. Vegetarians can replace the chicken with hearty mushrooms and chickpeas for a similarly satisfying texture. For dairy-free diners, nutritional yeast provides a comparable cheesy flavor to parmesan. If coconut milk isnt your preference, unsweetened almond milk with a tablespoon of cornstarch creates a similarly creamy texture.
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this dish?
Yes, the recipe specifically mentions you can use either boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Thighs tend to stay more moist during long cooking periods, but breasts work beautifully as well and offer a leaner option if preferred.
- → Is there a dairy-free alternative for the heavy cream?
The recipe offers full-fat coconut milk as an excellent dairy-free alternative to heavy cream. This substitution maintains the creamy texture while adding a subtle sweetness that complements the sun-dried tomatoes nicely.
- → How long does this dish take to prepare?
The prep time is only 10 minutes, with cooking time of 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in the crockpot. Total time from start to finish is approximately 6 hours 10 minutes if using the low setting.
- → What can I serve with Sun-Dried Tomato Crockpot Chicken?
This versatile dish pairs beautifully with rice, mashed potatoes, pasta, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. The creamy sauce is perfect for spooning over any of these bases.
- → Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this is an ideal make-ahead meal. You can prepare it in the morning and have dinner ready by evening. It also reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers the next day.
- → How spicy is this dish?
With 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes, this dish has a mild to moderate heat level. You can adjust the amount to suit your preference—reduce or omit for less heat, or increase for more spice.