CREAMY TOMATO BASIL CHICKEN

Tired of weeknight dinners that require constant attention? Craving a dish that explodes with flavor, yet practically cooks itself? Imagine tender chicken simmering in a rich, creamy tomato sauce, infused with the bright taste of basil. This Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken – Irresistible Comfort – is about to become your new go-to recipe for effortless, delicious meals.

Gathering Your Star Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this incredibly flavorful dish. Don’t worry if you don’t have everything; a little flexibility is key in the kitchen!

For the Chicken:

• 2 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I prefer breasts, but thighs work too for a richer flavor.
• 1 tsp Salt: To season everything beautifully.
• 1/2 tsp Black Pepper: Freshly ground is always best!
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil: For searing the chicken (optional, but recommended!).

For the Creamy Tomato Basil Sauce:

• 1 (28 ounce) can Crushed Tomatoes: The base of our incredible sauce.
• 1 (15 ounce) can Tomato Sauce: Adds depth and richness.
• 1/2 cup Heavy Cream: For that irresistible creaminess. Don’t skimp!
• 1/4 cup Fresh Basil, Chopped: Fresh is *crucial* for that vibrant basil flavor.
• 2 cloves Garlic, Minced: Because everything’s better with garlic, right?
• 1 tsp Dried Oregano: Adds a touch of Italian flair.
• 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): For a little kick!
• 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, savory note.
• 1 tbsp Sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes.

Step-by-Step to Slow Cooker Bliss

Let’s get cooking! This recipe is incredibly easy, so even beginner cooks can achieve amazing results.

Preparing the Chicken (Optional Searing):

1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly browned. This step is optional, but it adds a wonderful depth of flavor and helps the chicken retain moisture. Don’t worry about cooking it through!

Building the Flavorful Sauce in the Slow Cooker:

1. In your slow cooker, combine the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, minced garlic, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), parmesan cheese, and sugar. Give it a good stir to combine.

Slow Cooking to Perfection:

1. Place the seared (or un-seared) chicken breasts into the slow cooker, nestled in the tomato sauce.
2. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be easily shredded with a fork when it’s done.

The Finishing Touch:

1. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks.
2. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
3. Stir in the heavy cream and fresh basil.
4. Cover and let it sit for another 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This step is important – don’t skip it!

Secrets to Ultra-Tender Chicken

Nobody wants dry, stringy chicken! Here are my top tips to guarantee perfectly tender chicken every time:

• Don’t Overcook! This is the golden rule of slow cooking. Overcooked chicken becomes dry and tough. Check the chicken around the minimum cook time and shred it when it’s easily shredded.
• Thighs are your Friend: Chicken thighs are more forgiving than breasts and tend to stay more moist during slow cooking. Feel free to substitute them!
• Sear for Moisture: Searing the chicken before slow cooking helps to seal in the juices and adds a delicious caramelized flavor.

Flavor Variations: Let’s Get Creative!

This recipe is fantastic as is, but feel free to experiment with different flavors! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeno for extra heat.
• Add Veggies: Throw in some chopped onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the slow cooker along with the tomatoes.
• Cream Cheese Boost: For an even richer and creamier sauce, stir in a few ounces of cream cheese along with the heavy cream.
• Sun-Dried Tomato Power: A handful of chopped sun-dried tomatoes adds a tangy, chewy element to the dish.

Serving Suggestions: Complete the Meal!

This Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides:

• Pasta: Serve it over your favorite pasta – spaghetti, penne, or rotini all work beautifully.
• Rice: A bed of fluffy rice is another great option.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the ultimate comfort food pairing.
• Garlic Bread: For soaking up all that delicious sauce!
• Vegetables: A simple side salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans adds a healthy element to the meal.

Make-Ahead Magic and Storage Tips

One of the best things about this recipe is that it can be made ahead of time! Simply prepare the sauce and place the chicken in the slow cooker the night before, then refrigerate. In the morning, just pop it in the slow cooker and let it cook. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container.

What to do with Leftovers

This chicken is so good, you probably won’t have much leftover! But if you do, here are some fun ideas:

• Chicken Salad Sandwiches: Mix the shredded chicken with mayonnaise, celery, and onion for a delicious chicken salad.
• Chicken Quesadillas: Use the chicken as a filling for quesadillas.
• Chicken Pizza: Top your homemade or store-bought pizza with the shredded chicken.
• Chicken Stuffed Peppers: Use the chicken to stuff bell peppers, along with rice and other vegetables.

Don’t Forget These Other Delicious Chicken Recipes

If you are looking for some other really easy chicken recipes, you must try the CREAMY GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN and CROCKPOT MARRY ME CHICKEN. I think you may also enjoy the ULTIMATE SLOW COOKER BUTTER CHICKEN. If you want to include a side with your chicken, consider the Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken & Potatoes. Another option is the Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken & Rice. Or, for another take on the garlic parmesan flavors, see the Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken.

Troubleshooting: Kitchen Conundrums Solved!

Even the best recipes can sometimes have a few hiccups. Here are some common problems and how to fix them:

• Sauce is Too Thin: If the sauce is too thin, remove the lid from the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. You can also thicken it with a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water).
• Sauce is Too Thick: If the sauce is too thick, simply add a little bit of chicken broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Chicken is Dry: As mentioned earlier, avoid overcooking the chicken. If you find that the chicken is dry, try adding a little bit more heavy cream or chicken broth to the sauce.

So there you have it – your guide to creating the most comforting and flavorful Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken imaginable! Get ready to be showered with compliments and enjoy a stress-free, delicious meal. Happy cooking!

Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

Amelia Chen-Morrison

This Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is an effortless and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken simmers in a rich, creamy tomato sauce infused with the bright flavors of basil, creating a comforting and satisfying dish that practically cooks itself.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian-American

Servings 6

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Large Skillet (optional)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Garlic press
• Fork
• Spoon

Ingredients

  

• 2 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
• 1 tsp Salt
• ½ tsp Black Pepper
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• ½ cup Heavy Cream
• ¼ cup Fresh Basil, Chopped
• 2 cloves Garlic, Minced
• 1 tsp Dried Oregano
• ½ tsp Red Pepper Flakes Optional
• ¼ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
• 1 tbsp Sugar

Instructions

 

• Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (optional).
• Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly browned (optional).
• In your slow cooker, combine the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, minced garlic, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), parmesan cheese, and sugar. Stir well.
• Place the seared (or un-seared) chicken breasts into the slow cooker, nestled in the tomato sauce.
• Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be easily shredded with a fork when it’s done.
• Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks.
• Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
• Stir in the heavy cream and fresh basil.
• Cover and let it sit for another 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
• Serve over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or with garlic bread and vegetables.

Notes

For ultra-tender chicken, avoid overcooking. Chicken thighs can be substituted for breasts for a richer flavor. Searing the chicken before slow cooking helps to seal in the juices and adds flavor. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container. To thicken the sauce, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water). For an even richer flavor, stir in a few ounces of cream cheese along with the heavy cream. Spice it up with a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeno.