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Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.2 from 70 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Transfer to Slow Cooker: Place the seared chicken breasts into your slow cooker, arranging them evenly at the bottom.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Add Fresh Basil: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the fresh basil leaves. This adds a bright herbal note to the tomato sauce.
  8. 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.

Find it online: https://slsrecipes.com/slow-cooker-tomato-basil-chicken-recipe/