Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Thighs with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Parmesan Recipe

If you’re craving comfort food that feels both indulgent and effortless, this Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Thighs with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Parmesan Recipe is your new best friend. Believe me, once you try it, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it sooner. The creaminess, paired with the tangy sun-dried tomatoes and that cheesy Parmesan touch, creates a meal that feels fancy but requires minimal hands-on time.

It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty but don’t want to slave over the stove. I often make a big batch on Sunday, and it warms up beautifully for leftovers—sometimes better than the first go! For anyone who loves that velvety sauce and juicy chicken combo, this Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Thighs with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Parmesan Recipe delivers every time.

this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Thighs with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Parmesan Recipe plays a specific role in building layers of flavor and texture. Plus, most of them are simple pantry staples — handy for last-minute dinners.

• Bone-in Chicken Thighs: They stay juicy and tender during slow cooking, with the bone adding extra flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: The simplest seasoning that enhances the chicken’s natural taste.
• Butter and Oil: Butter adds richness while oil helps get that golden sear on the chicken skin before slow cooking.
• Onion: Provides a sweet, aromatic base that softens nicely in the sauce.
• Minced Garlic: Adds fragrant depth and slight pungency, essential for a flavor boost.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano and basil that brings warmth and an herbaceous note.
• Chopped Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Their concentrated tanginess and chewiness contrast beautifully with creamy sauce.
• Chicken Stock: Adds savory umami to the base without overpowering the dish.
• Heavy Cream: Thickens and enriches the sauce for a luscious mouthfeel.
• Shredded Parmesan Cheese: Gives salty, nutty flavor and helps the sauce develop a silky texture.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love this recipe’s creamy base, but I’m also a fan of tweaking the herbs and add-ins depending on what’s in my fridge. Feel free to make it yours by swapping or adding flavors that suit your mood — that’s the beauty of slow cooker meals.

• Variation: I sometimes add baby spinach right before finishing the sauce—it wilts nicely and adds a fresh green pop without changing the dish’s essence.
• Dietary Swap: For a lighter touch, swap heavy cream for half-and-half or coconut cream for a dairy-free twist.
• Spice It Up: If you like a kick, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning for a subtle heat.
• Make It Crispy: I always broil the chicken skin for a couple minutes before serving — it makes a delightful textural contrast.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Thighs with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Parmesan Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear for Maximum Flavor

After seasoning the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, I heat a mix of oil and butter in a skillet until shimmering. Then I place each thigh skin-side down and let it cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes to get that golden, crispy skin — this step adds so much flavor and texture that slow cooking alone can’t replicate. Flip the thighs and cook for one more minute, just to start sealing in those juices.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Using the same skillet, I sauté finely chopped onion and minced garlic in the leftover fat for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Then, I pour in chicken stock to deglaze the pan. Scrape the brown bits from the bottom — those caramelized fragments pack in incredible flavor that will boost your sauce.

Step 3: Let the Slow Cooker Work Its Magic

Transfer the chicken thighs into your slow cooker, then add the onion-garlic mixture, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6-7 hours. I usually choose low and let it simmer while I handle other chores—the kitchen fills with the most inviting aromas.

Step 4: Finish the Sauce and Crisp the Skin

Once the cooking time is up, I carefully remove the chicken thighs and keep them warm—optionally popping them under a broiler at 200°C for 2-3 minutes to re-crisp the skin, which is a game-changer. Then I stir heavy cream and Parmesan cheese into the liquid and sauce base left in the slow cooker. If I’m feeling it, I add baby spinach now. Cover and let the sauce thicken for another 20-30 minutes.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Finally, place the crispy chicken thighs back in the slow cooker and pour the creamy sauce over everything. This dish works beautifully served over pasta, alongside roasted potatoes, or with your favorite veggies. I personally can’t get enough of spooning that creamy sauce over everything on my plate.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Thighs with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Parmesan Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or basil on top for a burst of color and a fresh herbal note that cuts through the richness. A few extra shreds of Parmesan cheese for the cheese lovers never hurts either!

Side Dishes

This creamy chicken pairs fantastically with buttered pasta or creamy polenta to soak up the sauce. Roasted baby potatoes or steamed green beans also balance the richness with some simple, wholesome sides.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I like serving the chicken thighs on a bed of garlic-herb mashed potatoes with the sauce drizzled over everything and a colorful side salad. It feels rustic but polished — like you made something really special without tons of fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, and the sauce thickens up nicely, making it a satisfying next-day meal.

Freezing

This dish freezes surprisingly well. I prefer freezing the chicken and sauce together in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce thickened too much. This keeps the sauce silky and the chicken tender.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Thighs with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Parmesan Recipe is truly a weeknight hero in my kitchen. It strikes that perfect balance between comforting, rich flavors and simplicity — no one could tell you barely had to lift a finger! I hope you enjoy cooking and sharing this as much as I do, and that it becomes a staple when you want an easy meal that feels just a little bit special.

Print