If you’re on the hunt for a dish that combines ease and elegance, the Crockpot Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe is your new best friend. This recipe brings together tender chicken breasts bathed in a luscious, velvety sauce bursting with rich Parmesan, aromatic garlic, and the slightly tangy kiss of sun-dried tomatoes. It’s comfort food elevated to date-night or special occasion status with barely any fuss, thanks to the slow cooker doing most of the work for you. Whether you’re craving a cozy dinner or impressing guests without breaking a sweat, this recipe hits all the right notes with its creamy texture, vibrant colors, and irresistible flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Crockpot Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe lies in its simple, thoughtfully picked ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in creating layers of flavor and a creamy, satisfying texture that will have you coming back for seconds.
- Cooking spray: Helps prevent sticking and keeps the chicken from drying out during searing.
- 2 teaspoons olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity depth and ensures a perfect golden sear on the chicken.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 ¼ lbs): The tender protein base that soaks up all the flavorful sauce.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Brings a pungent, aromatic punch that infuses the sauce with warmth.
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: A blend of fragrant herbs that perfectly complements the creamy and tangy elements.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Offers a sweet smokiness and beautiful color.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Adds subtle savory depth without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon fine salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Balances and enhances all the flavors.
- 1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth: Creates the thin base for the sauce, full of natural chicken flavor.
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to that perfectly creamy consistency.
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained if packed in oil), chopped: Adds sweetness, tang, and delightful bursts of intense tomato flavor.
- ½ cup heavy cream: Infuses richness and smoothness to the sauce.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings savory saltiness and melts down to form a luscious, cheesy coating.
- Hot, cooked angel hair pasta or cooked and shredded spaghetti squash: The ideal vehicle to soak up all that decadent sauce.
- Fresh basil leaves: Bright, herbaceous garnish that freshens every bite.
- Additional Parmesan cheese: For sprinkling over the final plated dish to boost that oh-so-cheesy goodness.
How to Make Crockpot Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Begin by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. When it’s ready, mist it lightly with cooking spray and add the olive oil. Once the oil shimmers, place the chicken breasts in the skillet and sear them for about 2-3 minutes per side. This step is essential for locking in juices and building flavor—just make sure not to cook the chicken through yet. The goal is a beautiful golden-brown crust that will deepen the dish’s flavor as it slow cooks.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce Base
While the chicken sears, whisk together the low-sodium chicken broth and cornstarch in the bottom of your slow cooker until smooth and lump-free. This mixture will thicken delightfully over the next few hours and become the base of that creamy Parmesan sauce everyone loves.
Step 3: Add Aromatics and Spices
Next, stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper into the broth-cornstarch mixture. Give it another good whisk so all these fragrant ingredients meld together — this is the heart of your sauce’s flavor profile, giving it that classic Italian-inspired richness and warmth.
Step 4: Layer Chicken and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Place the seared chicken breasts neatly into the slow cooker, turning them once to get coated in the flavorful broth mixture. Then scatter the chopped sun-dried tomatoes evenly over the chicken pieces. These little bursts of intense tomato flavor will elevate the dish by lending just the right tangy sweetness as it simmers low and slow.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection
Cover the slow cooker and let it work its magic on low for 3 to 4 hours. This long, gentle cooking time ensures the chicken becomes incredibly tender and absorbs those gorgeous flavors, while the sauce begins to thicken perfectly.
Step 6: Cream and Parmesan Finish
Once the chicken is tender and cooked through, carefully remove the breasts onto a plate. It’s time to enrich the sauce: add the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese directly into the slow cooker. Stir everything together until the sauce turns luxuriously creamy and cheesy — this is where the “creamy Parmesan sauce” truly comes alive.
Step 7: Coat the Chicken with Sauce
Return the chicken breasts back to the slow cooker, and gently turn them several times in the sauce to fully coat every inch. This step ensures each piece is succulent and wrapped in a thick blanket of that irresistible creamy sauce.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve the chicken right away with the sauce ladled generously over the top. Don’t forget to sprinkle fresh basil leaves and an extra handful of Parmesan cheese for that perfect finishing touch. Pairing this dish with hot angel hair pasta or a light bed of shredded spaghetti squash helps soak up the sauce and rounds out a meal you’ll want to make again and again.
How to Serve Crockpot Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves are a must as a garnish; their bright, slightly sweet herbal note perfectly cuts through the creamy richness of the dish. For an extra touch of indulgence, sprinkle additional grated Parmesan on top just before serving to enhance the salty, savory flavor.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with angel hair pasta, which twirls effortlessly with the sauce. If you want a lighter twist, try serving it with shredded spaghetti squash — it adds a delicate texture without overpowering the flavors. A crisp green salad or sautéed green beans also make for refreshing, vibrant side complements.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming twist, arrange the chicken and sauce over polenta or creamy risotto instead of pasta. You can even turn this into a casual weeknight meal by serving it over toasted crusty bread for dipping. And don’t hesitate to garnish with a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or fresh cracked black pepper for added texture and visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers from the Crockpot Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for 3 to 4 days, making for delicious next-day meals that reheat beautifully.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but it’s best to separate the chicken from the creamy sauce if possible. Freeze both components in airtight containers for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently over low heat in a covered pan or microwave, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from breaking. Adding a splash of cream or broth can help restore the sauce’s creamy consistency if needed.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and tend to stay even juicier during slow cooking. The cooking time remains mostly the same, but check for tenderness before serving.
Do I need to sear the chicken before adding it to the crockpot?
Searing is highly recommended because it locks in moisture and adds a lovely depth of flavor, but if time is tight, you can skip it. The final dish will still be tasty, just with a slightly less complex flavor.
What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes?
If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, you can try using roasted red peppers or even diced fresh tomatoes for a milder, fresher twist. Just keep in mind the sauce’s flavor profile will change a bit.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free or vegan?
For a dairy-free option, swap heavy cream for coconut cream and Parmesan for a vegan cheese substitute or nutritional yeast. Using plant-based chicken alternatives could work, but cooking times and textures will differ.
Is it possible to make this recipe on the stove instead of a crockpot?
Yes! You can simmer the sauce in a large skillet and cook the chicken until tender, but the slow cooker version is what gives the dish its signature melt-in-your-mouth texture and flavor infusion.
Final Thoughts
If there’s one recipe to add to your slow cooker rotation, it’s the Crockpot Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe. It’s an effortless crowd-pleaser that delivers big on flavor and comfort with minimal hands-on time. I can’t wait for you to try it and see why this dish is such a beloved favorite — trust me, it just might steal your heart (and your dinner table) too!
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Crockpot Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Creamy Parmesan Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Crockpot Marry Me Chicken recipe features tender boneless chicken breasts slow-cooked in a savory and creamy Parmesan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes. Infused with Italian seasoning, paprika, and garlic, this comforting dish is paired perfectly with angel hair pasta or shredded spaghetti squash for a cozy, flavorful meal that’s effortless to prepare.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- Cooking spray
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 ¼ lbs)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced (1 ½ tablespoons minced garlic)
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon fine salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Liquid and Sauce
- 1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained if packed in oil), chopped
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
To Serve
- Hot, cooked angel hair pasta or cooked and shredded spaghetti squash
- Fresh basil leaves
- Additional Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Brown the chicken: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, lightly mist with cooking spray and add olive oil. When the oil shimmers, add the chicken breasts and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, just until browned but not fully cooked. This step seals in moisture and adds flavor.
- Prepare the slow cooker base: In the bottom of the slow cooker, whisk together the low-sodium chicken broth and cornstarch until no lumps remain, creating a smooth base for the sauce.
- Add seasoning to broth mixture: Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper into the broth mixture, whisking well to combine all the flavors evenly.
- Transfer chicken to slow cooker: Place the seared chicken breasts into the slow cooker. Turn them once to coat evenly with the broth mixture. Sprinkle the chopped sun-dried tomatoes evenly over the chicken to infuse their rich flavor during cooking.
- Cook low and slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is cooked through and tender, allowing the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld.
- Make the creamy Parmesan sauce: Remove the chicken breasts to a plate. Add the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese to the slow cooker liquid. Stir thoroughly to create a creamy, cheesy sauce.
- Coat chicken with sauce: Return the chicken breasts to the slow cooker and turn them several times to coat well with the creamy Parmesan sauce, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- Serve: Serve the chicken with the sauce ladled generously over the top. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Pair the dish with hot cooked angel hair pasta or shredded spaghetti squash for a complete meal.
Notes
- Do not fully cook the chicken in the skillet; just brown it to maintain moisture when slow cooking.
- If using sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drain them well to prevent excess oil in the sauce.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a slightly lighter sauce, though it may be less rich.
- Shredded spaghetti squash is a low-carb alternative to pasta and works beautifully with this creamy sauce.
- Adjust seasoning at the end if needed, as slow cooking sometimes mellows the flavor.
