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
Scale
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.
