There’s something wonderfully cozy about coming home to a crockpot that’s been quietly working its magic all day. This Sun-Dried Tomato Crockpot Chicken Recipe is exactly that kind of comfort – creamy, fragrant, and surprisingly simple. Whether you’re kicking back on a chilly evening or looking for a weekend meal that impresses with minimal effort, this dish wraps you in those warm, homey flavors you'll keep coming back to.
Jump to:
- Meet the Magic Behind This Dish
- Why You’ll Love This
- The Essentials: Ingredients That Do the Work
- Step-by-Step: Bringing Sun-Dried Tomato Crockpot Chicken Recipe to Life
- Pro Moves to Elevate It
- Switch It Up: Creative Variations
- Storage & Reheating Tips
- Serving Inspiration
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Notes & Handy Tools
- Full Recipe
Meet the Magic Behind This Dish
I first stumbled upon this Sun-Dried Tomato Crockpot Chicken Recipe when I craved something rich but easy on a busy weeknight. What makes it truly stand out is that luscious creamy sauce, kissed by the deep, tangy sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes that have been steeped slowly into the chicken. As it cooks, the air fills with a toasty aroma that just invites you to relax and savor dinner with zero fuss.
Why You’ll Love This
This recipe is a perfect blend of comforting textures and bold flavors with almost zero active cooking time. I love how the tanginess of the sun-dried tomatoes balances the rich creaminess, while the slow cooking brings out the juiciest, most tender chicken you’ve ever had—guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds without a complicated routine.
- Texture That Melts: Tender chicken so soft it practically falls apart in your mouth.
- Flavor Layers You’ll Crave: A harmonious blend of savory, tangy, and herbaceous notes with every bite.
- Quick to Master: Minimal prep and hands-off cooking make weeknights much less stressful.
- Perfect Anytime Meal: Feels gourmet but is family-friendly and versatile for any occasion.
The Essentials: Ingredients That Do the Work
Getting the right quality ingredients really sets this Sun-Dried Tomato Crockpot Chicken Recipe apart. You want fresh, flavorful components that create a balance between creamy richness and bright, tangy bursts. Choosing wisely will reward you with a sauce that’s both indulgent and fresh, while the chicken stays juicy and succulent.
- Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Thighs for juiciness and forgiving texture, breasts if you prefer leaner and slice-friendly meat.
- Oil-Packed Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These hold more flavor and moisture than dry-packed—they’re the heart of the tangy punch here.
Quick Note: Precise amounts and timing live in the recipe card at the end.
Step-by-Step: Bringing Sun-Dried Tomato Crockpot Chicken Recipe to Life
Step 1 — Gather, Chop, and Prep
Grab your crockpot, a sharp knife, and a spoon to mix. Drain and chop those deep red sun-dried tomatoes—it’s a simple step but one that releases all their bold flavor. Mince the garlic finely; you’ll smell its fragrant punch right away. Having everything ready before you start means when you toss the ingredients into the crockpot, you can feel confident and organized, ready to relax as the cooker does the work.
Step 2 — Heat, Stir, and Build Flavor
Since this is a slow cooker recipe, the magic happens gradually. After placing the chicken in the crockpot, layer in the sun-dried tomatoes, creamy coconut milk or heavy cream, and parmesan cheese. Add the minced garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes—soon you’ll notice a warming aroma starting to fill your kitchen. Give everything a gentle stir to coat the chicken evenly before sealing the lid. As it cooks low and slow, the sauce thickens to a golden, silky finish, while the chicken soaks up all those cozy, rich flavors.
Step 3 — Finish and Taste-Test
Once the chicken is fall-apart tender, gently lift it out and decide if you want it shredded for a saucier meal or whole for a more composed plate. To the sauce in the crockpot, stir in fresh chopped basil, a drizzle of olive oil, and a good squeeze of lemon juice—this final burst of freshness brightens and balances the richness beautifully. Return the chicken to the pot, coat it all with the lush sauce, then taste for seasoning. You’ll notice the perfect harmony of creamy, tangy, and herb-infused notes that make this Sun-Dried Tomato Crockpot Chicken Recipe a standout.
Pro Moves to Elevate It
To really make this recipe shine, I suggest these little tricks from my own kitchen experience that save time and amplify flavor.
- Heat Wisdom: Use low heat for the slow cooker to let flavors fully marry without drying out the chicken.
- Timing Trick: Prep ingredients the night before so you just pop everything into the crockpot in the morning hassle-free.
- Make-Ahead Strategy: This dish reheats beautifully, so double it and enjoy leftovers that taste even richer the next day.
- Common Slip-Up: Don’t skip the lemon and basil at the end—they add a fresh brightness that keeps the creamy sauce from feeling heavy.
Switch It Up: Creative Variations
The beauty of this Sun-Dried Tomato Crockpot Chicken Recipe is how adaptable it is. Whether you want to dial up the heat or keep it mellow, swap proteins, or try different bases, the recipe is a playground for your culinary creativity.
When You’re Feeling Bold
Spice lovers can add extra crushed red pepper flakes or a touch of cayenne for a lively kick. Feel free to swap chicken for pork tenderloin or turkey thighs if you want new flavors with similar tenderness. For texture adventure, try cubing the chicken and tossing it with cooked penne or spiralized zucchini noodles, letting that creamy sauce coat every bite. I once added sautéed mushrooms and a handful of kale for a veggie boost that still felt indulgent — a perfect way to sneak in greens.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Leftovers from this Sun-Dried Tomato Crockpot Chicken Recipe keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container. To freeze, portion individual servings and store for up to 3 months. When reheating, gentle warming on the stove or in the microwave is best—add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it’s thickened up too much. Reheating slowly preserves the creamy texture and plump tenderness you loved the first time around.
Serving Inspiration
This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of simple sides. For a cozy night in, I adore serving it over creamy mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles to soak up every drop of that golden sauce. If you’re feeling lighter, fluffy cooked rice or roasted seasonal veggies add great texture contrast. A crisp green salad or toasted artisan bread rounds things out beautifully. And if you’re entertaining, a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc complements the herbaceous and creamy notes like a dream.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Thighs are actually my favorite for this recipe because they stay juicy and tender during slow cooking, plus they have a bit more flavor than breasts.
Yes! Swap the heavy cream and parmesan for full-fat coconut milk to keep the sauce rich and creamy without dairy.
It has a gentle warmth from the crushed red pepper flakes and smoked paprika, but you can easily adjust the heat up or down depending on your preference by adding more or less red pepper.
Leftovers are fantastic over pasta, in wraps, or as a topping for baked potatoes. You can also mix the shredded chicken and sauce into a casserole for a delicious repurposed meal.
Notes & Handy Tools
I always rely on a medium-sized slow cooker (at least 4-6 quarts) for this recipe to allow space for even cooking and sauce bubbling. A good, sharp chef’s knife makes chopping garlic and tomatoes quick and effortless. A silicone spatula is perfect for scraping the sauce from the crockpot sides. And don’t forget a sturdy spoon for stirring and serving the luscious sauce. These simple tools help your kitchen time feel smooth and satisfying.
PrintFull Recipe
Sun-Dried Tomato Crockpot Chicken Recipe
Sun-Dried Tomato Crockpot Chicken is a creamy, flavorful slow-cooked chicken dish featuring tender boneless skinless chicken cooked in a rich sauce of sun-dried tomatoes, coconut milk or heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and aromatic spices. This recipe offers an easy, hands-off crockpot method that delivers a perfect balance of tangy, creamy, and savory flavors with fresh basil and lemon juice added for brightness. Ideal for busy weeknights or entertaining, it pairs beautifully with rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta and can be adapted to various dietary needs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- ½ cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk or heavy cream
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Finishing Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
To Serve
- Cooked rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta
Instructions
- Prepare the Crockpot: Place 2 pounds of boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs in the crockpot to serve as the base for the dish.
- Add Sauce Ingredients: Add ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, 1 cup coconut milk or heavy cream, ½ cup grated parmesan cheese, 3 cloves minced garlic, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, and salt and black pepper to taste into the crockpot. Stir everything well until the chicken is fully coated with the mixture.
- Cook the Chicken: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 6 to 7 hours or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Shred or Leave Chicken Whole: Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the crockpot. You can shred it for a saucier texture or leave the pieces whole for presentation, based on your preference.
- Prepare the Sauce Finish: Stir in the juice of ½ lemon, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil into the sauce left in the crockpot. This adds freshness and balance to the creamy tomato sauce.
- Combine Chicken with Sauce: Return the chicken to the crockpot and coat it evenly with the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce.
- Serve: Serve the creamy chicken over cooked rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta. Garnish with additional fresh basil for an elegant touch.
Notes
- Choose thighs for more flavorful and forgiving chicken, but breasts work well if cooked low and slow.
- Do not skip adding lemon juice and fresh basil at the end; these brighten and balance the rich sauce.
- Let the crockpot meal rest for 5 to 10 minutes after cooking to allow the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld.
- If the sauce is too thin, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking or stir in a cornstarch slurry to thicken.
- This recipe scales easily, but avoid overcrowding the crockpot; use a larger slow cooker or split the recipe if needed.
- To reduce the spice, omit or reduce red pepper flakes for a milder dish suitable for children.
- For low-carb or keto diets, serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional starches.
- Add extra vegetables like spinach, kale, mushrooms, or zucchini to sneak in nutrition without changing the flavor significantly.
- Leftovers can be repurposed into wraps, sandwiches, creamy pasta dishes, or casseroles for versatile meals.
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