Crockpot Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe

If you’ve been hunting for a cozy, melt-in-your-mouth dinner that practically makes itself, you’re in for a real treat. The Crockpot Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe is hands-down one of my favorite lazy-day meals. It’s an effortless blend of tender chicken, savory sun-dried tomatoes, and a luscious parmesan sauce that will have you wondering why you ever stressed about dinner. Trust me, you’re going to want to keep this recipe close for those busy weeks or when you want to impress without lifting much more than a spoon.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic in this Crockpot Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe comes from simple, high-quality ingredients working together. Before you shop, if you can, grab sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil—they pack more flavor and richness—but dried ones rehydrated will work too.

• Cooking spray: Helps with searing without making a mess or adding too much oil.
• Olive oil: Adds that subtle richness and helps brown the chicken beautifully.
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose fresh, even-sized breasts for even cooking in the slow cooker.
• Low-sodium chicken broth: Gives a delicious savory base without overpowering the dish.
• Cornstarch: Key to thickening the sauce perfectly without lumps.
• Garlic cloves, minced: A punch of fresh garlic flavor that complements the creamy sauce.
• Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brighten the sauce and complement the parmesan nicely.
• Paprika: Adds gentle warmth and lovely color to the chicken.
• Onion powder: Delivers subtle depth and flavor to the sauce.
• Salt and black pepper: Basics for enhancing all the flavors just right.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: These little flavor bombs bring a tangy richness and texture contrast.
• Heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously smooth and creamy.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: The star dairy ingredient that adds umami and a silky finish.
• Optional for serving: Hot angel hair pasta or shredded spaghetti squash, fresh basil, and extra parmesan to garnish.

Variations

I love that this Crockpot Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe is like a blank canvas for your dinner creativity. Over time, I’ve personalized it based on what I have and who I’m cooking for — you should too!

• Variation: Swapping chicken breasts for thighs adds extra juiciness and richer flavor—my family swears by it!
• Variation: For a lighter option, I sometimes use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, which still makes a lovely sauce but with fewer calories.
• Variation: Add a handful of fresh spinach or kale near the end of cooking to sneak in some greens without extra effort.
• Variation: If you like spice, a pinch of red chili flakes or a splash of hot sauce adds a nice kick—perfect for a flavor boost.

How to Make Crockpot Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Chicken for Extra Flavor

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Spray lightly with cooking spray, then add the olive oil. Once the oil shimmers—you’ll know because it looks almost glossy—add your chicken breasts. Here’s a little trick I learned: sear the chicken for only 2-3 minutes per side, just enough to get a beautiful golden crust without cooking through. This step locks in flavor and keeps the chicken tender and juicy after hours in the slow cooker.

Step 2: Prepare the Slow Cooker Sauce Base

While the chicken’s browning, whisk together the chicken broth and cornstarch in the slow cooker pot to create a smooth slurry—no lumps allowed! Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper next. Giving the mixture a good whisk now sets the stage for your sauce to thicken nicely and soak up all those incredible flavors.

Step 3: Combine and Cook Low and Slow

Place the seared chicken breasts into the slow cooker and give them a little toss to ensure they’re coated in that savory broth mixture. Sprinkle the chopped sun-dried tomatoes over the top. From here, cover and cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours. This slow simmer lets all the flavors meld and makes your chicken perfectly tender.

Step 4: Finish With Cream and Parmesan

When the chicken is done, transfer it to a plate and stir heavy cream and parmesan into the slow cooker sauce. Stir until it’s smooth and creamy, then return the chicken to the pot, gently turning to coat with that luxurious sauce. This final step is what turns it from good to absolutely irresistible.

Step 5: Serve with Your Favorite Sides

Ladle the chicken and sauce onto hot angel hair pasta or shredded spaghetti squash for a lighter take. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan to really elevate the presentation—and the flavor.

How to Serve Crockpot Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this dish with fresh basil leaves—they add a burst of color and a bright herbal note that lightens up the richness. A sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan right before serving never fails to get compliments, too. Sometimes, I’ll throw on a few toasted pine nuts for crunch if I want to jazz things up.

Side Dishes

You can’t go wrong serving this Crockpot Marry Me Chicken with creamy parmesan sauce over angel hair pasta, which soaks up the sauce beautifully. Alternatively, I’m a huge fan of using cooked and shredded spaghetti squash for a lighter, gluten-free option. Roasted veggies or a crisp green salad round out the meal perfectly for that balance of comfort and freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve plated the chicken over a swirl of squeeze-sautéed polenta and drizzled extra sauce around the edge for a restaurant-style touch. You can also serve it family-style straight from the slow cooker at a casual gathering—just add a big bowl of pasta and let everyone dig in. Using fresh microgreens or edible flowers as garnish can take the presentation up a notch when you want to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers from this Crockpot Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe store wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I always wait until it’s completely cooled before sealing to avoid sogginess, and it reheats beautifully for easy lunches or next-day dinners.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish a couple of times with great results. Just let the chicken and sauce cool fully, then portion into freezer-safe containers. It keeps well for about 3 months. When thawing, do it overnight in the fridge for best texture and safety.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. This helps maintain the creaminess of the parmesan sauce without breaking. If reheating in a microwave, do it in short bursts and stir in between to avoid overheating.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

What I love most about this Crockpot Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe is how it makes weeknight dinners feel special without much fuss. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes create a harmony of flavors that’s both comforting and impressive. I always keep ingredients on hand because it’s that reliable crowd-pleaser everyone asks me to make again. Give it a try—you’ll thank me later!

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