Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken – Easy Dinner

Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is about to become your new weeknight hero. Imagin extracte this: tender, succulent chicken breasts swimming in a luxurious, velvety sauce, bursting with the vibrant, herbaceous notes of fresh basil and the sweet tang of ripe tomatoes. If you’re anything like me, you’re already craving it, right? This dish is a universally loved comfort food for so many reasons. It’s incredibly simple to throw together, practically hands-off, making it perfect for busy evenings when you just want to relax and let your slow cooker do the work. What truly elevates this Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken from just good to utterly unforgettable is the marriage of classic Italian flavors with a wonderfully creamy finish. It’s a taste of pure culinary bliss that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

There are some meals that just feel like a warm hug. This Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is definitely one of them. It’s incredibly easy to put together, requiring minimal prep work, and the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, transforming simple ingredients into a rich, flavorful, and comforting dish. The creamy tomato sauce infused with fragrant basil and tender chicken is perfect for a weeknight dinner when you’re short on time but still want something delicious and satisfying. Serve it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread for dipping, and watch everyone lick their plates clean.

Ingredients:

Instructions:

Preparation is key, and for this recipe, it’s refreshingly simple. Begin extract by prepping your chicken. If your chicken breasts are very large, you might want to cut them in half horizontally to ensure they cook evenly and become incredibly tender. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This step helps to create a better texture and allows the seasonings to adhere more effectively. Place the prepared chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.

Next, let’s build that luscious sauce. In a medium bowl, combine the can of diced tomatoes with their juice (don’t drain them – that liquid is packed with flavor!), the cup of marinara sauce, the finely minced garlic, salt, Italian seasoning, dried basil, and pepper. Give this mixture a good stir until all the ingredients are well combined. This combination forms the flavorful base of our creamy tomato sauce. Pour this entire mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, ensuring they are mostly submerged.

Now it’s time to let the magic happen in the slow cooker. Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. The cooking time will depend on your specific slow cooker model and the thickness of your chicken breasts. You’re looking for the chicken to be cooked through and easily shredded with a fork. The low and slow method is ideal for achieving incredibly tender chicken that practically melts in your mouth. Resist the urge to peek too often, as each time you lift the lid, you lose valuable heat and extend the cooking time.

As the chicken is nearing the end of its cooking time (about 30 minutes before you anticnon-alcoholic ipate it being done), we’ll create a final velvety texture for our sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy whipping cream and the cornstarch until the cornstarch is completely dissolved and there are no lumps. This is your slurry that will thicken the sauce beautifully. Once the chicken is cooked through and tender, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and place them on a plate. Set them aside for a moment.

Now, stir the heavy cream and cornstarch mixture directly into the tomato sauce remaining in the slow cooker. Stir well to combine everything. Place the lid back on the slow cooker and let it cook on high for another 15-30 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. The cornstarch will work its magic, transforming the sauce into a rich, creamy, and luscious consistency that coats the chicken perfectly. Once thickened, stir in the finely chopped fresh basil for a burst of vibrant, fresh flavor. Shred the chicken breasts with two forks and return them to the thickened sauce, stirring to coat. Let it sit for a few more minutes to warm the chicken through.

This Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is a true testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly spectacular. The sweetness of the tomatoes, the savory depth of the marinara, the pungent kick of garlic, and the aromatic essence of basil all come together in a harmonious symphony of flavor. The addition of heavy cream and the cornstarch slurry creates a luxurious, velvety sauce that clings to every piece of tender chicken. This dish is incredibly versatile; it’s fantastic served over a bed of fluffy rice, alongside creamy mashed potatoes, or tossed with your favorite pasta. For an extra touch of elegance and flavor, don’t forget to top it off with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. It’s a meal that’s sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation, offering comfort and deliciousness with minimal effort. Enjoy!

Conclusion:

There you have it – a foolproof recipe for delicious Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken that’s sure to become a weeknight staple! This dish truly shines with its simplicity and incredible flavor. The slow cooking process tenderizes the chicken beautifully, infusing it with a rich, creamy tomato and basil sauce that is both comforting and satisfying. It’s the perfect example of how minimal effort can yield maximum taste, making it ideal for busy families or anyone looking for a hassle-free yet impressive meal. I highly encourage you to give this Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken a try; you won’t be disappointed!

Serving this versatile chicken is a breeze. It’s fantastic over pasta, rice, or even mashed potatoes. For a lighter option, serve it with a side of steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. You can also spoon it into crusty bread for a hearty sandwich. Feeling adventurous? Experiment with different herbs like oregano or thyme, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. You could even toss in some spinach towards the end of cooking for added greens and nutrients.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic alternative and often become even more tender and flavorful in the slow cooker. Adjust the cooking time slightly if needed, as thighs may take a little longer to reach perfect tenderness. Just ensure they are cooked through and reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

What kind of tomatoes work best?

Canned crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes are excellent choices for this recipe. They break down beautifully during the slow cooking process, creating a smooth and flavorful sauce. You can also use fire-roasted tomatoes for an extra layer of smoky depth.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can create a slurry by mixing 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water, then stirring it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Alternatively, you can remove the chicken and mash some of the tomatoes against the side of the slow cooker before returning the chicken to the pot.

Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

A delicious and easy slow cooker recipe for creamy tomato basil chicken, perfect for a weeknight meal.

Prep Time
15 Minutes

Cook Time
4 Hours

Total Time
15 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
   Combine the diced tomatoes with Italian herbs (undrained), marinara sauce, minced garlic, salt, Italian seasoning, dried basil, and pepper in the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
2. Step 2
   Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, nesting them into the sauce mixture.
3. Step 3
   Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
4. Step 4
   Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
5. Step 5
   In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy whipping cream and cornstarch until smooth. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker.
6. Step 6
   Stir in the finely chopped fresh basil. Cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
7. Step 7
   Serve the creamy tomato basil chicken over pasta, rice, or with a side of vegetables. Top with 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.