Slow Cooker Sun-Dried Tomato Creamy Chicken

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Slow Cooker Sun-Dried Tomato Creamy Chicken

  • Prep time: 15 minutes

  • Cook time: 3–4 hours (High) or 6–7 hours (Low)

  • Servings: 4–6

  • Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

  • Chicken: 1.5 – 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs.

  • The Sauce: 1 cup heavy cream, ½ cup chicken broth, ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese.

  • Flavor Makers: 1 jar (8 oz) sun-dried tomatoes in oil (drained and chopped), 4 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tsp dried basil, 1 tsp dried oregano, ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional).

  • Greens: 2 cups fresh baby spinach.

  • Seasoning: Salt and black pepper to taste.

Instructions

  1. Prep the Chicken: Season your chicken breasts or thighs generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Place them in the bottom of the slow cooker.

  2. Mix the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, garlic, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes.

  3. Combine: Pour the cream mixture over the chicken. Scatter the chopped sun-dried tomatoes on top.

  4. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on Low for 6 hours or High for 3 hours. (Thighs are more forgiving; breasts should be checked at the 3-hour mark on high to prevent drying out).

  5. The Finish: About 20 minutes before serving, stir in the fresh baby spinach. Cover and let it wilt into the sauce.

  6. Serve: Taste and adjust salt/pepper. Serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.

Tips for Success

  • Sear for Flavor: If you have an extra 5 minutes, sear the chicken in a skillet before putting it in the slow cooker. It locks in juices and adds a deeper color.

  • Don’t Curdle: Use room-temperature cream if possible to prevent the sauce from breaking.

  • Thicken it up: If the sauce is too thin for your liking at the end, stir in a cornstarch slurry ($1\text{ tbsp cornstarch} + 1\text{ tbsp water}$) and cook on high for an extra 15 minutes.

Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

Estimate based on 1/5th of recipe using chicken breasts.

Metric Amount
Calories 420 kcal
Protein 38g
Fat 26g
Carbs 9g
Fiber 2g

Benefits

  • Low Carb Friendly: Naturally high in protein and healthy fats, making it great for Keto or LCHF diets if served with zoodles or cauliflower rice.

  • Lycopene Boost: Sun-dried tomatoes are packed with lycopene, an antioxidant that supports heart health and skin protection.

  • Meal Prep King: The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers even better the next day.

Q&A

Q: Can I use frozen chicken?

A: It’s safer to thaw it first. Cooking frozen meat in a slow cooker can keep the meat in the “danger zone” temperature for too long, risking bacterial growth.

Q: Is there a dairy-free alternative?

A: Yes! Swap the heavy cream for full-fat canned coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a similar savory depth.

Q: What should I serve this with?

A: It pairs beautifully with Pappardelle pasta, creamy polenta, or a crusty sourdough baguette to soak up that liquid gold sauce.

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