Slow Cooker Chicken Breast

The name alone made me skeptical, but after one bite of that velvety, sun-dried tomato cream sauce, I understood why people were getting proposed to over dinner. My sister made this for us during a rainy weekend visit, and we spent the entire meal planning who we could cook it for next.

I made this for our anniversary dinner instead of going out, and honestly it felt more special than any restaurant meal we have had. The house smelled incredible all day, building this quiet anticipation that made sitting down together feel like an event.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless works best here, they stay tender without drying out during the long cook time
• Kosher salt and black pepper: Simple seasoning, but do not skip it, the slow cooker mellow everything out so a good foundation matters
• Olive oil: For searing, that golden crust adds depth even after hours of slow cooking
• Garlic: Three cloves might feel like a lot, but garlic mellows beautifully in cream sauces
• Dried oregano and thyme: These herbs anchor the dish with classic Italian flavors
• Crushed red pepper flakes: Just a subtle warmth that balances the rich cream, totally optional if you are sensitive to heat
• Sun-dried tomatoes: The real star of the show, they pack intense umami and a chewy texture that makes every bite interesting
• Chicken broth: Low-sodium gives you control over the salt level while building flavor
• Heavy cream: Creates that luxurious, restaurant-quality sauce texture
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish that ties everything together
• Fresh basil: Bright, herbal notes cut through the richness and make the dish look gorgeous

Instructions

Season the chicken:

Sprinkle both sides of each breast with salt and pepper, pressing gently so it sticks

Sear for depth:

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook chicken for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden, this step is worth the extra dish

Start the slow cooker:

Transfer seared chicken to your slow cooker, arranging them in an even layer

Whisk the sauce:

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

Pour and sprinkle:

Pour the creamy mixture over the chicken, then scatter Parmesan evenly across the top

Let it work:

Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, until chicken reaches 165 degrees and shreds easily with a fork

Bring it together:

Lift chicken out briefly, stir the sauce to incorporate any melted cheese, then return chicken to coat everything

Finish with flair:

Scatter fresh basil over the top and add extra black pepper before serving

Save Pin

My friend asked for the recipe before she even finished her first serving, and now she makes it every time she wants to make someone feel special. Something about the combination of hands-off preparation and restaurant-quality results makes you feel like you pulled off a magic trick.

Perfect Pairings

This rich, creamy sauce needs something to soak it up, and I have found that simple sides work best to let the chicken shine. Mashed potatoes are probably my favorite because they create this perfect bite every time.

Make It Lighter

On weeknights when I still want the flavors but not the heavy richness, half-and-half works surprisingly well as a substitute. The sauce is slightly less velvety but still incredibly satisfying.

Serving Suggestions

A crisp green salad with a bright vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully, and the freshness balances the warm, comforting main. I have also served this over pasta or rice when I need to stretch it to feed more people.

• Crusty bread is practically mandatory for getting every last drop of that sauce
• A glass of chilled white wine makes dinner feel like a real occasion
• This reheats beautifully for lunch the next day, if you have any left

Save Pin

There is something deeply satisfying about a meal that tastes impressive but required almost no active effort. This is the kind of recipe that makes people feel cared for without you having to spend hours in the kitchen.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I sear the chicken before slow cooking?

Yes, searing the chicken breasts in olive oil for 2-3 minutes per side before slow cooking adds extra flavor but is optional.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

Serve with pasta, mashed potatoes, or steamed vegetables to complement the creamy sauce and tender chicken.

→ Can I substitute the heavy cream for a lighter option?

For a lighter variation, half-and-half can replace heavy cream while maintaining creaminess.

→ Is it possible to add vegetables to the slow cooker?

Yes, adding baby spinach in the last 30 minutes of cooking gives extra greens and freshness.

→ What kind of cheese is used in the sauce?

Grated Parmesan cheese is sprinkled over the chicken to enrich the sauce with a savory depth.

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

Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), and the meat is tender and pulls apart easily.