Marry Me Slow Cooker Chicken

The first time I made this chicken, my apartment smelled so incredible that my neighbor actually knocked on my door to ask what I was cooking. I told her about the creamy sun-dried tomato sauce bubbling away in my slow cooker, and she ended up staying for dinner. Now it is the recipe I turn to when I want something that feels fancy but requires almost zero active cooking time.

I made this for a casual Tuesday dinner with my sister, and she literally stopped eating after her first bite, looked at me, and said 'what IS this sauce?' She now requests it every single time she visits, and I have learned to double the recipe because there are never enough leftovers.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: I pound them slightly to even thickness so they cook at the same rate
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the chicken
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground makes a noticeable difference in the final dish
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Use this for searing if you want that golden crust and extra depth
• 3 cloves garlic minced: Do not skip this, it is the aromatic foundation of the whole sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds that classic Italian herb note everyone recognizes
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Pairs perfectly with the sun-dried tomatoes
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Optional, but I always add it for that subtle warmth
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil: Drain them well and slice them so they distribute evenly throughout
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth: Low-sodium is crucial because the sauce reduces and concentrates
• 1 cup heavy cream: Creates that velvety, luxurious texture that makes this dish special
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Use freshly grated if possible, it melts so much better
• 1/4 cup fresh basil sliced: Add this right before serving for that pop of fresh flavor

Instructions

Season the chicken:

Sprinkle both sides of each chicken breast with the salt and pepper, patting it gently so it adheres

Sear for extra flavor:

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook chicken for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden

Start the slow cooker:

Place the seared chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker

Whisk the sauce:

Combine garlic, oregano, thyme, red pepper flakes, sun-dried tomatoes, broth, and cream in a bowl

Pour and sprinkle:

Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken and sprinkle Parmesan evenly on top

Let it cook:

Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours until chicken reaches 165 degrees internally

Finish it right:

Remove chicken, stir the sauce to combine, then return the chicken to coat it completely

Garnish and serve:

Top with fresh basil slices and an extra grind of black pepper before bringing to the table

Save

This recipe became my go-to for dinner parties after I served it at a potluck and three separate people asked for the recipe before they even finished their plates. Something about that creamy tomato sauce just makes people feel taken care of.

Make It Lighter

I have made this with half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and while it is not quite as luxurious, it still delivers that satisfying creaminess. The sauce will be slightly thinner but the flavor remains absolutely delicious.

Serving Ideas

This chicken creates such an incredible sauce that you really need something to soak it up. Mashed potatoes are my personal favorite because those little crevices catch every drop, but crusty bread works beautifully too.

Timing Tips

The beauty of this recipe is how forgiving the timing is. I have let it go for 5 hours on low when I got stuck at work, and the chicken was still tender, though the sauce was thicker than intended.

• Prep everything the night before and keep it in the refrigerator
• Set your slow cooker to a timer if you will be away longer than 4 hours
• Stir in spinach during the last 30 minutes for extra nutrition and color

Save

There is something deeply satisfying about a meal that tastes like you fussed over it for hours when really you just walked away and let your slow cooker do the work.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I sear the chicken before slow cooking?

Yes, searing chicken breasts for a few minutes on each side adds extra flavor and a slight golden crust before slow cooking.

→ What can I use instead of heavy cream?

Half-and-half can be substituted for heavy cream to lighten the sauce without sacrificing creaminess.

→ How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Cooking is complete when the internal temperature of chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the meat is tender.

→ Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, adding baby spinach in the last 30 minutes of cooking works well to incorporate extra greens.

→ What sides pair well with this slow-cooked chicken?

Mashed potatoes, pasta, or steamed vegetables complement the creamy tomato sauce and tender chicken perfectly.