SLOW COOKER CREAMY TOMATO BASIL CHICKEN IRRESISTIBLE

Imagine coming home after a long day to the intoxicating aroma of tender chicken simmering in a luscious, creamy tomato sauce, infused with the bright, fresh scent of basil. This Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is the answer to your weeknight dinner prayers, offering incredible flavor with minimal effort. Get ready to experience a dish so good, you’ll want to make it every week!

The Dream Team: Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder

For the Creamy Tomato Basil Sauce:

• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, for garnish

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

1. In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken breasts.

Step 2: Sear for Flavor (Optional, but Recommended!)

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly browned. This step adds incredible depth of flavor, but if you’re short on time, you can skip it!

Step 3: Slow Cooker Magic

1. Place the seared (or unseared) chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
2. In a large bowl, combine crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, minced garlic, dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Pour the tomato mixture over the chicken.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.

Step 4: Creamy Perfection

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 Parmesan cheese.
4. Cover and cook on low for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce is heated through and creamy.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Stir in or sprinkle fresh basil over the chicken before serving.

Making it Your Own: Delicious Variations

The beauty of this Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is how easily you can customize it to your liking! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Add Veggies: Toss in some chopped onions, bell peppers, or spinach to the slow cooker along with the tomato sauce.
• Spice it Up: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes for a spicier kick. A diced jalapeño would also be amazing!
• Cheese Lovers: Add a cup of shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese along with the Parmesan for an extra cheesy experience.
• Healthy Swap: Use light cream cheese instead of heavy cream for a lighter option.
• Pasta Power: Serve over your favorite pasta, such as penne, spaghetti, or rotini.

Serving Suggestions: Complete the Meal

This Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when paired with the right side dishes. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Pasta: As mentioned above, pasta is a classic pairing. Toss the cooked pasta with the creamy tomato basil chicken for a complete and satisfying meal.
• Rice: Fluffy white rice, brown rice, or even quinoa are great options for soaking up the delicious sauce.
• Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy tomato sauce.
• Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini are healthy and flavorful side dishes.

Troubleshooting Tips: Kitchen Confidence Boosters

Even the easiest recipes can sometimes present challenges. Here are a few common questions and solutions to help you achieve slow cooker success:

• Chicken is Dry: If your chicken is dry, it’s likely been overcooked. Make sure to check it periodically and reduce the cooking time if needed. You can also add a little chicken broth to the slow cooker to help keep it moist.
• Sauce is Too Thin: If your sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by removing the lid from the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking time. This will allow some of the liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, you can whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the sauce during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
• Sauce is Too Thick: If your sauce is too thick, simply add a little chicken broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Chicken Won’t Shred: If your chicken isn’t shredding easily, it may not be fully cooked. Continue cooking it for another hour or so, until it’s tender enough to shred with a fork.

Slow Cooker Secrets: Pro Tips for Perfection

Want to take your Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken to the next level? Here are a few of my top slow cooker tips:

• Don’t Overfill: Avoid overfilling your slow cooker, as this can prevent the food from cooking evenly. Fill it no more than two-thirds full.
• Resist the Urge to Peek: Opening the lid of your slow cooker during cooking releases heat and can significantly increase the cooking time. Try to resist the urge to peek!
• Sear for Flavor: As mentioned earlier, searing the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker adds a ton of flavor. It’s a step you won’t regret!
• Use High-Quality Ingredients: The better the quality of your ingredients, the better the flavor of your dish. Opt for high-quality canned tomatoes, fresh basil, and Parmesan cheese.
• Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Everyone’s taste preferences are different, so be sure to adjust the seasoning to your liking. Taste the sauce before adding the chicken and add more salt, pepper, or other spices as needed.

More Mouthwatering Slow Cooker Recipes to Explore

If you love this Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken, you’ll definitely want to check out some of my other favorite slow cooker recipes! For a comforting and healthy option, try Slow Cooker Keto Chicken Cream Cheese Soup. If you’re craving something rich and savory, Crockpot Chicken And Gravy is always a winner. For an all-in-one meal, you can’t beat Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Potatoes. And for another creamy chicken delight, Creamy Crockpot Chicken is a must-try. Of course, for those chilly days, nothing beats a classic Chicken Noodle Soup.

If you want to try a non slow cooker version, try this Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken.

Why This Recipe Works: The Science of Deliciousness

This recipe isn’t just about throwing ingredients together; it’s a carefully crafted combination of flavors and techniques that result in a truly irresistible dish. The slow cooker allows the chicken to become incredibly tender and absorbs all the flavors of the tomato sauce. Searing the chicken (even though it’s optional) creates a Maillard reaction, which develops complex, savory flavors that you just can’t get from simply boiling or baking. The heavy cream and Parmesan cheese add richness and creaminess, while the fresh basil provides a bright, aromatic finish. It’s a symphony of flavors that will leave you wanting more!

A Budget-Friendly Feast: Saving Money Without Sacrificing Flavor

One of the great things about this Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is that it’s relatively inexpensive to make. Chicken breasts are often on sale, and canned tomatoes and tomato sauce are pantry staples that won’t break the bank. You can also save money by buying a block of Parmesan cheese and grating it yourself, rather than buying pre-grated cheese. Serve it over rice or pasta, both affordable options, and you have a complete and satisfying meal that won’t empty your wallet.

The Final Bite: Enjoy Your Culinary Creation!

You’ve done it! You’ve created a delicious and comforting Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken that your family and friends are sure to love. So grab a fork, gather around the table, and enjoy the fruits of your labor. This recipe is all about bringing people together and creating memories, one delicious bite at a time. Happy cooking!

Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

Amelia Chen-Morrison

This slow cooker creamy tomato basil chicken recipe is an effortless weeknight dinner that’s packed with flavor. Tender chicken simmers in a rich, creamy tomato sauce infused with fragrant basil. It’s a comforting and customizable dish that the whole family will love.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 7 hours hrs

Total Time 7 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian-American

Servings 6

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Large bowl
• Small bowl
• Large Skillet (optional)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Fork
• Knife
• Cutting board

Ingredients

  

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional
• ¼ cup chopped fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions

 

• In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
• Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken breasts.
• 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).
• Place the seared (or unseared) chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
• In a large bowl, combine crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, minced garlic, dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using).
• Pour the tomato mixture over the chicken.
• Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
• 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 Parmesan cheese.
• Cover and cook on low for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce is heated through and creamy.
• Stir in or sprinkle fresh basil over the chicken before serving.

Notes

For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a diced jalapeño. Add a cup of shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese along with the Parmesan for an extra cheesy experience. Use light cream cheese instead of heavy cream for a lighter option. Serve over pasta, rice, garlic bread, salad, or roasted vegetables. If the sauce is too thin, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes or whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the sauce during the last 15 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, simply add a little chicken broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.