There’s just something irresistible about a creamy, comforting chicken dish that fills your kitchen with the aroma of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian herbs. The Crockpot Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe is a real gem—perfectly tender chicken simmered in a luscious sauce that makes everyone at the table ask for seconds.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make Crockpot Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Crockpot Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Crockpot Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
I adore this Crockpot Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe because it’s one of those no-fuss dishes that feels fancy but couldn’t be easier. You just toss everything in the slow cooker, and by dinner time, you've got silky, flavorful chicken that’s every bit as good as a meal you’d pay for at a restaurant.
- Simplicity: Prep is minimal—just a quick sear on the chicken, then let the slow cooker do all the magic.
- Rich Flavor: The creamy, garlicky sauce with sun-dried tomatoes adds a tangy depth that makes this dish memorable.
- Family Friendly: Even picky eaters usually fall in love with this sauce-drenched chicken.
- Versatile Serving Options: You can pair it with pasta, spaghetti squash, or even crusty bread for soaking up that luscious sauce.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This recipe balances familiar pantry staples with carefully chosen flavorful ingredients that all come together beautifully. Each one plays its part in creating the rich, creamy sauce and succulent chicken that’s so satisfying to savor.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These cook up tender and juicy in the crockpot, especially after a quick sear to lock in flavor.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Their intense, sweet-tart flavor is the star in the sauce, delivering depth and brightness.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic gives a fragrant base layer that beats any jarred garlic substitute.
- Italian seasoning: Brings all those classic herb notes like oregano, basil, and thyme into the mix for an Italian flair.
- Paprika and onion powder: Add subtle warmth and savoriness without overpowering the other flavors.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Forms the flavorful liquid base for slow cooking and adds umami richness.
- Cornstarch: It's a secret weapon here, thickening the sauce into a silky coating for the chicken.
- Heavy cream: For that luxuriously rich, creamy texture that makes this dish so crave-worthy.
- Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce adding a salty, nutty punch and creamy thickness.
- Olive oil and cooking spray: Used to sear the chicken and prevent sticking, helping develop flavor without fuss.
Make It Your Way
One of the things I love most about the Crockpot Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe is how easily it adapts to what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. Let me share a few tweaks I’ve tried that could inspire your own version!
- Variation: For a lighter twist, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or coconut cream. I did this the last time I was out of cream and it still turned out deliciously creamy.
- Make it veggie-packed: Toss in some fresh spinach or mushrooms during the last 30 minutes of cooking to add a fresh texture and nutrient boost.
- Spice it up: A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes added while mixing the sauce gives a subtle heat that my family enjoyed on a chilly day.
- Keto option: Skip the pasta and serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to keep it low-carb without sacrificing flavor.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crockpot Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe
Step 1: Sear Chicken for Extra Flavor
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Spray with cooking spray and add olive oil. When the oil starts to shimmer (that’s your cue it’s hot enough), add the chicken breasts. Sear each side for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown. This adds a lovely caramelized flavor and seals in the juices without cooking the chicken all the way. Trust me, this little step makes the final dish taste restaurant-level good.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Sauce Base in the Crockpot
While the chicken is browning, pour the low-sodium chicken broth and cornstarch into the bottom of your slow cooker. Whisk them together well until there are no lumps—this cornstarch slurry will thicken your sauce beautifully later on. Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk again so all those flavors start mingling early.
Step 3: Add Chicken and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Place the seared chicken breasts in the slow cooker, gently turning once to coat them with the broth mixture. Then sprinkle the chopped sun-dried tomatoes over the chicken, letting their tangy sweetness infuse the dish as it cooks.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection
Cover your slow cooker and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours. This slow simmer keeps the chicken juicy and allows all those flavors to develop. I usually check right at the 3-hour mark to avoid overcooking but keep an eye on yours—it should be tender and fully cooked through.
Step 5: Finish the Sauce and Serve
Once the chicken is out, add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese to the crockpot. Stir until combined, transforming the broth into a dreamy creamy sauce. Return the chicken breasts to the pot and gently turn them a few times to coat each piece in that luscious sauce. Serve it over your favorite cooked angel hair pasta or some spaghetti squash for a lighter option. Don’t forget that fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese on top—it’s a total game-changer.
Top Tip
After making the Crockpot Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe a handful of times, I’ve learned a few tricks that really elevate the final dish and make your cooking smoother. These tips are little time-savers and flavor boosters, so they’re definitely worth trying.
- Don’t skip the sear: It might seem like an extra step, but searing the chicken locks in juices and adds that beautiful golden crust that slow cooking can’t replicate.
- Whisk the cornstarch slurry well: I’ve had lumps ruin the sauce texture before, so take the time to whisk until smooth for that perfect silky sauce.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes towards the start: This gives their flavor time to infuse the broth and chicken fully rather than adding them at the end.
- Adjust seasoning at the end: Taste your sauce before serving. Sometimes a pinch more salt or pepper can bring everything into beautiful balance.
How to Serve Crockpot Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe
Garnishes
I always finish this dish with a handful of fresh basil leaves—it adds that fresh herbal brightness that cuts through the richness. A sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan cheese, freshly cracked black pepper, and even a drizzle of good-quality olive oil make the plating look and taste just that bit more special. You could also add a few chopped parsley leaves if basil isn’t your thing.
Side Dishes
My go-to side with this Crockpot Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes recipe is angel hair pasta tossed simply with a little olive oil or butter to catch all that lovely sauce. On a lighter note, I also adore serving it over spaghetti squash—it soaks up the sauce fabulously and adds a nice textural contrast. Roasted veggies like asparagus or green beans also pair wonderfully, rounding out the meal with color and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I like to serve this chicken on a large platter with the sauce spooned over, garnished with basil and Parmesan, alongside a bowl of pasta in a separate dish so guests can help themselves. Turning it into a buffet-style meal with crusty garlic bread, a mixed green salad, and a nice bottle of wine creates a relaxed but celebratory vibe that always impresses family and friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Crockpot Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is cooled, I store leftovers uncovered in the fridge for about 30 minutes to let excess steam escape, then transfer to an airtight container. It keeps well for 3 to 4 days—perfect for easy lunches or a quick dinner the next day.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully, which I really appreciate on busy weeks. Freeze in portioned airtight containers or freezer bags with a little sauce to keep the chicken moist. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, I gently warm the chicken in a skillet over low heat, spooning sauce over to keep everything silky. You can also microwave it covered in short intervals, stirring in between, to avoid drying it out. Adding a splash of cream or broth when reheating helps refresh the sauce’s creamy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, sear the chicken as directed, then add all ingredients except cream and Parmesan to the Instant Pot. Cook on manual high pressure for 10 minutes and do a quick release. Then stir in the cream and cheese and let it melt in the residual heat before serving.
Searing the chicken before slow cooking is key to sealing in moisture. Also, cooking on low heat and checking earlier (around 3 hours) rather than the full 4 helps prevent overcooking. Keeping the sauce flavorful and creamy also ensures every bite feels juicy.
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are even juicier and can be swapped in with no problem. They may cook a bit faster or slower depending on size, so check tenderness starting around 2 ½ hours on low to avoid overcooking.
Sun-dried tomatoes provide a concentrated, tangy flavor that's hard to replicate with fresh tomatoes. If you don’t have them, diced roasted tomatoes can work in a pinch, but the flavor won’t be as intense. Using sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil also adds rich, savory notes to the sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe is one of those dishes that I keep coming back to whenever I want something that feels a little special but without complicated steps. Its creamy sauce and tender chicken always win over family and friends. I really hope you give it a try—you’ll find yourself making it again and again just like I do. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like the comfort of slow-cooked chicken bathed in a garlicky, cheesy sun-dried tomato sauce. Let me know how yours turns out!
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Crockpot Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
This Crockpot Marry Me Chicken recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a creamy, sun-dried tomato-infused sauce with Italian seasonings. Perfect for a hassle-free weeknight dinner, it can be served over pasta or spaghetti squash for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Cooking spray
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 ¼ lbs)
- 1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 4 garlic cloves, minced (1 ½ tablespoons minced garlic)
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon fine salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (drain, if packed in oil), chopped
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional for Serving
- Hot, cooked angel hair pasta or cooked and shredded spaghetti squash
- Fresh basil leaves
- Additional Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, mist with cooking spray then add olive oil. Once the oil shimmers, add chicken breasts and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until browned but not cooked through.
- Prepare Slow Cooker Mixture: In the slow cooker, whisk together chicken broth and cornstarch until smooth without lumps. Add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper; whisk again to combine.
- Add Chicken and Tomatoes: Place seared chicken breasts into the slow cooker, turning once to coat with the broth mixture. Sprinkle chopped sun-dried tomatoes evenly over the chicken.
- Cook Chicken: Cover and cook on low for 4 hours until chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Make Sauce: Remove chicken to a plate. Stir heavy cream and Parmesan cheese into the slow cooker liquid until smooth. Return chicken to the slow cooker and turn to coat in the creamy sauce.
- Serve: Serve the chicken with sauce spooned over top. Garnish with fresh basil and additional Parmesan if desired. Serve over hot angel hair pasta or spaghetti squash.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
- If sun-dried tomatoes are packed in oil, drain them well before chopping to avoid excess oiliness.
- For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream, but the sauce will be less thick and creamy.
- This recipe can easily be doubled for more servings using a larger slow cooker.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ of the chicken and sauce
- Calories: 346 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 745 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg
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