Name: Crockpot Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Parmesan Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-489266H57M22S
Total time: PT-489266H57M22S
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: Cooking spray; 2 teaspoons olive oil; 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 ¼ lbs); 1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth; 3 tablespoons cornstarch; 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; 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 on the lookout for a hearty, fuss-free dinner that feels like a cozy Italian restaurant treat, you’re going to adore this Crockpot Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Parmesan Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that’s incredibly satisfying yet surprisingly simple — your slow cooker does most of the heavy lifting, while you get to enjoy a creamy, flavorful sauce infused with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and that irresistible Parmesan richness. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’s going to become a regular in your meal rotation.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Set It and Forget It: Using your crockpot means less active cooking time and more relaxed evenings.
Rich, Creamy Flavor: The blend of Parmesan and sun-dried tomatoes creates a sauce that’s bursting with comforting, tangy depth.
Perfectly Tender Chicken: Slow cooking keeps the chicken juicy without drying it out—no guesswork involved.
Versatile Serving Options: Whether over angel hair pasta, spaghetti squash, or just on its own, it always pleases.

The image shows a white plate with a base layer of light yellow, stringy spaghetti squash arranged in a loose mound. On top lies a piece of chicken covered in a thick, creamy light orange sauce with visible specks of black pepper. The chicken is garnished with small pieces of dried red sun-dried tomatoes and scattered fresh green basil leaves, along with some shredded white cheese sprinkled on top. The plate is set on a white marbled surface, and a blurred plate of the same dish is seen in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Crockpot Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Parmesan Recipe come together effortlessly, combining pantry staples with a few flavor-packed stars. Using low-sodium chicken broth keeps things balanced, and fresh garlic plus Italian seasoning give it that classic Italian flair.

Cooking spray: Keeps the pan nonstick when browning chicken quickly.
Olive oil: Adds a bit of richness when searing the chicken.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Make sure they’re relatively even in size for consistent cooking.
Low-sodium chicken broth: You control the saltiness this way—essential for a balanced sauce.
Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce in the slow cooker without lumps.
Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic is key for that aromatic boost.
Italian seasoning: The perfect blend of herbs to elevate the flavor.
Paprika: Adds warmth and a subtle smokiness.
Onion powder: Deepens the savory profile without fresh onions.
Fine salt and black pepper: For seasoning the chicken just right.
Sun-dried tomatoes: Chopped and drained if packed in oil, they bring tart, intense flavor.
Heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds that signature sharp, nutty finish.
Optional for serving: Angel hair pasta or shredded spaghetti squash plus fresh basil for garnish.

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 how this Crockpot Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Parmesan Recipe lends itself to a few fun twists — so don’t be shy about making it your own! Whether you want to lighten it up, spice it up, or make it fit dietary needs, a bit of creativity goes a long way here.

Dairy-Free Variation: I swapped the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk once, and it still gave a creamy texture with a subtle coconut note that was delicious!
Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce gave the dish a lively, warm heat that my family couldn’t get enough of.
Herb Boost: Fresh rosemary or thyme work beautifully instead of Italian seasoning if you want a slightly different herbal profile.
Vegan Outtake: I’ve experimented with jackfruit in place of chicken for a plant-based version — just watch your cook times and sauce consistency.

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

Step 1: Sear the Chicken for Flavor and Texture

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. When it’s hot, mist with cooking spray and add the olive oil. You’ll want to see the oil shimmer before placing your chicken breasts in the pan — this means it’s hot enough for a good sear. Cook the chicken for just 2-3 minutes per side until the outside is golden brown. This step locks in flavor and gives texture, but don’t worry about cooking it all the way through — the crockpot will finish the job gently.

Step 2: Prep the Slow Cooker Sauce Base

While your chicken is browning, combine the chicken broth and cornstarch in the bottom of your slow cooker. Whisk them together thoroughly so there aren’t any lumps forming — trust me, this makes a huge difference in getting that silky, thick sauce we all crave. Then stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. The aromas at this point will start setting the tone for a beautifully fragrant meal.

Step 3: Layer Chicken and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Add your seared chicken breasts into the slow cooker, making sure to turn them once so they’re well coated in the seasoned broth mixture. Then sprinkle the chopped sun-dried tomatoes on top — these little flavor bombs bring a tangy, savory pop that elevates the sauce to something really special.

Step 4: Slow Cook Until Tender and Juicy

Cover your slow cooker and set it to low. Let everything cook gently for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is tender and thoroughly cooked through. When I first tried skipping the sear, the chicken ended up flavorless — so don’t skip that step!

Step 5: Finish the Sauce and Serve

Once the chicken is perfect, carefully remove the breasts and set them aside on a plate. To the remaining liquid in the crockpot, add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until everything is blended and creamy. Then return the chicken to the slow cooker, turning them gently a few times to coat each piece in that rich sauce. Serve it up with a bit of sauce drizzled on top and, if you have fresh basil and extra Parmesan, sprinkle those over for a beautiful finishing touch.

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

Don’t Skip Searing: I learned the hard way—searing adds caramelization that makes your chicken juicy and flavorful.
Cornstarch Slurry Matters: Mixing cornstarch with broth before cooking prevents clumps and creates that perfect silky sauce.
Use Low and Slow: Cooking on low for 3-4 hours keeps your chicken tender without drying it out.
Add Dairy Last: Stir in cream and Parmesan only after cooking prevents curdling and keeps sauce velvety.

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

The image shows a white plate with creamy chicken on the right side. The chicken is covered in a light beige sauce with small bits of red sun-dried tomatoes and white grated cheese sprinkled on top. Around the chicken, there are some fresh green basil leaves for garnish. On the left side of the plate, there is a nest of yellow spaghetti squash strands. In the foreground, a gold fork holds a piece of chicken topped with sauce and cheese. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, and a striped cloth is partially visible at the bottom. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually finish this dish with a handful of fresh basil leaves—it adds a bright pop of color and fresh herbal aroma that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce. And of course, a final dusting or shaving of extra Parmesan is a must for me; it melts into the warm sauce and really amplifies the flavor.

Side Dishes

I love serving it over hot angel hair pasta because it soaks up every bit of the luscious sauce. But on lighter days, cooked and shredded spaghetti squash is a fantastic low-carb alternative—a fun way to sneak in veggies without sacrificing any of the tasty sauce. Roasted green beans or a simple arugula salad also round out the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to plate the chicken over a nest of fresh pasta twirled into little bundles, then drizzle the sauce around it artistically rather than pouring it all over. Topping with a crisp Parmesan tuile or even some toasted pine nuts adds a delicate crunch. It’s a nice way to make the slow cooker meal feel a bit elevated when friends drop by.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The chicken stays juicy, and the sauce actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Just be sure to cool it before refrigerating to preserve the sauce’s silky texture.

Freezing

This Crockpot Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Parmesan Recipe freezes wonderfully. I portion it out before freezing and leave out the Parmesan and cream if possible, adding those fresh at reheating for the best texture. When frozen properly in freezer-safe containers, it keeps well for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce feels too thick. This helps restore the silky consistency without overcooking the chicken. Microwave reheating works too—just cover and go in short intervals to avoid drying.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are even juicier and work really well in the slow cooker. Just keep in mind they may cook a bit faster than breasts, so check for doneness around the 3-hour mark to avoid overcooking.
Do I have to sear the chicken before putting it in the crockpot?

While you can skip searing, I highly recommend it. Searing the chicken adds wonderful caramelized flavor and a better texture, which really elevates the final dish. It only takes a few minutes and is totally worth the effort.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! The only potential gluten source is the cornstarch, which is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to use a certified gluten-free cornstarch and check that your chicken broth doesn’t contain any gluten additives.
What can I serve with Crockpot Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Parmesan Recipe?

It pairs wonderfully with pasta, roasted vegetables, or a light salad. You can also serve it over low-carb options like spaghetti squash or cauliflower rice for a lighter meal.
How long does it take to cook in the crockpot?

Cook on low for about 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your slow cooker model and chicken thickness.

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Marry Me Chicken with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Parmesan Recipe is one of my go-to dishes when I want something that feels special without the fuss—plus, who can resist a creamy, garlicky sauce loaded with sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan? I love how it fills the house with the most comforting aromas, and my family always asks for seconds. Give it a try—you’ll enjoy how simple it is to make and how incredible it tastes. It’s like a little slow cooker magic that turns weeknights into something worth looking forward to.