Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Optional: Sear the chicken in a pan with butter or olive oil over medium heat until lightly golden for extra flavor.
- Place the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Add garlic, onion, chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning.
- Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is tender.
- About 30 minutes before serving, add cream cheese, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese.
- Stir gently until the cheeses melt and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- If needed, mix cornstarch with a little water and stir it in to thicken the sauce.
- Cook uncovered for the remaining time to allow the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve warm, spooning the creamy sauce over the chicken and garnish with fresh herbs.
Notes
- Searing the chicken adds extra depth of flavor but can be skipped for convenience.
- Add fresh spinach or mushrooms during the last 20 minutes for extra flavor and nutrients.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
- If the sauce thickens too much when stored, add a splash of broth or milk when reheating.
- Serve over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread.
- Creamy sauces may slightly change texture after freezing but can be restored by reheating gently.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 145mg