Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Breast Recipe

If you’re looking for a recipe that’s both comforting and elegant, this Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Breast is exactly what you need.

Slow-cooked to perfection, the chicken becomes incredibly tender while soaking up the rich, creamy tomato basil sauce. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, yet impressive enough to serve at a dinner party. This dish marries the flavors of fresh tomatoes, aromatic basil, and rich cream for a meal that feels indulgent without the effort.

Substitutions and Optional Add-ins:

• Chicken Thighs: For an even juicier result, swap the chicken breasts for bone-in, skinless chicken thighs.
• Canned Diced Tomatoes: If fresh tomatoes are out of season, canned diced tomatoes can be used.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick of spice.

Tools You’ll Need

To make this delicious dish, gather the following tools:

• A slow cooker (6-quart works best)
• A large skillet for searing the chicken
• Cutting board and knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Preparing the Chicken Breasts

1. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel, then season them on both sides with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of oregano.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust. (This step adds flavor and helps the chicken hold its moisture while slow cooking.)

Tip: Don’t overcrowd the skillet when searing the chicken—work in batches if needed.

Making the Creamy Tomato Basil Sauce

1. Sauté Onions and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the diced onions and garlic. Sauté for about 3 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
2. Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste, allowing it to cook for 1-2 minutes to intensify the flavor.
3. Pour in Crushed Tomatoes and Broth: Add the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth to the skillet, stirring well to combine. Simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
4. Stir in Cream and Parmesan: Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce becomes thick and creamy.
5. Add Fresh Basil: Stir in half of the fresh basil, reserving the rest for garnishing later.

Assembling the Slow Cooker

1. Layer the Chicken: Place the seared chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker in an even layer.
2. Pour Over the Sauce: Gently pour the creamy tomato basil sauce over the chicken, ensuring each breast is fully coated.
3. Cook: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).

Tip: If you’re in a hurry, cooking on high still results in tender, flavorful chicken, but low and slow is the best method for juiciness.

Finishing Touches

1. Check for Seasoning: Before serving, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or a pinch of sugar if needed.
2. Garnish with Basil: Top with the remaining fresh basil for a burst of color and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy tomato basil chicken is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways:

• Over Pasta: Serve the chicken and sauce over fettuccine or spaghetti for a classic Italian-inspired meal.
• With Rice: For a lighter option, pair it with steamed rice or cauliflower rice.
• With Crusty Bread: Use a slice of crusty bread to soak up every last bit of the delicious sauce.

Variations of the Recipe

• Low-Carb Option: Skip the pasta or rice and serve the chicken with zucchini noodles or a side of roasted vegetables.
• Dairy-Free Version: Replace the heavy cream with coconut milk and the Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free twist that’s still creamy and flavorful.

Storing and Reheating

Got leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, gently warm the chicken and sauce on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to maintain the sauce’s creamy texture.

Freezing Tip: You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then reheat gently on the stovetop.

Nutritional Benefits

• Chicken Breasts: A lean source of protein, chicken breasts help keep this meal filling yet healthy.
• Tomatoes: Rich in antioxidants like lycopene, tomatoes offer a variety of health benefits, including heart health.
• Basil: Fresh basil is not only aromatic but also packed with vitamins like vitamin K and antioxidants.

Pairing Suggestions

To elevate your dining experience, consider pairing this Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken with:

• White Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a buttery Chardonnay complements the creaminess of the sauce.
• Sparkling Water: For a non-alcoholic option, a glass of sparkling water with a slice of lemon or lime adds a refreshing touch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Chicken: Be mindful of the cooking time. Overcooking chicken breasts in the slow cooker can result in dry, tough meat. Stick to the recommended time for the best results.
• Not Searing the Chicken: Skipping the searing step may save time, but it also skips out on flavor. Taking a few extra minutes to sear the chicken adds depth to the dish.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Breast Recipe offers an easy way to create a gourmet-style dinner with minimal hands-on time.

Yield: 4

Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Breast Recipe

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If you're looking for a recipe that's both comforting and elegant, this Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Breast is exactly what you need. Slow-cooked to perfection, the chicken becomes incredibly tender while soaking up the rich, creamy tomato basil sauce. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, yet impressive enough to serve at a dinner party. This dish marries the flavors of fresh tomatoes, aromatic basil, and rich cream for a meal that feels indulgent without the effort.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 6 hours

Total Time 6 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes (optional)
• 1 tsp dried basil (or 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
• Olive oil for searing (optional)

Instructions

1. Optional Searing:
   Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a little olive oil.
   Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
   Sear the chicken breasts in the skillet for 2-3 minutes on each side until lightly browned (this step is optional but adds extra flavor). Transfer the chicken to the slow cooker.
   
2. Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker:
   In the slow cooker, add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, minced garlic, chopped onion, sun-dried tomatoes (if using), dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes.
   Stir everything together until combined.
   Nestle the chicken breasts into the sauce mixture, ensuring they are fully covered.
   
3. Slow Cook:
   Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
   
4. Add Cream and Parmesan:
   About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese.
   Let the sauce thicken slightly as it continues to cook.
   
5. Serve:
   Once the chicken is done, carefully remove it from the slow cooker.
   Spoon the creamy tomato basil sauce over the chicken and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
   
6. Enjoy:
   Serve with pasta, rice, or a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Notes

You can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a juicier result.

For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms during the last 30 minutes for extra texture and flavor.