If you are searching for a comforting, rich, and utterly delicious dish to make on a busy day, look no further than this Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe. Combining tender chicken breasts with a luscious tomato-based cream sauce infused with garlic, herbs, and Parmesan cheese, this recipe brings together vibrant flavors that simmer low and slow, resulting in a meal that feels both gourmet and heartwarming. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, the depth of taste alongside its effortlessly hands-off preparation makes this dish a trusty favorite to have in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe, you only need a handful of simple, staple ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building layers of flavor, creating a smooth texture, and even adding a pop of color that makes the dish inviting even before the first bite.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The main protein providing tenderness and a great base to soak up the creamy sauce.
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes: Fresh-tasting and juicy, these add bright acidity and texture.
- 1 (14 oz) can tomato sauce: Creates the rich, velvety foundation for the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Offers luxurious creaminess that balances the tomato’s acidity perfectly.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Enhances the savory depth and keeps the sauce moist.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty, umami-rich flavor for complexity.
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped: Builds aromatic sweetness that melts into the sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a punch of pungent, warming undertones.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Infuses that signature herbaceous note integral to the recipe.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Gives rustic depth and a subtle earthiness.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors seasoning the chicken and sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds mild heat and sharpness against the creamy backdrop.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For just a touch of exciting, gentle heat to brighten the dish.
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish): Provides fresh aroma and a vibrant green color that makes the dish pop.
How to Make Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Base
Start by placing those lovely boneless, skinless chicken breasts directly into your slow cooker. This setup allows them to soak in flavors and remain juicy while cooking slowly throughout the day.
Step 2: Combine the Sauce Ingredients
Next, grab a medium bowl and mix together the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if you want a hint of spice. Make sure everything is well blended to create a harmonious sauce that marries creamy richness with herbaceous, tangy notes.
Step 3: Pour Over Chicken
Pour this luscious tomato cream mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. It’s like tucking the chicken into a warm, flavorful blanket that will transform into a creamy sauce by the time it’s done.
Step 4: Cook Low and Slow
Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. This slow cooking time ensures the chicken becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, while the flavors meld beautifully, creating that unforgettable creaminess you’re aiming for.
Step 5: Blend the Sauce (Optional)
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove the breasts and place them aside temporarily. Then, if you prefer a silky smooth sauce, use an immersion blender directly in the slow cooker to blend the sauce until it reaches your desired consistency. This step really elevates the dish’s texture.
Step 6: Return Chicken and Coat
Finally, nestle the chicken breasts back into the sauce and gently stir to coat them evenly. The chicken will absorb even more of that sumptuous sauce, making each bite incredibly flavorful and moist.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle freshly chopped basil leaves on top to add brightness and freshness right before serving. This simple addition takes the dish to the next level, both visually and flavor-wise.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves are a must for garnishing, as they bring an aromatic, herbal pop that complements the creamy tomato undertones perfectly. For a little extra flair, you can also sprinkle some additional Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil to shine a luscious gleam on top.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Creamy mashed potatoes or buttery polenta make a wonderful comforting base to soak up the sauce. For a lighter option, steamed green beans, sautéed spinach, or a crisp mixed green salad provide balance and freshness alongside this rich creamy chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
Feel like switching things up? Serve this Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe over cooked pasta like fettuccine or penne for a classic Italian-inspired meal. Or try layering it atop fluffy rice or even cauliflower rice to keep it lighter. A crusty piece of bread on the side helps mop up every last drop of that sauce, making every bite extra delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After the meal, allow any leftovers to cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container. This dish keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
You can freeze this Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe to enjoy down the line. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Just be aware that the texture of the cream sauce may slightly change upon thawing, but the flavors will remain delightful.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Adding a splash of cream or broth can help refresh the sauce’s creamy consistency if it feels too thick after storage.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but it may require extra cooking time. It’s best to check the chicken’s doneness before blending the sauce to ensure it’s cooked thoroughly.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative, though the sauce may be slightly less rich and creamy.
Can I add vegetables to this slow cooker meal?
Absolutely! Chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach can be added to the slow cooker at the beginning for extra nutrients and flavor. Just consider their cooking times and textures.
How spicy is this dish with the crushed red pepper flakes?
The crushed red pepper flakes only add a gentle warmth and a subtle kick. You can omit them if sensitive to spice or increase slightly if you love more heat.
Can I omit the Parmesan cheese?
While Parmesan adds a wonderful depth of flavor, you can omit it for a milder taste or if you have dietary restrictions, but keep in mind the sauce may be less savory.
Final Thoughts
There is something so reassuring about a slow cooker meal that comes together with minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor, and this Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe fits the bill perfectly. The marriage of tender chicken and a rich, creamy tomato sauce bursting with basil never fails to impress. I encourage you to try this recipe soon and watch it become a beloved staple in your meal rotation. Trust me, every bite feels like a cozy hug from your kitchen.
Print
Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is a comforting and flavorful dish combining tender chicken breasts with a rich, creamy tomato sauce infused with garlic, herbs, and Parmesan. The slow cooker method ensures juicy, melt-in-your-mouth chicken perfect for a hearty family meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Tomato Basil 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)
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the slow cooker evenly.
- Make the tomato basil sauce: In a medium bowl, combine diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, heavy cream, chicken broth, grated Parmesan cheese, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Mix the ingredients thoroughly to create a cohesive sauce mixture.
- Combine and cook: Pour the prepared tomato mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, ensuring they are well coated.
- Slow cook the chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4-6 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Blend the sauce (optional): Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove the chicken breasts and set aside. Use an immersion blender to blend the tomato sauce in the slow cooker until smooth for a creamy texture.
- Recombine and coat: Return the chicken breasts to the slow cooker and gently stir to coat them with the blended creamy tomato basil sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil leaves over the dish as garnish before serving to add fresh herbal aroma and color.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter or dairy-free option.
- For extra spice, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
- If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the sauce to a regular blender in batches to blend smoothly.
- This dish pairs excellently with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy tomato sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
