If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe is the perfect answer. This recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken breasts simmered slowly in a luxuriously creamy tomato sauce brightened with fragrant basil. It’s a comforting yet elegant meal that effortlessly fills your home with irresistible aromas and makes dinner something you genuinely look forward to. Whether you’re new to slow cooking or an expert, this dish balances simplicity and deliciousness in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is the key to the magic in this recipe. Each element plays a crucial role—from the rich cream adding indulgence, to the fresh herbs that wake up the whole dish with vibrant notes.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The tender protein base that soaks up all those creamy tomato flavors beautifully.
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes: Adds a fresh yet robust tomato texture that holds the sauce together.
- 1 (14 oz) can tomato sauce: Creates a smooth, rich backdrop to deepen the tomato essence.
- 1 cup heavy cream: This brings the luscious creaminess that turns a red sauce into a dreamy, silky delight.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Keeps the sauce moist and juicy with savory depth.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty kick that complements and enriches the sauce.
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped: Essential for sweetness and that comforting aromatic base.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses every bite with a subtle zing and warmth.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: The star herb that gives this dish its signature sweet, peppery lift.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds earthiness and mouthwatering complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors harmoniously.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: For just the right touch of mild heat.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): A gentle kick that wakes up the palate without overpowering.
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish): Freshness and color that make every serving pop.
How to Make Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Base
Start by placing your chicken breasts in the slow cooker. This creates the foundation for your meal, ensuring every morsel becomes infused with the luxurious sauce that will blanket them later.
Step 2: Mix the Tomato Basil Sauce
In a medium bowl, blend together diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. This mixture is where all the delicious flavor begins to develop—make sure it’s well combined to create a cohesive sauce for your chicken.
Step 3: Combine and Cook
Pour the vibrant tomato and cream mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Cover the cooker with its lid, and set it to cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. This slow, gentle heat tenderizes the chicken while letting all the wonderful flavors mingle and intensify.
Step 4: Blend the Sauce (Optional)
Once the chicken is cooked through and tender, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and set aside. Use an immersion blender right in the slow cooker to blend the sauce until smooth, if you prefer a silky texture. This step transforms the chunky sauce into a velvety, spoon-worthy accompaniment.
Step 5: Return Chicken and Finish
Place the chicken breasts back into the slow cooker and gently stir so the creamy tomato basil sauce coats every piece. This final step ensures the chicken stays juicy and fully enveloped in flavor.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing off the dish with freshly chopped basil leaves adds a burst of vibrant green color and bright herbal notes that contrast beautifully with the creamy, red sauce. Sprinkle a little extra Parmesan cheese on top for an appetizing melt and slight tang.
Side Dishes
This Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides like fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or even al dente pasta. A side of sautéed green beans or a crisp garden salad rounds out the meal perfectly by adding freshness and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve the chicken over polenta for a smooth, comforting base that soaks up the sauce. Alternatively, pile it on toasted ciabatta for an open-faced sandwich, garnished with a drizzle of balsamic glaze to add a touch of sweet acidity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so leftovers can be even more delicious!
Freezing
This dish freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep. Store individual portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the cream from separating, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If using a microwave, heat in short intervals, stirring in between to keep the sauce smooth and creamy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add even more juiciness and flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to become tender.
Is it necessary to blend the sauce?
Not at all. Blending is optional—if you prefer a chunkier texture with bits of tomato and onion, you can skip this step for a rustic feel.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can swap the heavy cream for coconut milk or a creamy non-dairy alternative, and substitute Parmesan with a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for a similar savory boost.
How spicy is this dish?
The crushed red pepper flakes add just a subtle hint of heat, which you can easily omit or increase based on your spice preference.
What is the best way to serve this for a family dinner?
Serving it over a bed of pasta or rice with fresh veggies on the side keeps it simple and satisfying for everyone, including picky eaters who appreciate familiar flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe is a true showstopper for any day of the week. It’s one of those go-to dishes that feels rich and restaurant-worthy but comes together with such ease in the slow cooker. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how effortlessly it transforms your dinner routine with its cozy, comforting flavors that delight every taste bud.
Print
Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 6 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A comforting and creamy slow cooker recipe featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich tomato basil sauce, perfect for an effortless weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Sauce
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (14 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker, ensuring they fit evenly.
- Mix Sauce Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, heavy cream, chicken broth, grated Parmesan, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Stir well until fully mixed.
- Add Sauce to Slow Cooker: Pour the prepared tomato and cream sauce mixture over the chicken breasts, covering them thoroughly.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low heat for 4 to 6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
- Blend Sauce (Optional): Once the chicken is done, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and set aside. Use an immersion blender inside the slow cooker to blend the sauce until smooth for a creamy texture.
- Return Chicken and Coat: Return the chicken breasts to the slow cooker and gently stir to coat them evenly with the blended sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil leaves over the top before serving to add freshness and color.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the crushed red pepper flakes according to taste.
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier, more flavorful result.
- The immersion blender step is optional but recommended for a smoother sauce consistency.
- Serve over cooked pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the creamy tomato sauce.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
