Slow Cooker Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken

Created on February 17th, 2026 at 06:10 pm

A Rich, Mediterranean-Inspired Crockpot Dinner

Slow Cooker Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken is one of those dinners that tastes like it came from a cozy Italian restaurant but requires almost no hands-on effort. Tender chicken slowly simmers in a creamy garlic sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes, herbs, and Parmesan, creating a bold yet comforting flavor profile that feels indulgent without being complicated.

If you love Mediterranean-inspired chicken recipes packed with deep tomato flavor and silky sauce, this dish deserves a permanent spot in your dinner rotation. It works beautifully for busy weeknights, family dinners, or meal prep, and it pairs effortlessly with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or even orzo.

Why This Sun Dried Tomato Chicken Is So Popular

Sun dried tomato chicken continues to trend strongly because it hits several key flavor notes at once. The tomatoes bring concentrated sweetness and tanginess. The cream balances acidity. Garlic and herbs add depth. When slow cooked together, the sauce becomes rich and cohesive without requiring constant stirring.

This recipe also aligns with several high performing Pinterest categories:

Sun Dried Tomato Chicken
Chicken and Sundried Tomato Recipes
Creamy Sun Dried Tomato Pasta
Protein Dinner
Slow Cooker Chicken Dinner

Because it cooks low and slow, the chicken stays incredibly tender and absorbs every layer of flavor.

If you enjoy creamy Mediterranean-style dishes, you may also love Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Spinach, which uses a similar garlic cream base with sun-kissed ingredients.

Time Breakdown

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4–6 hours on LOW or 3–4 hours on HIGH
Servings: 4–6

This is truly a dump-and-go crockpot meal that feels elevated.

Ingredients You Will Need

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¾ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained slightly)
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Optional additions:
Baby spinach
Cooked orzo
Pasta
Mashed potatoes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Lightly season chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. This ensures flavor penetrates the meat while it slow cooks.

For extra flavor depth, you can quickly sear the chicken in a hot skillet with olive oil for 2 minutes per side before transferring to the slow cooker. This step is optional but adds a golden exterior that enhances overall richness.

Step 2: Build the Sauce Base

In a bowl, whisk together chicken broth, heavy cream, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan cheese.

The oil from the sun-dried tomatoes naturally enhances the sauce with concentrated flavor, so do not rinse them fully.

Step 3: Slow Cook

Place chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the cream mixture evenly over the top.

Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is fork tender.

Avoid overcooking on HIGH for extended periods, as cream sauces can separate if overheated too long.

Step 4: Finish and Thicken

Once the chicken is fully cooked, stir the sauce gently. If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 20 minutes of cooking to allow slight reduction.

For an ultra creamy finish, you can stir in an additional 2 tablespoons of Parmesan at the end.

If adding spinach, stir it in during the last 10 minutes so it wilts gently into the sauce.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken

This dish is extremely versatile.

Serve it over pasta for a creamy sun dried tomato chicken pasta dinner. The sauce clings beautifully to fettuccine or penne.

Spoon it over orzo for a Mediterranean-style protein bowl. This ties directly into high performing orzo-related searches.

For a lower carb option, serve over cauliflower mash or roasted vegetables.

You can also slice the chicken and layer it into toasted bread for a creamy chicken sandwich.

If you enjoy rich crockpot chicken dinners like Crockpot Creamy Mushroom Chicken, this recipe delivers that same comforting slow cooker texture with a brighter tomato-forward twist.

Make It Healthier

Use half and half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.

Replace half the cream with unsweetened almond milk and increase Parmesan slightly for body.

Add spinach or kale for more volume and fiber.

Serve over zucchini noodles instead of pasta.

Meal Prep and Storage

This recipe stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Allow the chicken and sauce to cool completely before storing in airtight containers.

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of broth or cream if needed to loosen the sauce.

Freezing is possible, but cream-based sauces may separate slightly when thawed. Reheat slowly and whisk gently to bring the sauce back together.

Flavor Variations

Add mushrooms for earthiness.

Stir in a spoonful of sun dried tomato pesto for deeper intensity.

Add white wine (¼ cup) to the sauce before cooking for added complexity.

Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra richness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes. Thighs remain very tender in slow cookers and add extra flavor.

Can I make this dairy free?
You can experiment with dairy-free cream alternatives, though texture may vary.

Can I cook this on HIGH the whole time?
Yes, but LOW produces the most tender texture and best sauce consistency.

Can I turn this into pasta?
Absolutely. Simply cook pasta separately and toss with the sauce before serving.

Can I add orzo directly to the slow cooker?
It is better to cook orzo separately to prevent overcooking and excess starch in the sauce.

A Mediterranean-Inspired Crockpot Favorite

Slow Cooker Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken blends bold sun-dried tomato flavor with comforting creaminess and effortless slow cooking. It delivers the richness people crave while staying flexible enough for healthy swaps and meal prep.

It is one of those recipes that feels impressive but quietly does all the work for you.

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