Slow Cooker Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken is a creamy and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken breasts with the tangy richness of sun-dried tomatoes in a luscious cream sauce. It’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner that feels gourmet, and best of all, it comes together with minimal effort thanks to your slow cooker. Serve it over pasta, mashed potatoes, or with a side of vegetables for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (8.5 oz) jar sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (or 1 tablespoon fresh basil)
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)
Optional Add-Ins:
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes for some heat
- 1 cup chopped fresh spinach for added greens
- ½ cup sliced mushrooms for an earthy flavor
For Serving:
- Pasta (like fettuccine or penne)
- Mashed potatoes or cauliflower mash
- Steamed vegetables
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Sauce
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, chicken broth, minced garlic, dried basil, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Step 2: Add the Sun-Dried Tomatoes
- Sprinkle the chopped sun-dried tomatoes over the chicken and cream mixture, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the slow cooker.
Step 3: Slow Cook
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
Step 4: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry.
- Stir the slurry into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking and let it cook uncovered until the sauce thickens.
Step 5: Add Parmesan Cheese
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking, allowing it to melt into the sauce and add flavor.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Serve the Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken over pasta, mashed potatoes, or alongside steamed vegetables.
- Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley for added color and flavor.
Cooking Notes
- Chicken: You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a juicier option.
- Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter dish, substitute half of the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk.
Variations
1. Spinach Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken
Add 1 cup of fresh spinach during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking. Stir until wilted for added greens.
2. Spicy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken
Add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce to the cream mixture for a spicy kick.
3. Mushroom Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken
Add ½ cup of sliced mushrooms at the beginning of cooking for an earthy flavor that pairs well with the sun-dried tomatoes.
4. Pesto Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken
Stir in 2 tablespoons of pesto during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a burst of basil flavor that enhances the cream sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make Slow Cooker Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken ahead of time?
Yes! You can make this dish ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Q: Can I use jarred sun-dried tomatoes in oil?
Yes, jarred sun-dried tomatoes in oil are perfect for this recipe. Drain the oil before adding the tomatoes to the slow cooker.
Q: Can I use coconut cream instead of heavy cream?
Yes, you can substitute coconut cream for a dairy-free version. It will give a slight coconut flavor, but it works well with the other ingredients.
Q: Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make this on the stovetop. Cook the chicken in a large skillet over medium heat until browned, then add the cream mixture and simmer until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened, about 20-25 minutes.
This Slow Cooker Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken is a comforting and creamy dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and tender chicken makes for a flavorful and rich meal that pairs well with pasta or mashed potatoes. With minimal prep and the convenience of a slow cooker, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
