Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 chicken breasts (skin on or skinless)
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp olive oil (optional)
Liquids and Sauce
- ½ cup (120ml) white wine + ½ cup water OR 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
- 4 tbsp diced sun-dried tomatoes (drained)
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp garlic granules
- 1 tsp chicken bouillon
- 1 cup (225g) sour cream or heavy cream
- 1 tbsp cornstarch diluted in 2 tbsp cold water (optional)
Finish and Garnish
- 2-3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp flat leaf parsley or fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Generously season the chicken breasts all over with salt, pepper, and sprinkle with the Italian seasoning to infuse them with aromatic herb flavor.
- Brown the chicken: Heat butter and olive oil in a pan or directly in your slow cooker if it has a browning feature. Place the chicken breasts skin side down and pan-fry until they develop a golden brown crust, sealing in the juices.
- Add liquids and seasonings: Turn the chicken breasts over, then transfer them to the slow cooker if not already there. Pour in white wine and water or substitute with chicken broth. Add paprika, garlic granules, chicken bouillon, and sun-dried tomatoes to build a savory, flavorful base.
- Slow cook the chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 90 minutes to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C), ensuring they are tender and fully cooked.
- Thicken the sauce (optional): About 10 minutes before the cooking time is up, mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry, then stir into the slow cooker to thicken the sauce. This step is optional if using sour cream, as it also thickens the sauce.
- Add cream and cheese: Shift the chicken breasts to one side of the slow cooker. Stir in the sour cream or heavy cream until fully incorporated, then add grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley or basil for a creamy, cheesy finish.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy sauce over the chicken and serve hot over your choice of rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.
Notes
- Use skin-on chicken breasts for extra flavor and moisture, but skinless works well too.
- You can substitute fresh herbs for dried Italian seasoning if preferred.
- If you omit the olive oil, butter alone works fine for browning.
- The cornstarch slurry helps thicken the sauce but is optional if using sour cream.
- Cook times may vary slightly depending on your slow cooker; always check internal temperature.
- Serve with your favorite carbohydrate like rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes to soak up the rich sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American