Juicy Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Creamy Chicken Breast Recipe

Comfort meets elegance in this creamy tomato basil chicken breast recipe that will transport your taste buds to a rustic Italian kitchen.

Slow cooking brings out rich, deep flavors that meld together beautifully.

The secret lies in the harmonious blend of ripe tomatoes and fragrant basil, creating a sauce that hugs each tender chicken breast with incredible warmth.

Minimal ingredients come together to craft a dish that feels both sophisticated and comforting.

Each bite promises a symphony of herbs and velvety texture that transforms an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Home cooks adore this straightforward yet impressive dinner solution that requires little effort but delivers maximum satisfaction.

Prepare to fall in love with a meal that makes weeknight cooking feel like a gourmet experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 4-5 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)

Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 370 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Tomato Basil Chicken

• Chicken Breast: Lean protein that forms the heart of the dish, opt for fresh, plump breasts without discoloration or strong odors.
• Chicken Broth: Enhances flavor depth and keeps meat tender, choose low-sodium varieties for better control of saltiness.

• Crushed Tomatoes: Provides vibrant, tangy base with rich tomato essence, select San Marzano or premium canned varieties for best results.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic intensity, fresh cloves deliver more robust flavor compared to pre-minced options.
• Dried Basil, Fresh Basil: Introduces herbaceous brightness, dried works for convenience while fresh leaves offer more vibrant taste.
• Parmesan Cheese: Contributes nutty, salty undertones, choose freshly grated for superior melting and flavor.

• Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, silky texture, make sure it's fresh and cold for best incorporation.
• Cornstarch: Acts as natural thickening agent, helps achieve desired sauce consistency without changing flavor profile.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Essential seasoning blend that elevates overall taste complexity, use high-quality spices for maximum impact.

Tools for Slow Cooking Tomato Basil Chicken

• Slow cooker: Essential for this hands-off, tender chicken dish.
• Skillet: Perfect for searing chicken to lock in golden, rich flavor.
• Measuring cups: Helps accurately pour chicken broth and crushed tomatoes.
• Measuring spoons: Precisely adds seasonings like garlic powder and dried basil.
• Cutting board: Used for mincing garlic and chopping fresh basil.
• Sharp knife: Needed for precise ingredient preparation.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring cream and cornstarch mixture into sauce.

Instructions for a Slow Cooker Chicken Dinner

• Brown the Chicken

Grab your chicken breasts and sprinkle them with savory seasonings. Heat a skillet and give the meat a quick golden sear to lock in those delicious flavors. This quick step will make your dish extra tasty.

• Toss Everything in the Slow Cooker

Drop the seared chicken into your slow cooker. Pour in zesty crushed tomatoes and rich chicken broth. Sprinkle minced garlic, fragrant basil, and a handful of Parmesan cheese for an incredible flavor boost.

• Let Happen

Cover your slow cooker and let it work its wonder. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Your chicken will transform into a mouthwatering, tender masterpiece that falls apart with just a fork.

• Create Creamy Goodness

During the final half hour, stir in silky heavy cream. If the sauce needs some love, add a quick cornstarch mixture to give it that perfect, luxurious consistency.

• Serve and Enjoy

Shower your dish with fresh basil leaves. Serve this incredible creation over pasta, fluffy rice, or creamy mashed potatoes. Your taste buds will thank you for this incredible meal!

Tips to Tweak the Tomato Basil Sauce

• Prep chicken and store in airtight containers for quick weeknight dinners. Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for 2-3 months without losing flavor integrity.
• Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or unsweetened almond cream for a lighter, lactose-free version. Ensure cream alternative complements tomato's robust flavor profile.
• Skip pasta and serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. These alternatives dramatically reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining delicious meal structure.
• Sprinkle red pepper flakes for subtle heat. Add smoked paprika or Italian seasoning blend to enhance depth and complexity of sauce without overwhelming primary ingredients.
• Swap chicken with firm tofu or white beans. Press tofu thoroughly and cube before adding to slow cooker, ensuring it absorbs rich tomato and herb flavors effectively.

Tomato Basil Chicken Serving Inspiration

• Pasta Perfection: Toss the creamy tomato basil chicken over al dente linguine or fettuccine for a restaurant-worthy meal that hugs every bite of tender chicken.
• Rustic Rice Companion: Serve atop fluffy jasmine or basmati rice, letting the rich sauce seep into each grain for a comforting, hearty dinner.
• Mashed Potato Elegance: Spoon the chicken and sauce over creamy mashed potatoes, creating a luxurious plate that combines velvety textures and bold flavors.
• Salad Sidekick: Pair with a crisp mixed green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the dish's creamy richness and add a fresh, zesty contrast.

Keep Chicken Fresh with These Storage Tips

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Keep the creamy sauce intact by placing chicken and sauce together to maintain moisture and flavor intensity.
• Carefully transfer cooled chicken and tomato sauce into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring you label with the date and contents. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently to prevent sauce separation.
• Warm chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore sauce consistency. Microwave works too, but stir every 30 seconds to distribute heat evenly and prevent drying out.
• Prepare double batches and portion into individual containers for quick weekday lunches. Pair with quinoa, brown rice, or mixed green salad for balanced nutrition. These prepared meals stay fresh and delicious, offering convenient and tasty dining options throughout the week.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

• Is it okay to substitute heavy cream?

You can replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy. Greek yogurt is another good alternative for a tangy twist.

• Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Use a Dutch oven or large skillet. Sear the chicken, add ingredients, cover, and simmer on low heat for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, reduce Parmesan cheese, choose low-sodium chicken broth, and substitute cream with Greek yogurt or milk to lower calories and fat.

Tender Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Breast Recipe

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4.8 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Breast delivers comfort on a plate with Italian-inspired flavors. Juicy chicken nestles in a rich sauce, promising a simple yet elegant meal that satisfies home cooks and dinner guests alike.

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Ingredients

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• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) crushed tomatoes
• ½ cup (120 ml / 4 fl oz) chicken broth
• ½ cup (120 ml / 4 fl oz) heavy cream
• 1 tbsp dried basil (or ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped)
• ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsps water (optional, for thickening)
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Seasoning Preparation: Thoroughly coat chicken breasts with a blend of spices, ensuring comprehensive flavor infusion and creating a robust seasoning foundation.
2. Searing Stage: Heat skillet to high temperature and quickly sear chicken breasts, developing a caramelized golden-brown exterior that locks in natural juices and intensifies meat’s inherent flavors.
3. Slow Cooker Assembly: Strategically layer seared chicken in slow cooker, surrounding protein with crushed tomatoes, minced garlic, chopped basil, chicken broth, and Parmesan cheese, creating a rich aromatic environment.
4. Cooking Process: Set slow cooker to low temperature and allow chicken to gently poach for several hours, enabling proteins to absorb surrounding liquid and develop tender, succulent texture.
5. Sauce Refinement: During final cooking hour, introduce heavy cream and optional cornstarch slurry to transform cooking liquid into a velvety, luxurious sauce that elegantly coats the chicken.
6. Garnishing and Serving: Carefully transfer chicken to serving platter, drench with creamy tomato sauce, and garnish with fresh basil leaves, presenting a visually compelling and flavor-packed entrée ideal for serving alongside pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.

Notes

• Optimize Spice Coating: Ensure even, thorough seasoning by patting chicken dry before applying spices, preventing moisture from diluting the flavor profile.
• Sear for Maximum Flavor: Use a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan for optimal caramelization, creating a rich golden-brown crust that locks in juices and intensifies taste.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Add cream gradually and avoid boiling to prevent sauce separation, maintaining a smooth, velvety texture throughout cooking.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for dairy-free version, or use Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-rich alternative that keeps the dish creamy and satisfying.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4-5 hours (low) or 2-3 hours (high)
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg