Name: Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h 5 min
Cuisine: Tuscan
Ingredients: 1 15-ounce can of tomato sauce; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; ⅓ cup heavy cream; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; ½ teaspoon sugar; 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or chicken thighs); ⅓ cup sun dried tomatoes in oil, lightly drained before chopping; ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cups baby spinach

If you’re craving something creamy, comforting, and unexpectedly easy, you’ve got to try this Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe. I first stumbled upon this dish when I needed a dinner that felt fancy but didn’t require me to hover over the stove for hours. The moment my family tasted the tender chicken bathed in that luscious tomato cream sauce, I knew it was a keeper—and I promise, you’re going to love it just as much!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Set It and Forget It: Pop everything in the slow cooker, and you’re free to get on with your day instead of babysitting dinner.
Melt-In-Your-Mouth Chicken: The slow cooking makes the chicken incredibly tender, soaking up all those rich flavors.
Flavor-Packed Sauce: That combo of sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and spinach creates a sauce that’s creamy but light, with just enough tang and sweetness—seriously addictive.
Family Favorite: I’ve yet to meet anyone who doesn’t ask for seconds after trying this dish!

A white ribbed bowl holds three main layers: the bottom layer is creamy, pale yellow mashed potatoes with a smooth texture, slightly spread around the edges; above that are several slices of golden-brown cooked chicken arranged in a row; the top layer is a thick reddish-brown sauce with visible spinach leaves and pieces of sun-dried tomatoes, evenly covering the chicken and mashed potatoes. The dish is sprinkled with a light dusting of grated cheese and small green herb leaves. A black spoon rests on the left side, partially dipped in the mashed potatoes and sauce. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with scattered green herb leaves. Nearby are a clear glass of water, a white bowl with grated cheese, a small white bowl filled with sun-dried tomatoes in oil, and parts of a gray and white striped cloth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe is how simple ingredients come together to create something so special. Make sure to grab good quality sun-dried tomatoes in oil—they add a deep, complex flavor that really shines.

Tomato sauce: Use a plain tomato sauce for the perfect tangy base without extra herbs or seasoning.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds that aromatic punch that makes the sauce irresistible.
Kosher salt: I love kosher salt because it seasons evenly without being too harsh.
Dried thyme: A subtle herb that pairs beautifully with tomatoes and creamy dishes.
Black pepper: Freshly ground for just the right touch of warmth.
Heavy cream: The secret to that dreamy, velvety sauce texture.
Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce perfectly without lumps.
Chicken breasts (or thighs): I use boneless, skinless breasts for a leaner option, but thighs work wonderfully too if you want more richness.
Sun-dried tomatoes in oil: Make sure to drain them lightly and chop finely; those bursts of intense flavor make all the difference.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds umami and helps thicken the sauce even more.
Sugar: Just a pinch to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
Baby spinach: Adds freshness and color—fold it in at the very end so it just wilts and keeps that vibrant green.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love playing around with this Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe depending on the season or what’s on hand. Feel free to tweak ingredients to match your taste or dietary needs—this recipe is forgiving and flexible!

Use chicken thighs: For a juicier, more flavorful meal, swap in boneless thighs instead of breasts; I do this when I want something a bit heartier.
Make it dairy-free: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a cashew cream for a luscious texture if you’re avoiding dairy.
Add heat: Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes with the spices to give the sauce a nice kick.
Swap spinach for kale: You can use chopped kale instead of spinach; just add it a bit earlier so it softens properly.

How to Make Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up the Creamy Tomato Sauce

Start by combining the tomato sauce, minced garlic, salt, thyme, and black pepper right in your slow cooker. I like to whisk the heavy cream together with cornstarch separately in a small bowl before pouring it in—this keeps the sauce super smooth without any clumps. Give everything a good stir to marry the flavors. This base is where the magic begins, and paying attention here makes a huge difference in the final taste.

Step 2: Add the Chicken and Let It Slow Cook

Carefully nestle the chicken breasts in the sauce, turning them to coat thoroughly. Cover your slow cooker and set it to low for 3 to 4 hours. I recommend checking around the 3-hour mark—when the chicken is tender and a thermometer reads 165°F at the thickest part, it’s ready. Don’t rush this step; slow and low is what keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful.

Step 3: Build the Final Sauce and Wilt the Greens

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it to a cutting board and let it rest. Now, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, and a pinch of sugar to the slow cooker — stir until everything is silky and smooth. Finally, toss in your baby spinach and stir just until it begins to wilt—that freshness balances out the rich sauce perfectly.

Step 4: Serve and Devour

Slice the chicken against the grain if you like, then either nestle it back into the sauce to warm through or serve it on the side. Spoon the sauce generously over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes—I swear, the sauce alone is worth making this recipe for!

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Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe

Even Cooking: Make sure chicken breasts are similar in size so everything cooks evenly—otherwise, check smaller pieces early to avoid drying out.
Cream and Cornstarch Combo: Whisking cream and cornstarch before adding prevents lumps and gives you the perfect sauce consistency every time.
Rest Your Chicken: Letting the chicken rest after cooking keeps it moist and lets the juices redistribute—don’t skip this step!
Spinach Timing: Add spinach at the very end to keep its vibrant color and fresh flavor—if you add it too early, it turns dull and gets mushy.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe

The dish is presented in a white bowl with a ridged texture, placed on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a smooth, pale yellow mashed potato spread in a round shape. On top of this, sliced light brown cooked chicken pieces are laid out in a fan shape. A rich red-orange sauce with a slightly chunky texture, containing dark green spinach leaves and sun-dried tomatoes, is poured generously over the chicken. The dish is sprinkled with finely grated pale cheese and small green herb leaves for garnish. To the left side of the bowl, a black spoon rests partially on the mashed potatoes, with a little sauce on its edge. In the background, a clear glass of water and small white bowls with grated cheese and sun-dried tomatoes can be seen. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually finish off this dish with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese and a few fresh basil or parsley leaves—adds that pop of brightness and a little visual flair that makes it feel restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are fluffy white rice to soak up the sauce or creamy mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort meal. If you prefer pasta, simple buttered noodles or even zucchini noodles work perfectly too.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I’ve served the chicken sliced over a bed of garlic herb mashed potatoes, drizzled with extra sauce, and garnished with toasted pine nuts and microgreens to impress guests without fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to store leftover chicken and sauce together in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keeping them together helps the chicken absorb even more sauce flavor overnight, making leftovers taste even better.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully! Just cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. When you thaw it in the fridge overnight, the sauce might thicken, but a quick stir and gentle reheating fixes that right up.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts to avoid drying out the chicken. Adding a splash of cream, milk, or broth while reheating helps maintain that silky sauce texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually a great choice because they stay juicy and tender, especially in slow cooker recipes. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed, but 3-4 hours on low usually works perfectly for thighs as well.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! You can substitute the heavy cream for canned coconut milk or a homemade cashew cream. Just be aware that coconut milk may add a subtle coconut flavor, which can be delicious in its own way.
How do I prevent the sauce from separating when reheating leftovers?

Reheat the sauce gently over low heat and stir frequently. Adding a splash of heavy cream, milk, or broth while reheating helps bring the sauce back together and keeps it creamy rather than oily or curdled.
Can I prepare this recipe without a slow cooker?

If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can bake the chicken and sauce in a covered casserole dish at 325°F (160°C) for about 1 to 1.5 hours until chicken is cooked through and tender. Just keep an eye on the liquid level and stir occasionally.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe has earned a permanent spot in my dinner rotation because it hits all the marks: effortless, comforting, and absolutely delicious. If you want a meal that feels like you spent hours in the kitchen but really only needed to prep a few minutes, this is it. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked—my family sure is, and I’m betting yours will be too!