If you are searching for a comforting, flavorful dish that fills your home with the irresistible aroma of herbs and tomatoes, this Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe is an absolute winner. Juicy chicken breasts braised slowly in a rich tomato sauce, accented by fragrant basil and a touch of garlic, create a perfect blend of tangy and savory flavors that dance on your palate. It’s a meal that not only looks stunning when served but tastes like a warm, homemade hug after a busy day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering fresh, simple ingredients is the key to making a dish that is both wholesome and bursting with flavor. Each item in this recipe plays a unique role in contributing rich aromas, vibrant colors, and satisfying textures that elevate the slow-cooked chicken experience.
- Chicken breasts: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for tender meat that soaks up all the saucy goodness.
- Crushed tomatoes: A full 28-ounce can provides that luscious, tangy base which makes the sauce so hearty and comforting.
- Fresh basil leaves: These bring a burst of herbaceous freshness that perfectly balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Garlic cloves: Minced garlic delivers a warm, pungent kick essential for deep savory layers.
- Onion: Diced onion adds sweetness and texture, softening into the sauce as it slow cooks.
- Olive oil: Used to sear the chicken and sauté aromatics; it adds richness and a beautiful golden crust.
- Dried oregano: Enhances the sauce with subtle earthy notes, blending harmoniously with the basil.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Just a pinch can introduce a gentle heat to brighten up the flavors.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of every ingredient.
How to Make Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by trimming any extra fat from the chicken breasts and then give them a generous sprinkle of salt and freshly ground black pepper. This simple seasoning step is crucial for enhancing the meat’s natural flavor, setting a delicious foundation for the whole dish.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken for Extra Flavor
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then quickly sear the chicken breasts on each side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. This step is optional but highly recommended because it locks in juices and adds wonderful texture and depth to the finished dish.
Step 3: Layer Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Transfer the seared chicken breasts to your slow cooker. In the same skillet, sauté the diced onions and minced garlic until they become fragrant and translucent—this gentle cooking unlocks their sweetness and aroma. Next, pour these softened aromatics over the chicken inside the slow cooker.
Step 4: Add the Tomato Sauce and Seasonings
Pour the crushed tomatoes over the chicken and onions, then sprinkle in the dried oregano and red pepper flakes if you like a subtle heat. The sauce base is where all the flavors will marry beautifully over hours of gentle cooking.
Step 5: Cook Low and Slow
Cover the slow cooker and let everything cook on a low setting for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours if you’re short on time. The chicken will emerge tender and infused with the rich tomato and herb flavors. The meat is perfectly cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 6: Finish with Fresh Basil
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the fresh basil leaves. This final addition brings a bright, lively herbal note that balances the sauce’s richness beautifully, completing the Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe with a fresh and fragrant touch.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of freshly shredded Parmesan cheese or a few extra fresh basil leaves on top just before serving to enhance both the flavor and presentation. A drizzle of good quality olive oil can also add a glossy finish and richness.
Side Dishes
This Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides like creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or crusty garlic bread to soak up all that delicious tomato sauce. For something lighter, serve alongside a fresh green salad or some roasted vegetables.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the chicken over a bed of cooked pasta for a hearty, rustic Italian-inspired meal, or use the saucy chicken as a filling for warm pita pockets with some fresh mozzarella and arugula for a delightful twist. The vibrant color and aroma make it a lovely centerpiece for any dinner table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, the Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for easy meals later in the week.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, label them with the date, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a convenient, comforting meal anytime.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through to keep the chicken tender and the sauce luscious. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating without drying out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and tend to be even juicier after slow cooking, offering a richer flavor that complements the tomato basil sauce beautifully.
Do I need to sear the chicken before slow cooking?
Searing is optional but highly recommended. It adds a lovely caramelized flavor and helps seal in juices, making the finished dish even more flavorful and appealing.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute the chicken with firm tofu or hearty vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini. The tomato basil sauce remains delicious and will carry the dish perfectly.
How spicy is the dish with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth rather than intense heat. You can easily adjust the quantity according to your taste or leave them out altogether for a milder flavor.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
You can adapt this recipe for the oven by baking at 325°F (160°C) covered in a casserole dish for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Just keep an eye on moisture levels and add a splash of water or broth if needed.
Final Thoughts
I really hope you give the Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe a try soon because it’s one of those dishes that feels like home with every bite. It’s simple to prepare, wonderfully flavorful, and perfect for busy days when you want a hearty meal waiting for you. Trust me, once you experience how the slow cooker transforms these humble ingredients into a saucy, aromatic delight, it will become a favorite in your recipe collection just like it is in mine.
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Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken is a comforting and flavorful meal featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich tomato sauce infused with fresh basil and garlic. Perfect for busy days, this easy recipe utilizes a slow cooker to develop deep flavors and requires minimal hands-on time, making it an ideal dish for a hearty family dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs)
Tomato Sauce
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Herbs
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts and season them generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Quickly sear the chicken breasts on both sides until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. This step is optional but adds a rich depth of flavor to the dish.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Place the seared chicken breasts into your slow cooker, arranging them evenly at the bottom.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet used for searing, sauté the diced onions and minced garlic over medium heat until fragrant and translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes. Then transfer them to the slow cooker over the chicken.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Pour the crushed tomatoes into the slow cooker. Add dried oregano and red pepper flakes if desired. Stir gently to combine all ingredients around the chicken breasts.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is tender.
- Add Fresh Basil: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the fresh basil leaves. This adds a bright herbal note to the tomato sauce.
- Serve: Once the basil is incorporated and heated through, serve the tomato basil chicken hot, ideally with a side of pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
Notes
- Searing the chicken is optional but recommended for enhanced flavor and texture.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder dish.
- Fresh basil should be added towards the end to retain its bright color and flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- This dish pairs well with pasta, polenta, or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
