Sun-Dried Tomato Crockpot Chicken

The rich aroma of sun-dried tomatoes and garlic simmering slowly in a creamy parmesan-spiked sauce is reason enough to make this Sun-Dried Tomato Crockpot Chicken your new weeknight go-to. The chicken becomes fall-apart tender after hours in the slow cooker, soaking up every bit of flavor from the herbs and luscious sauce.

It’s a foolproof comfort meal with minimal prep but maximum flavor. Whether you serve it over pasta, fluffy mashed potatoes, or cauliflower rice, this dish transforms ordinary ingredients into something deeply satisfying and unforgettable. The addition of lemon and fresh basil at the end gives it just the right pop of brightness to balance the richness.

Full Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs

• 1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped

• 1 cup full-fat coconut milk or heavy cream

• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

• Salt and black pepper to taste

• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (plus more for garnish)

• Juice of 1/2 lemon

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Cooked rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta for serving

Directions:

1. In a crockpot, place chicken breasts or thighs.

2. Add the sun-dried tomatoes, coconut milk or heavy cream, parmesan cheese, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, red pepper flakes, and a generous pinch of salt and black pepper.

3. Stir everything together until the chicken is well coated.

4. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

5. Once cooked, remove the chicken and shred or leave whole based on preference.

6. Stir lemon juice, olive oil, and fresh basil into the sauce in the crockpot.

7. Return chicken to the crockpot and coat with the creamy tomato sauce.

8. Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta. Garnish with more fresh basil.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 6 hours | Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 390 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Why Crockpot Cooking Works So Well for Chicken

Crockpot (or slow cooker) meals are a cornerstone of modern comfort cooking. They’re a time-saving, flavor-enhancing, and hands-off approach to creating deeply satisfying dishes. Chicken, in particular, benefits greatly from slow cooking. It becomes tender, juicy, and flavorful without the risk of overcooking—especially when using boneless, skinless breasts or thighs. The crockpot allows the meat to soak up seasonings, spices, and sauces over several hours, resulting in a dish that tastes like it’s been prepared in a professional kitchen, with almost no effort.

For busy families, meal preppers, or anyone wanting to avoid dinner-time stress, crockpot recipes like this one are lifesavers. Set it in the morning, walk away, and return to a hot, hearty meal.

The Bold and Balanced Flavor Profile of This Dish

The star of this recipe is undoubtedly the sun-dried tomato. These tomatoes are intensely sweet and tangy, thanks to being dried under the sun, which concentrates their natural sugars and acidity. When rehydrated in a creamy sauce, they explode with flavor and give the dish a gourmet twist.

The creamy element—whether it comes from coconut milk or heavy cream—brings richness and balance to the tangy tomatoes. This creates a sauce that’s indulgent without being overly heavy. The parmesan cheese adds umami and depth, while garlic, oregano, paprika, and red pepper flakes layer on warmth, spice, and herbaceous notes. Lastly, fresh basil and a splash of lemon juice added at the end wake up the entire dish with brightness and freshness, keeping it from feeling too rich.

It’s a perfect harmony of comfort and sophistication, rustic and refined.

Customizable for Many Diets and Lifestyles

One of the most beautiful things about this crockpot sun-dried tomato chicken is its adaptability. It’s naturally gluten-free, and when using coconut milk instead of cream, it’s dairy-free and paleo-friendly. It can even be made Whole30 compliant by skipping the cheese and using a compliant cream substitute.

For those following low-carb or keto lifestyles, the dish is excellent served over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. For comfort food lovers who want that traditional feel, mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or classic pasta work wonderfully. It’s also easy to adjust the spice level—leave out the red pepper flakes for a milder version or add more for a kick.

You can also control the texture of the chicken. Shred it for a saucier presentation, cube it for neat serving over pasta, or leave the pieces whole for a dramatic plate.

Perfect for Weeknights and Entertaining

This dish is an ideal weeknight dinner because it requires minimal prep—just dump, stir, and let it go. But it’s also elegant enough for entertaining. The sun-dried tomato flavor feels luxurious and gourmet, so serving this to guests over fresh pasta or artisan mashed potatoes can make it the star of your dinner party.

Pair it with a crisp salad, crusty bread, or a roasted vegetable medley to round out the meal. A glass of dry white wine complements the creamy sauce beautifully.

It also reheats exceptionally well, making it perfect for meal prep or storing leftovers. In fact, many people say it tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.

Nutritional Benefits Without Compromise

Despite its creamy, rich texture, this recipe can be made in a way that supports a healthy diet. Using lean chicken and coconut milk cuts down on saturated fat while still giving a luxurious mouthfeel. Sun-dried tomatoes are packed with vitamins C and K, iron, and antioxidants like lycopene.

Fresh basil, garlic, and oregano contribute more than flavor—they bring anti-inflammatory and immune-supportive properties. Lemon juice helps with digestion and brightens up the dish without added calories or sugar.

It’s hearty enough to satisfy but balanced enough to leave you feeling good after eating.

Tips for Success

• Choose the Right Chicken: Thighs are more forgiving and tend to be more flavorful, but breasts will work well too if cooked low and slow.

• Don’t Skip the Lemon and Basil: These two ingredients added at the end are essential for freshness and balance.

• Let It Rest: After turning off the crockpot, let the chicken sit for 5–10 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to settle.

• Adjust the Sauce Thickness: If your sauce feels too thin, you can remove the lid in the last 30 minutes of cooking or stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water.

• Double for a Crowd: This recipe scales easily. Just don’t overcrowd the slow cooker—use a larger size or split into two cookers if needed.

Kid-Friendly and Family-Approved

Creamy and comforting meals are often a hit with kids, and this one is no exception. The mild spice level and naturally sweet sun-dried tomatoes make it appealing even to picky eaters. If you’re cooking for children, simply reduce or eliminate the red pepper flakes and serve the chicken over a base they love, like mashed potatoes or rice.

It’s also a great way to sneak in vegetables. You can blend spinach or kale into the sauce, or add mushrooms or zucchini for more texture and fiber without altering the core flavor.

A Meal That Keeps on Giving

Not only does this dish make a satisfying dinner, but the leftovers can be transformed into multiple meals:

• Use the shredded chicken in wraps or sandwiches.

• Toss it with penne or gnocchi for a creamy tomato pasta.

• Serve over a baked potato with cheese for a comfort-loaded meal.

• Add it to a casserole base with cooked rice and bake with cheese for a new spin on leftovers.

It’s versatile, convenient, and a genuine “cook once, eat twice” winner.

Conclusion

Sun-Dried Tomato Crockpot Chicken is a shining example of what slow cooking is all about—easy preparation, deep flavor, and maximum comfort. It’s the kind of dish that checks every box: customizable for dietary needs, crowd-pleasing for families, elegant enough for guests, and nourishing without compromise.

If you’re looking to expand your dinner rotation with a dish that feels special but fits effortlessly into a busy lifestyle, this recipe is for you. It’s rich, aromatic, and endlessly satisfying. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or hosting a relaxed dinner party, this creamy sun-dried tomato chicken is bound to become a repeat favorite.

Let your slow cooker work its magic—and get ready for everyone to ask for seconds.