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Mary Berry Slow Cooker Chicken Recipe

Chicken curry with yellow rice.
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This wonderfully comforting slow cooker chicken dish is perfect for busy days when you would like a delicious homemade meal waiting for you in the evening. Tender pieces of chicken are gently cooked with garlic, herbs and sun-dried tomatoes before being finished with creamy cheese and fragrant basil.

The result is a rich and flavourful sauce that pairs beautifully with rice, pasta or even a bowl of buttery mashed potatoes. It’s easy to see why this dish has become so popular — it is simple to prepare and quite irresistible.

Mary Berry Slow Cooker Chicken Recipe
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Mary Berry Slow Cooker Chicken Recipe

Course: MainCuisine: British
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

3

hours 
Calories

380

kcal

Ingredients

  • For the slow cooker

  • 650g skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

  • 30g plain flour

  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

  • 3 garlic cloves, crushed

  • 100g sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and finely chopped

  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

  • 2 teaspoons paprika

  • 1 chicken stock cube, crumbled

  • 300ml boiling water

  • To finish

  • 100g cream cheese

  • 50g Parmesan cheese, grated

  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped

Directions

  • Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and toss with the flour, salt and pepper until well coated.
  • Transfer the chicken to the slow cooker.
  • Add the garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, paprika and crumbled stock cube.
  • Pour over the boiling water and stir gently.
  • Cover and cook on HIGH for 2½–3 hours or LOW for 5–6 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
  • Stir in the cream cheese and grated Parmesan until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
  • Add the chopped basil and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  • Serve immediately with rice, pasta or crusty bread.

Serves

4

Preparation time

10 minutes

Cooking time

2½–3 hours on HIGH
or 5–6 hours on LOW

Ingredients

For the slow cooker

  • 650g skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 30g plain flour
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 3 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
  • 100g sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 chicken stock cube, crumbled
  • 300ml boiling water

To finish the sauce

  • 100g cream cheese
  • 50g Parmesan cheese, finely grated
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil leaves, finely chopped

Method

  1. Prepare the chicken
    Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and sprinkle with the flour, along with a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated.
  2. Add to the slow cooker
    Transfer the chicken to the slow cooker. Add the crushed garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, paprika and the crumbled stock cube.
  3. Add the liquid
    Pour over the boiling water and stir gently to combine.
  4. Cook slowly
    Cover with the lid and cook on HIGH for 2½–3 hours or LOW for 5–6 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
  5. Finish the sauce
    Stir in the cream cheese and grated Parmesan until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
  6. Add fresh herbs
    Scatter in the chopped basil and season to taste with a little extra salt and pepper if needed.
  7. Serve
    Serve hot with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Mary’s Tips

Chop the sun-dried tomatoes finely
This allows them to soften fully during cooking and blend beautifully into the sauce.

Adjust the sauce consistency
If the sauce becomes a little thick, simply stir in a splash of hot water or stock.

A little extra flavour
A handful of fresh spinach stirred in just before serving works wonderfully.

slow cooker chicken

Storage

In the refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan or microwave until piping hot.

Freezing
This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months, although creamy sauces may separate slightly when reheated. Stir well and add a little liquid to restore the texture.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy chicken pairs beautifully with:

  • Steamed rice
  • Buttered pasta
  • Fluffy couscous
  • Creamy mashed potatoes
  • Crusty bread

Each makes a perfect accompaniment for soaking up the rich sauce.

FAQ

What is slow cooker chicken?

Slow cooker chicken is a creamy chicken recipe made with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, parmesan, and herbs and cooked at a low temperature in a slow cooker. The name comes from the idea that the dish is so delicious it could inspire a marriage proposal.

Can I put raw chicken in the slow cooker?

Yes. Raw chicken can safely go straight into the slow cooker. As long as it cooks for the recommended time (HIGH for 2.5–3 hours or LOW for 5–6 hours), it will reach a safe internal temperature.

Can I make Slow Cooker Chicken dairy-free?

Yes. Replace the cream cheese and parmesan with dairy-free alternatives such as plant-based cream cheese and vegan parmesan.

What should I serve with Slow Cooker Chicken?

This creamy chicken pairs well with simple sides such as:

  • Rice
  • Pasta
  • Mashed potatoes
  • Couscous
  • Garlic bread
  • Roasted vegetables

These help soak up the rich, flavorful sauce.

Can I freeze Slow Cooker Chicken?

You can freeze it, but creamy sauces may separate slightly when reheated. If freezing leftovers, store them in an airtight container for up to 2 months and add a splash of water or stock when reheating.

How long does Slow Cooker Chicken last in the fridge?

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

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