If you’re craving an easy, comforting dinner with a swirl of rich, creamy sauce, fragrant basil, and succulent chicken, this Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is destined to become your new favorite. It’s a fuss-free dish that transforms simple ingredients into something spectacular, thanks to the magic of a slow cooker and a handful of pantry staples. Whether you need a weeknight hero or a crowd-pleasing meal that feels like a warm hug, this recipe is pure comfort in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe brings something special—tender chicken, tangy tomatoes, fresh herbs, and a creamy finish all come together to make this dish sing. Don’t be intimidated by the list: each item plays a role in building that signature flavor and velvety texture. Let’s get you set up for Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken success!
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless so they soak up all the lovely flavors without any fuss.
- Diced tomatoes: Canned tomatoes bring tang and juicy sweetness to the sauce.
- Sun-dried tomatoes in oil: These get chopped for little bursts of concentrated tomato flavor that pop in every bite.
- Garlic: Minced fresh for just the right punch of aromatic warmth.
- Salt: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors in the dish.
- Black pepper: Adds mild heat and depth to the sauce.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of dried herbs that rounds out the sauce beautifully.
- Chicken broth: Provides savory base notes and keeps the chicken wonderfully moist.
- Heavy cream: For that rich, dreamy creaminess we all crave in comfort food.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds sharpness and deep umami complexity to the sauce.
- Cornstarch (optional): If you love a thicker sauce, this is your secret weapon.
- Fresh basil: Chopped fresh, it finishes the dish with bright, herbal notes that make it feel truly special.
How to Make Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken
Step 1: Layer the Chicken and Tomatoes
Start by placing your chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. This gives them a cozy spot to cook gently and soak up all the flavors. Next, scatter the diced tomatoes, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and minced garlic over the chicken. Sprinkle on the salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning—this base is where all those gorgeous flavors start mingling.
Step 2: Add Broth and Get Cooking
Pour the chicken broth into the slow cooker, making sure everything is snuggled together nicely. Pop the lid on, set the heat to low for 5–6 hours (or high for 2.5–3 hours, if time is tight), and let your Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken slowly work its magic. The chicken will get incredibly tender, and the sauce will become rich and savory as it simmers.
Step 3: Stir in Cream and Cheese
About half an hour before you’re ready to eat, carefully remove the chicken breasts and set them aside on a plate. This gives you space to stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, transforming the tomato base into a decadent, velvety sauce. If you’d like a thicker sauce, whisk the cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water, then stir it into the sauce for a luscious, spoon-clinging texture.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Return the chicken breasts to the slow cooker, nestling them back into that creamy sauce. Cover and cook for another 20–30 minutes, just to warm through and let the flavors meld even further. Just before serving, toss in the chopped fresh basil for a burst of freshness and color. Spoon everything over your favorite base—pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes—and get ready for lots of “oohs” and “ahhs” at the table.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken
Garnishes
This dish is all about those finishing touches. When you’re ready to serve, scatter extra fresh basil or a sprinkle of Parmesan over each plate. A crack of freshly ground black pepper or a drizzle of good olive oil also adds a gourmet touch that makes Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken truly shine.
Side Dishes
To round out your meal, think of sides that will soak up all that dreamy sauce. Steamed rice, buttery mashed potatoes, or a tangle of al dente pasta are classic partners. For some fresh crunch, add a leafy Italian salad or simple steamed green beans.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to dazzle guests or treat yourself, try serving the chicken atop individual crostini for an appetizer spin, or ladle the creamy tomato basil sauce over a bowl of cheesy polenta. For lunches, tuck leftovers into a lightly toasted ciabatta roll with a handful of arugula—it’s Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken reinvented!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Simply transfer the chicken and sauce to an airtight container and let it cool before refrigerating. The sauce might thicken a bit, but that just means even more flavor packed in your next meal.
Freezing
If you’ve made a big batch, Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken also freezes very well. Cool the chicken and sauce completely, then pack them into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to three months—just remember to label and date your containers so you don’t lose track!
Reheating
For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring every so often to ensure the sauce stays creamy. If the sauce thickens too much, just add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up until it’s silky again.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are just as delicious here—maybe even more so if you love a richer flavor and juicier bite. Feel free to swap them in at the same quantity and proceed as directed.
Is there a dairy-free way to make this recipe?
Yes! You can substitute coconut cream for the heavy cream (it blends surprisingly well with the tomato) and simply leave out the Parmesan. You still end up with a luscious, creamy sauce that’s dairy-free.
What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes?
If you can’t find sun-dried tomatoes or just want to switch it up, roasted red peppers are a tasty, tangy alternative. They add sweetness and color, keeping the spirit of Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken intact.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Toss in a few handfuls of spinach or some sliced mushrooms during the last hour of cooking for extra flavor, texture, and nutrition. They pair beautifully with the creamy sauce.
How do I make the sauce thicker?
For a sauce that clings just right, stirring in a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch whisked together with a bit of cold water) does the trick. Add this mixture along with the cream and Parmesan, then let the sauce simmer until it thickens to your liking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about serving a dish that’s as comforting as it is impressive, and Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken fits the bill perfectly. It’s a dinnertime delight that makes both the cook and the eaters feel genuinely cared for. I hope you’ll try it soon and share this flavorful, creamy goodness with your favorite people!
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Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken, a comforting and satisfying dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Tender chicken breasts cooked in a creamy tomato sauce infused with garlic, basil, and Parmesan cheese, all effortlessly prepared in your slow cooker.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Sauce:
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- Add Ingredients: Add diced tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and chicken broth.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours or on high for 2.5–3 hours until chicken is tender.
- Finish Sauce: Remove chicken, stir in cream, Parmesan. Thicken with cornstarch if desired. Return chicken to slow cooker and cook for another 20–30 minutes.
- Serve: Sprinkle with fresh basil before serving over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream and omit Parmesan.
- Add spinach or mushrooms during the last hour for extra veggies.
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