There’s something so comforting about chicken slow-cooked in a creamy, flavorful sauce studded with bits of sun-dried tomatoes. This Crockpot Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Recipe is pure magic—you get tender, juicy chicken and a rich sauce that’s perfect over pasta or veggies. Trust me, it’s worth making on a busy day when you want dinner ready with minimal effort.

The dish is served on a round white plate with a beige rim, sitting on a white marbled surface. The base layer is a nest of bright yellow, thin spaghetti-like strands of spaghetti squash, with a light, slightly wet texture. On top of the squash is a creamy light orange sauce mixed with small pieces of red sun-dried tomatoes, giving it a soft and slightly chunky look. The sauce layer is sprinkled with shredded white Parmesan cheese, some melting slightly into the sauce, and fresh green basil leaves placed on top add a pop of color. The dish is gently dusted with cracked black pepper, adding texture and contrast. Nearby, there is a set of golden forks resting on a striped cloth, and bits of greenery scattered around. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crockpot Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crockpot Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crockpot Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

One of my favorite go-to meals, this Crockpot Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Recipe feels fancy but couldn’t be easier. You don’t need to babysit the stove, and the slow cooker does all the work, leaving you with a silky sauce and perfectly cooked chicken every time. Plus, it’s packed with flavors that remind me of cozy Italian dinners.

Hands-Off Cooking: Just sear the chicken, toss it in the crockpot, and let it work its magic without you hovering.
Rich, Creamy Sauce: The sun-dried tomatoes combined with Parmesan and cream create a sauce that’s indulgent but not overpowering.
Versatile Serving Options: Whether you love pasta or prefer lighter sides like spaghetti squash, this recipe adapts well.
Perfect for Busy Days: Prep takes just 15 minutes, so it’s ideal when you want comfort food without the fuss.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Crockpot Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Recipe comes from a simple but thoughtful combo of ingredients that bring warmth and creaminess, balanced by herbs and tangy sun-dried tomatoes. Here’s what each component does to make the dish so tasty:

Flat lay of four whole boneless, skinless chicken breasts with smooth pale skin, a small pile of bright red chopped sun-dried tomatoes, four whole brown garlic cloves, a handful of fresh green basil leaves, a neat mound of grated pale yellow Parmesan cheese on a white ceramic plate, a small white ceramic bowl of olive oil with a golden sheen, a small white ceramic bowl of creamy heavy cream, a small white ceramic bowl of light beige chicken broth, a small white ceramic bowl of fine white cornstarch powder, a small white ceramic bowl of Italian seasoning herbs in green and brown, a small white ceramic bowl of paprika powder in vibrant red, a small white ceramic bowl of onion powder in pale off-white, a small white ceramic bowl of fine white salt, a small white ceramic bowl of ground black pepper, a small bundle of cooked angel hair pasta with a glossy texture on a simple white ceramic plate placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken Breasts: The base of the dish; boneless and skinless work best for even cooking and easy shredding if you want.
Olive Oil: Adds richness when searing and helps develop a lovely browned crust on the chicken before slow cooking.
Chicken Broth: Forms the flavorful liquid base; using low-sodium helps you control the saltiness.
Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce nicely, giving it that silky texture without lumps.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic amps up the savory aroma and flavor in every bite.
Italian Seasoning: Brings classic herbaceous notes that complement the creamy tomato sauce perfectly.
Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky warmth without overwhelming the dish.
Onion Powder: Deepens the savory background flavor effortlessly.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essential to balance and enhance all flavors.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: The star! These add a vibrant tang and chewy texture that transforms the sauce into something special.
Heavy Cream: Creates that luscious, silky sauce that coats the chicken beautifully.
Parmesan Cheese: Brings a sharp, nutty finish and helps the sauce thicken further for richness.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this Crockpot Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Recipe depending on what’s in my pantry or who I’m cooking for. It’s a great base for personalization—don’t hesitate to experiment!

Variation: Sometimes I swap heavy cream for half-and-half to lighten it up a bit, and it still turns out super creamy and delicious.
Herb Boost: I’ve added fresh basil or oregano at the end to freshen the flavors, especially in summer.
Spice Level: A pinch of red pepper flakes kicked it up for my spice-loving friends—delicious!
Veggie Add-In: Tossing in mushrooms or spinach during the last half hour adds texture and nutrition.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crockpot Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Recipe

A white plate holds a creamy dish made of several chunks of chicken covered in a thick, light beige sauce with small bits of red sun-dried tomatoes mixed in. The sauce looks smooth and slightly grainy, covering the chicken fully. To one side, there is a small pile of yellow shredded spaghetti squash, adding color contrast. Small bright green basil leaves are scattered on top, adding a fresh touch. A gold fork holds a bite-sized piece of the creamy chicken, bringing it forward in the image. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sear the Chicken to Lock in Juices

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat and coating it lightly with cooking spray and olive oil. When the oil shimmers, add your chicken breasts and sear them for 2-3 minutes per side just to develop a golden crust. Don’t cook through yet—we’re only building flavor here. This step seals in juicy tenderness later on.

Step 2: Whisk Together the Flavor-Packed Broth Mixture

While the chicken’s browning, combine chicken broth and cornstarch in the bottom of your crockpot. Whisk really well so it’s lump-free—that cornstarch slurry will thicken the sauce beautifully. Add in your minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper, then whisk again to blend all those amazing flavors.

Step 3: Slow Cook Until Tender

Place the browned chicken breasts into the slow cooker, turning them gently to coat in the broth mixture. Sprinkle the chopped sun-dried tomatoes evenly over the top, then cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken should be perfectly cooked and tender but not falling apart.

Step 4: Finish the Sauce and Serve

Remove the chicken breasts onto a plate while you stir the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese into the slow cooker liquid. It’ll thicken into that dreamy creamy sauce we all want. Then pour the chicken back in and turn a few times to coat thoroughly. Serve it up over angel hair pasta or spaghetti squash, garnished with fresh basil and extra Parmesan if you like!

Top Tip

From my experience making this recipe several times, these tips will help you get the best results without stress:

Searing Is Key: Don’t skip searing the chicken! It adds depth and texture that slow cooking alone won’t give you.
Mix the Broth Slurry Well: Make sure your cornstarch and broth are whisked until completely smooth; otherwise, lumps can ruin the silky sauce.
Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes on Top: Sprinkling these last keeps their flavor bright and their texture pleasant in the finished dish.
Don’t Overcook: Check the chicken toward the end so it stays juicy—not dry or stringy.

How to Serve Crockpot Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Recipe

Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually go for fresh basil leaves because their bright, fragrant flavor cuts through the richness beautifully. A few extra shavings or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top adds that perfect, salty finish every time. If you like a bit of crunch, toasted pine nuts can also be a lovely addition.

Side Dishes

I like serving this dish with hot angel hair pasta to soak up every bit of the sauce, but I also adore it paired with lightly sautéed green beans or a crisp mixed green salad for balance. For a lower-carb option, tender roasted or steamed spaghetti squash works wonders too.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I’ve layered the chicken and sauce over individual nests of pasta, garnished each plate with a basil leaf, and added a drizzle of good-quality olive oil just before serving. It looks gorgeous and feels special without extra work. You could even stuff this sauce and chicken mix into crepes or puff pastry for a unique twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I transfer leftovers into an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it chills, so just warm gently and stir in a splash of broth or cream to loosen it back up before serving.

Freezing

This Crockpot Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken freezes quite well. I portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some head space for expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave to maintain the creamy texture.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers slowly over low heat, stirring often to prevent the cream sauce from separating. Adding a splash of broth or cream helps refresh the sauce. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works fine—just stir halfway through to heat evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will be juicier and more forgiving while slow cooking. Just adjust your cooking time slightly to ensure they are tender.

Do I need to sear the chicken first?

While not mandatory, searing the chicken adds wonderful depth of flavor and locks in juices, resulting in a tastier, more appealing dish.

What can I serve this chicken with?

It’s fantastic served over angel hair pasta, spaghetti squash, or even creamy polenta. Steamed veggies or a fresh salad are perfect sides for a balanced meal.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free creamer and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a similar cheesy flavor. The sauce will be slightly different but still delicious.

Final Thoughts

I always keep this Crockpot Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Recipe in my rotation because it’s reliable, comforting, and easily adaptable. Making it feels like giving yourself a little gift of something delicious and simple on a busy day. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do—it's just the kind of meal that brings people together and fills the kitchen with irresistible aromas.