Name: Crockpot Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Creamy Parmesan Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 3 h 30 min
Total time: 3 h 45 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 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; ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (drain, if packed in oil), chopped; 1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth; 3 tablespoons cornstarch; ½ cup heavy cream; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; Hot, cooked angel hair pasta or cooked and shredded spaghetti squash; Fresh basil leaves; Additional Parmesan cheese

If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for a dinner recipe that feels luxurious but is actually easy enough for any weeknight. That’s why this Crockpot Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Creamy Parmesan Recipe has become a total game-changer in my kitchen. It’s got tender, juicy chicken bathed in a rich, creamy sauce packed with sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan—so flavor-packed and comforting. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through every detail so you get the best results (plus some insider tips I’ve picked up along the way).

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Prep: Just a quick sear and dump ingredients into the crockpot—minimal hands-on time.
Intense Flavor: Sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan create a creamy sauce that’s full of savory depth.
Family Favorite: I’ve made this multiple times, and every single time, my family asks for seconds.
Versatile Serving: Perfect over pasta, rice, or even spaghetti squash for a low-carb option.

The dish shows two main layers on a white plate sitting on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a nest of yellow spaghetti squash strands with a light, slightly shredded texture. On top of this is a creamy beige sauce-covered chicken piece, dotted with small pieces of red sun-dried tomatoes. Scattered on the sauce and around the dish are thin white cheese shreds and small green basil leaves. Light black pepper is sprinkled across the whole dish, adding speckled dark spots to the colors. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Crockpot Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Creamy Parmesan Recipe is how these simple ingredients come together to make an irresistible sauce. When shopping, look for high-quality sun-dried tomatoes and freshly grated Parmesan to really elevate the dish.

Cooking spray: This helps to lightly coat your skillet for searing without extra oil.
Olive oil: Use a good-quality extra virgin olive oil for browning the chicken and adding richness.
Chicken breasts: I prefer boneless, skinless for ease and tenderness; even thickness helps with even cooking.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Controls the saltiness of the dish and keeps the sauce flavorful without overpowering.
Cornstarch: Essential for thickening the sauce—don’t skip this step or the sauce will be too runny.
Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic brings that aromatic kick you want in every bite.
Italian seasoning: Adds a blend of herbs that perfectly complement the creamy sauce.
Paprika: Gives just a mild smoky warmth and beautiful color.
Onion powder: Enhances the savory undertones without needing fresh onions.
Salt & black pepper: Season to taste and balance out the creamy richness.
Sun-dried tomatoes: The star ingredient; whether packed in oil or dry-packed, just chop them up nicely.
Heavy cream: This makes the sauce silky and indulgent, so don’t substitute.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is best for melt and flavor intensity.
Optional sides & garnishes: Hot angel hair pasta or shredded spaghetti squash, fresh basil, and extra Parmesan for that perfect finish.

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

One of the things I love about this Crockpot Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Creamy Parmesan Recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on what you have or prefer. I encourage you to experiment once you’re comfortable with the basic version.

Make it lighter: I’ve swapped heavy cream for half-and-half before to cut calories slightly, but the sauce won’t be quite as rich.
Add heat: Toss in some crushed red pepper flakes when adding the garlic for a spicy kick that my family adores.
Mushroom lovers: Adding sautéed mushrooms right before crockpot cooking adds a nice earthy depth.
Use chicken thighs: For even juicier, more forgiving meat, thighs work great and hold up well in the slow cooker.

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

Step 1: Sear the Chicken to Lock in Juices

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, mist with cooking spray and add olive oil. When the oil shimmers, place your chicken breasts in the pan. Sear for 2 to 3 minutes per side just until they get a nice golden brown crust. Don’t worry about cooking them through here—you’re building flavor and sealing juices that the crockpot will preserve.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce Base in the Crockpot

While your chicken is browning, whisk together chicken broth and cornstarch directly in the slow cooker to make a lump-free slurry. Then stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until fully combined. This simple mix is where all the magic starts happening.

Step 3: Layer Chicken and Tomatoes to Slow Cook

Place the browned chicken breasts right into the crockpot, turning once so they’re coated with the flavorful broth mixture. Sprinkle the chopped sun-dried tomatoes on top—this is the ingredient that really brings it all together. Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through. It smells incredible by this point—you might find your family hovering!

Step 4: Finish with Cream and Parmesan

Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove the breasts to a plate. Stir heavy cream and Parmesan cheese into the crockpot liquid until smooth and creamy. Return the chicken to the sauce and gently toss to coat. This final step transforms the broth into that luxurious, velvety sauce you’ll be spooning over everything.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

Ladle sauce over your chicken and garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan if you like. I love serving it on hot angel hair pasta or, for a lighter option, shredded spaghetti squash. Either way, prepare for compliments—this dish tastes like a fancy date night entrée but feels like homey comfort food.

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Pro Tips for Making Crockpot Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Creamy Parmesan Recipe

Don’t Skip the Sear: Browning the chicken seals in moisture and adds flavor—you’ll taste the difference.
Cornstarch Slurry Matters: Mix cornstarch thoroughly in the broth before cooking to avoid clumps and get a smooth sauce.
Low and Slow: Cooking on low heat helps the flavors meld and keeps the chicken tender without drying it out.
Add Cream Last: Stirring in cream and cheese at the end prevents curdling and keeps your sauce silky.

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

The image shows a creamy dish served on a white plate placed on a white marbled surface. The dish has three main parts: a layer of yellow shredded spaghetti squash at the right and left edges, a piece of meat covered with a thick creamy sauce mixed with small bits of red sun-dried tomatoes and specks of black pepper in the middle, and fresh green basil leaves scattered on top. A golden fork is holding a bite-sized piece of the meat with creamy sauce dripping gently, showing the tender texture inside. The whole composition looks warm, creamy, and fresh. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I always top this dish with fresh basil leaves and a generous sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese. The basil adds a pop of freshness that brightens the creamy sauce, and extra Parmesan provides that nutty, sharp contrast. If I’m feeling fancy, a drizzle of good olive oil on top just before serving is a lovely touch too.

Side Dishes

Over time, I’ve discovered that this chicken pairs beautifully with angel hair pasta or plain rice to soak up all that sauce. For a lighter option, my go-to is shredded spaghetti squash—I love how it adds texture without overshadowing the rich flavors. Roasted green veggies or a crisp salad round out the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to arrange the chicken atop a bed of vibrant roasted veggies with a sprinkle of chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil leaves as garnishes. Sometimes I serve it family-style with the sauce in a beautiful bowl so everyone can help themselves, which always feels warm and inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it sits, so I add a splash of cream or broth when reheating to refresh it. My family actually loves the leftover flavors the next day—always better after a night in the fridge!

Freezing

Freezing works well if you want to prep ahead. I portion the chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When thawing, I recommend overnight in the fridge and then reheating gently on the stove so the sauce doesn’t separate.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers slowly over low heat on the stovetop or in the microwave with short intervals, stirring often. Add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce and keep the chicken moist. Avoid overheating to prevent the cream from breaking.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great because they stay juicy and tender in the slow cooker. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed; thighs may cook a bit faster. They’ll also add extra flavor due to their higher fat content.
Do I have to sear the chicken before placing it in the crockpot?

While you can skip searing, I highly recommend it. Searing creates a delicious crust and locks in juices which elevates the final dish’s flavor and texture. It only takes a few minutes and makes a noticeable difference.
What if I don’t have heavy cream on hand?

Heavy cream is key for the rich, creamy sauce, but if you’re in a pinch, full-fat half-and-half can work, though the sauce will be less thick and rich. You could also stir in some cream cheese or Greek yogurt just before serving to mimic the creaminess.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Use coconut cream or cashew cream in place of heavy cream, and swap Parmesan for a dairy-free cheese alternative. Keep in mind the flavor will change a bit, but it’s still delicious.
How long can leftovers be stored safely?

You can keep leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days stored in an airtight container. Beyond that, it’s best to freeze to maintain quality and safety.

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Creamy Parmesan Recipe has become one of those dishes I turn to when I want to impress without stress. It’s so forgiving, packed with flavor, and makes your kitchen smell heavenly. I love how it’s easily customizable but always delivers that silky, comforting sauce that tastes like you spent hours. Seriously, try it out—you’ll wonder how you lived without this one!