Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

If you’re looking for a meal that’s comforting, rich in flavor, and requires minimal effort, then Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is your answer! This dish combines tender chicken breasts with a creamy, tangy tomato sauce infused with fresh basil, creating a hearty meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. What makes this recipe so special is how effortlessly the slow cooker brings out the flavors, leaving you with a dish that tastes like it took hours to prepare. In this article, you’ll learn how to make Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken, tips for perfecting the sauce, and ideas for customizing the dish to your liking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is the ultimate comfort food that’s incredibly easy to make. The slow cooker does all the work, ensuring that the chicken becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender while the creamy tomato sauce infuses the meat with rich, flavorful goodness. The addition of fresh basil elevates the dish, giving it a burst of aromatic freshness that perfectly balances the creaminess of the sauce.

What makes this recipe so irresistible is the perfect harmony of flavors. The tomato base is rich and slightly tangy, while the cream adds a luxurious texture that coats the chicken beautifully. The slow cooker allows the flavors to meld together, making each bite a satisfying combination of creamy, savory, and fresh. The dish is also versatile—you can serve it over pasta, rice, or even mashed potatoes, making it perfect for any occasion.

Best of all, this recipe is fuss-free. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you can set it and forget it, letting the slow cooker do all the hard work for you. It’s a great option for busy days when you want a comforting homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Recipe Details

Ingredients

To make Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds or 680g)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (15ml)
• For the Tomato Sauce:
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces or 410g) diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 can (6 ounces or 170g) tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (120ml)
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth (60ml)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (50g)
  • 1 tablespoon dried basil (1g)
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder (1g)
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (1g)
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper (1g)
• For Garnish:
  • Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
  • Additional Parmesan cheese (for garnish)

Time Requirements

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 4-6 hours (on low heat)
• Total time: 4-6 hours 10 minutes

Serving Size

This recipe serves 4 people.

Possible Substitutions:

• Chicken: If you prefer dark meat, you can use bone-in, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier option.
• Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
• Parmesan Cheese: If you don’t have Parmesan, any hard, aged cheese like Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano will work.
• Chicken Broth: You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side until they are lightly golden brown. This step helps lock in moisture and adds extra flavor to the chicken.
2. Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker: In your slow cooker, add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, heavy cream, chicken broth, garlic, Parmesan cheese, dried basil, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine the ingredients until the sauce is smooth.
3. Add the Chicken: Place the seared chicken breasts into the slow cooker, making sure they are covered with the sauce. The chicken doesn’t need to be submerged, but it should be well-coated with the tomato mixture.
4. Cook the Chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C). If you want the sauce to thicken further, you can remove the chicken about 30 minutes before serving and cook the sauce on high for a thicker consistency.
5. Shred the Chicken (Optional): For a more rustic texture, shred the chicken in the slow cooker using two forks. This will allow the chicken to absorb more of the flavorful sauce. Alternatively, you can serve the chicken breasts whole.
6. Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves and additional Parmesan cheese before serving. Serve the chicken over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or a bed of greens for a complete meal.

Pro Tips For Success

1. Sear the Chicken: Don’t skip the searing step. While it may seem like an extra step, it helps lock in moisture and creates a flavorful crust on the chicken, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
2. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh basil adds a vibrant flavor to the dish, but dried basil works fine if fresh isn’t available. Just keep in mind that dried herbs are more concentrated, so adjust the quantity accordingly.
3. Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a richer sauce, you can increase the amount of heavy cream or Parmesan cheese. If you like it lighter, reduce the cream or substitute with a non-dairy alternative like coconut milk or almond milk.
4. Thicken the Sauce: If the sauce is too thin after cooking, remove the chicken and cook the sauce on high for an additional 30 minutes to reduce and thicken it. You can also mix in a tablespoon of cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with a bit of water) to thicken it up quickly.
5. Flavor Variations: Add more vegetables to the slow cooker for extra nutrition, such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. These vegetables will cook down and blend well with the sauce.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional content per serving (1/4 of the recipe):

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Protein: 40g
• Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 650mg

This dish is a great source of protein from the chicken and contains healthy fats from the cream and Parmesan. The tomato-based sauce provides a small amount of carbohydrates and fiber, making it a well-rounded meal. For a lighter version, you can reduce the amount of cream or use a lower-fat alternative.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storage: Leftover Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The chicken will stay flavorful, and the sauce will continue to thicken as it sits.

Reheating: To reheat, simply place the chicken and sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.

Freezing: You can freeze the chicken and sauce for up to 3 months. To freeze, let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and heat in a saucepan or microwave.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a plant-based version of this dish. You can also use cauliflower or mushrooms for a hearty vegetable alternative.
• Spicy Twist: Add a diced jalapeño or red pepper flakes for some heat. You can adjust the spice level to suit your taste.
• Low-Carb Version: Serve the chicken with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to keep it low-carb. You can also skip the chicken broth and use vegetable broth instead.
• Add More Veggies: Add vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to the slow cooker for extra nutrition and flavor. These veggies will cook down nicely into the sauce.

Storage & Serving Suggestions

Storage: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This dish makes excellent leftovers, as the flavors develop even more after a day or two.

Serving Suggestions: Serve Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken over pasta like spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne for a traditional Italian meal. Alternatively, pair it with mashed potatoes or rice for a comforting meal. A light green salad or roasted vegetables make the perfect side dishes.

FAQs

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce a day before. Simply store it in the fridge and reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
2. Can I use frozen chicken? It’s best to thaw the chicken before using it in the slow cooker. However, you can cook frozen chicken in the slow cooker, but it will take longer to cook.
3. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned? Yes, you can substitute fresh tomatoes. Use about 3-4 medium tomatoes and chop them finely, but be aware that it may alter the consistency slightly.
4. Can I make this dish dairy-free? Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan cheese substitute for a completely dairy-free version.
5. What can I serve this dish with? This dish pairs well with pasta, rice, or even mashed potatoes. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables or a simple green salad.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a meal that feels special without spending too much time in the kitchen. The rich, creamy tomato sauce infused with fresh basil is the perfect complement to the juicy chicken. Whether you’re serving it over pasta, rice, or potatoes, this dish will be a hit with everyone at the table. Try it today and enjoy the ease of a slow-cooked meal with all the flavor of a restaurant-quality dish!

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