Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

If you love tender chicken coated in a rich, creamy sauce, this Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a comforting dinner worth adding to your weekly menu. Juicy chicken slowly cooks with garlic, Italian herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, and a velvety cream sauce that tastes like something you'd order at your favorite Italian-inspired restaurant.

The slow cooker does most of the work, making this recipe perfect for busy weeknights, cozy family dinners, or an easy weekend meal. Serve it over pasta, mashed potatoes, or rice to soak up every bit of the delicious sauce.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Easy preparation: Add the ingredients to your slow cooker and let it do the work.
• Rich and creamy: Heavy cream and Parmesan create a smooth, savory sauce.
• Full of flavor: Sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy, slightly sweet taste that pairs beautifully with garlic and Italian seasoning.
• Family-friendly: Serve it with your favorite side dishes for a satisfying meal.
• Great for meal prep: Leftovers make an excellent lunch the next day.

Ingredients You'll Need

Servings: 4–6
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 3–4 hours on HIGH or 5–6 hours on LOW

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained if packed in oil and sliced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¾ cup chicken broth
• ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach (optional)

How to Make Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.

Place the chicken in the bottom of your slow cooker in a single layer when possible.

Step 2: Add the Garlic and Tomatoes

Scatter the sliced sun-dried tomatoes and minced garlic over the chicken. Pour in the chicken broth, distributing it evenly around the meat.

The broth helps keep the chicken moist while providing a flavorful base for the sauce.

Step 3: Slow Cook Until Tender

Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, depending on the thickness of the chicken and your slow cooker.

Cook until the thickest part of each chicken breast reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Avoid cooking longer than necessary, especially if using lean chicken breasts.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Carefully transfer the cooked chicken to a plate. Stir the heavy cream and grated Parmesan into the cooking liquid until combined.

If you prefer a thicker sauce, leave the slow cooker uncovered for a short period on HIGH, checking frequently. You can also transfer the sauce to a saucepan and simmer gently until it reaches your preferred consistency.

Step 5: Add Spinach and Return the Chicken

If using spinach, stir it into the hot sauce until wilted. Return the chicken to the slow cooker and spoon the creamy tomato sauce over the top.

Let everything sit for about 5–10 minutes so the flavors come together. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the chicken warm with plenty of creamy sun-dried tomato sauce. Garnish with extra Parmesan, freshly cracked black pepper, or chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Tips for the Best Results

• Use freshly grated Parmesan: It usually melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
• Add dairy near the end: Heavy cream and Parmesan are best added toward the end of cooking to help prevent separation.
• Don't overcook the chicken: Check the internal temperature early if your slow cooker runs hot.
• Choose your tomatoes carefully: Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes offer a richer flavor. Drain them before adding so the sauce doesn't become overly oily.
• Want extra flavor? Briefly sauté the garlic in a little olive oil before adding it to the slow cooker.
• Need a thicker sauce? Simmer the sauce separately for a few minutes rather than adding a large amount of flour or cornstarch.

Easy Variations

Creamy Tuscan-Style Chicken

Add fresh baby spinach and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a Tuscan-inspired version.

Mushroom and Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken

Add 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms at the beginning of cooking for extra savory flavor.

Low-Carb Chicken Dinner

Serve with cauliflower mash, zucchini noodles, or steamed broccoli instead of pasta or rice. Check the labels on your broth and sun-dried tomatoes if you are tracking carbohydrates.

Extra-Garlicky Chicken

Add one or two additional garlic cloves if you enjoy a stronger garlic flavor.

Chicken Thigh Version

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a flavorful alternative to chicken breasts and are often more forgiving if cooking times vary slightly.

What to Serve with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken

This creamy chicken pairs beautifully with:

• Fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti
• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Steamed rice or orzo
• Roasted asparagus or green beans
• Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread
• A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette

For an easy family dinner, serve the chicken over pasta and spoon the sauce over everything.

How to Store Leftovers

Refrigerator: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. Use within 3–4 days.

Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months for best quality. Cream-based sauces may separate slightly after thawing, so stir well during reheating.

Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in short intervals, stirring as needed. Add a splash of broth or cream if the sauce becomes too thick. Reheat leftovers to 165°F (74°C).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken in the slow cooker?

It is safest to thaw chicken completely in the refrigerator before putting it in a slow cooker. Frozen chicken can spend too long at unsafe temperatures while the slow cooker heats up.

Can I add the cream at the beginning?

It's better to add the cream and Parmesan near the end of cooking. Long cooking can cause dairy-based sauces to separate or develop an undesirable texture.

Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?

Yes, but the sauce will be thinner and may be more likely to separate. Heavy cream generally gives the richest, most stable result.

Do I need to brown the chicken first?

No. Browning is optional. It can add deeper flavor and color, but you can skip it to keep preparation simple.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

Use a food thermometer to check the thickest part of the chicken. It should reach 165°F (74°C) before serving.

Can I make this recipe without spinach?

Absolutely. Spinach is optional. The chicken and creamy sun-dried tomato sauce are delicious on their own.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes combines tender chicken, sweet-tangy tomatoes, garlic, Parmesan, and a silky cream sauce in one comforting meal. With minimal hands-on preparation and plenty of serving options, it's an easy recipe to keep in your dinner rotation.

Serve it with pasta, rice, or your favorite vegetables, and don't forget a little extra Parmesan on top!