Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe

Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is the weeknight dinner superhero you’ve been dreaming of. Forget about complicated techniques and endless stirring; this recipe is all about effortless flavor that will have your whole family asking for seconds. There’s just something incredibly comforting and satisfying about tender chicken bathed in a rich, velvety sauce, and this version takes that feeling to a whole new level. What makes this Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken so special? It’s the perfect marriage of vibrant, sun-kissed tomatoes, aromatic fresh basil, and a luxurious creaminess that coats every succulent bite. It’s a dish that feels both elegant enough for guests and comforting enough for a cozy night in, all thanks to the magic of your slow cooker.

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Ingredients:

Cooking Instructions:

This Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is a weeknight dinner dream! It’s incredibly easy to prepare, requiring minimal active cooking time, yet it delivers a restaurant-quality taste. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, transforming simple ingredients into a rich, flavorful, and comforting meal. I love how the chicken becomes so tender and juicy, bathing in a luscious, creamy tomato sauce infused with aromatic basil and garlic. It’s the kind of dish that makes your house smell amazing as it cooks, and it’s versatile enough to be served over pasta, rice, or even with some crusty bread for dipping. Let’s get started on creating this deliciousness!

Preparing the Chicken and Sauce Base

The first step to making this delightful dish is to prepare your slow cooker. You don’t necessarily need to grease it, but if you’re concerned about sticking, a quick spray of cooking oil or a liner can offer extra peace of mind. Next, we’ll build the foundation of our flavorful sauce. In the insert of your slow cooker, pour in the entire can of diced tomatoes with their juice. The Italian herbs already present in the tomatoes will lend a wonderful depth of flavor right from the start. Then, add the cup of marinara sauce. This adds another layer of tomato intensity and a slightly smoother texture. Now it’s time for the aromatics! Mince your three cloves of garlic very finely. The finer you mince them, the more readily their pungent flavor will meld into the sauce. Scatter the minced garlic over the tomatoes and marinara. To season this base, add the teaspoon of salt, the teaspoon of Italian seasoning, the half teaspoon of dried basil, and the quarter teaspoon of pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine all these beautiful ingredients.

Adding the Chicken and Simmering

Now, it’s time to introduce the star of our dish: the chicken. Gently place the four boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the slow cooker, nestling them into the tomato mixture. Ensure that they are mostly submerged in the liquid. This will help them cook evenly and stay wonderfully moist throughout the cooking process. Once the chicken is in place, secure the lid tightly onto your slow cooker. Set your slow cooker to the LOW setting and let it cook for approximately 4 to 6 hours. The exact cooking time will depend on the size and thickness of your chicken breasts and the specific model of your slow cooker. The goal is for the chicken to be cooked through and incredibly tender. You’ll know it’s ready when it easily shreds with a fork or when an instant-read thermometer registers an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). I often check it around the 4-hour mark and then continue cooking as needed.

Creating the Creamy Sauce

As the chicken nears the end of its cooking time, we’ll transform the tomato mixture into a luxurious, creamy sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the half cup of heavy whipping cream and the two tablespoons of cornstarch. It’s crucial to mix these together thoroughly until there are no lumps of cornstarch visible. This slurry is what will thicken our sauce and give it that wonderfully creamy texture. Once the chicken is cooked and tender, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and set them aside on a plate. Now, pour the cornstarch and heavy cream mixture directly into the hot liquid in the slow cooker. Stir it well to ensure it’s fully incorporated. Then, turn the slow cooker to the HIGH setting and let it cook, uncovered, for another 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. You’ll notice it going from a watery consistency to a rich, velvety sauce.

Finishing Touches and Serving

Once your sauce has thickened beautifully, it’s time to bring everything together. Return the cooked chicken breasts to the slow cooker, nestling them back into the thickened creamy tomato basil sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken to coat it well. Stir in the two tablespoons of finely chopped fresh basil. The fresh basil adds a bright, herbaceous counterpoint to the rich sauce. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for about 5-10 minutes more, just enough to heat the chicken through and allow the fresh basil flavors to infuse into the dish. This brief resting period also allows the flavors to meld even further. To serve, you can either shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker or serve the chicken breasts whole. Ladle generous portions of the creamy tomato basil sauce over the chicken. For an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal, sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese just before serving. This dish is absolutely delightful served over your favorite pasta, fluffy rice, or even alongside some roasted vegetables. Enjoy every comforting bite!

Conclusion:

There you have it – your guide to making the most wonderfully comforting and incredibly easy Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken! This recipe truly is a weeknight superhero. It requires minimal prep, letting your slow cooker do all the heavy lifting, and the result is fork-tender chicken bathed in a rich, creamy, and herb-infused tomato sauce. It’s the perfect example of how simple ingredients can create something truly spectacular with a little bit of time.

I love serving this dish over a bed of fluffy rice, pasta, or even mashed potatoes to soak up all that delicious sauce. For a lighter option, it’s also fantastic alongside roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your sides!

If you’re looking to switch things up, consider adding some sautéed mushrooms or spinach in the last hour of cooking for an extra layer of flavor and nutrients. You could also swap out the chicken thighs for chicken breasts, just be mindful of the cooking time to prevent them from drying out. I genuinely encourage you to give this Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken a try – I’m confident you’ll love it as much as I do!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! You can substitute chicken breasts for thighs. However, chicken breasts cook faster and can become dry if overcooked. I recommend checking them for doneness around the 2-3 hour mark on high or 4-5 hours on low, ensuring they are cooked through but still moist. You might want to reduce the liquid slightly as breasts release less moisture.

What if I don’t have fresh basil?

No worries if fresh basil isn’t available! You can easily use dried basil. A good rule of thumb is to use about 1 teaspoon of dried basil for every tablespoon of fresh basil. Add the dried basil at the begin extractning of the cooking process so its flavor has time to meld into the sauce.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make this dairy-free, you can use a full-fat coconut milk or a cashew cream instead of heavy cream. You’ll want to add this in the last hour of cooking, stirring gently to combine and allow it to thicken. This will give you a wonderfully creamy texture without the dairy.

Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

A simple and delicious slow cooker recipe for creamy tomato basil chicken, perfect for a weeknight meal. Tender chicken breasts are simmered in a rich tomato and basil sauce, finished with a touch of cream.

Prep Time
10 Minutes

Cook Time
4 Hours

Total Time
10 Minutes

Servings
4 servings

Ingredients

• 1 can diced tomatoes with Italian herbs (with juice (14oz or 398ml))
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 3 cloves garlic ((finely minced))
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• ½ cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts ((about 2 lbs))
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil
• Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

Instructions

1. Step 1
   Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Season with salt, Italian seasoning, dried basil, and pepper.
2. Step 2
   Pour the diced tomatoes (with juice) and marinara sauce over the chicken. Add the minced garlic.
3. Step 3
   Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
4. Step 4
   Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and set aside. In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy whipping cream and cornstarch until smooth.
5. Step 5
   Stir the cream mixture into the liquid in the slow cooker. Return the chicken to the slow cooker and continue to cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
6. Step 6
   Stir in the fresh basil. Serve the chicken topped with the creamy tomato basil sauce and grated Parmesan cheese.

Important Information

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.