Best Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe

There’s something undeniably comforting about a slow-cooked meal—especially one that fills your home with the rich aroma of tomatoes, herbs, garlic, and tender chicken. This Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken recipe is the definition of comfort food. It’s rich yet light, elegant enough for entertaining but easy enough for a weeknight dinner.

The key to this dish lies in the slow infusion of flavors. Over the course of several hours, chicken simmers in a velvety tomato and herb sauce, absorbing every note of flavor. Right before serving, a swirl of cream and freshly chopped basil transforms the dish into a creamy, luxurious masterpiece.

Whether served over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or even with crusty bread, this dish is endlessly versatile. You can make it dairy-free, low-carb, or even vegetarian with simple tweaks.

Equipment Needed

• 6-quart or larger slow cooker

  - Advertisement -

• Chef’s knife and cutting board

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Large mixing spoon or spatula

• Ladle (for serving)

Preparation Instructions

1. Season and Sear the Chicken (Optional but Recommended)

While you can skip this step and place raw chicken directly in the slow cooker, a quick sear builds flavor.

1. Pat chicken dry with paper towels.

2. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

4. Sear chicken for 2–3 minutes per side, just until lightly golden. Don’t cook through—this is just for browning.

5. Transfer seared chicken to the bottom of your slow cooker.

2. Make the Tomato Basil Sauce

In a mixing bowl or directly in the slow cooker, combine the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, minced garlic, onion, oregano, basil, thyme, and sugar. Stir until well mixed.

Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring the chicken is mostly submerged.

3. Slow Cook

Set your slow cooker to:

• Low for 6–7 hours, or

• High for 3–4 hours

The chicken should be very tender and easy to shred with a fork. Avoid lifting the lid frequently, as this releases built-up heat and extends cooking time.

4. Add the Cream and Fresh Basil

About 20–30 minutes before serving, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and set it aside on a cutting board or plate.

To the tomato sauce in the slow cooker, stir in:

• Heavy cream

• Parmesan cheese (if using)

• Fresh chopped basil

Stir well until the sauce becomes creamy and well-blended. Taste and adjust seasoning—add more salt, pepper, or crushed red pepper flakes as needed.

Return the chicken to the pot. Either leave the chicken breasts whole, shred them slightly, or fully shred and mix into the sauce, depending on your desired texture.

Add optional spinach or kale now if desired; it will wilt into the sauce beautifully in the last few minutes of cooking.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is as versatile as it is flavorful. Here are some ways to serve your Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken:

1. Over Pasta

Serve atop a bed of fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti. The creamy sauce clings beautifully to pasta.

2. Over Rice or Quinoa

Perfect for a gluten-free, hearty meal.

3. Mashed Potatoes or Cauliflower Mash

A spoonful of creamy tomato chicken over creamy mash = comfort food at its best.

4. With Crusty Bread

Sop up the sauce with warm, crusty Italian or sourdough bread.

5. In a Bowl

Serve the chicken and sauce as a stew, topped with fresh herbs and grated Parmesan.

Variations and Customizations

One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is.

Protein Options:

• Chicken thighs: More tender and flavorful than breasts.

• Turkey cutlets: Use in place of chicken.

• Meatballs: Add frozen or pre-cooked meatballs instead of chicken.

• Vegetarian: Use white beans or chickpeas instead of meat, and add mushrooms or zucchini for texture.

Cream Alternatives:

• Coconut cream or milk for a dairy-free twist

• Greek yogurt (stir in after cooking, not before)

• Cashew cream for a vegan-friendly version

Add Veggies:

• Mushrooms

• Zucchini

• Bell peppers

• Spinach or kale

• Peas or green beans

Make it Spicy:

• Increase crushed red pepper

• Add a chopped jalapeño or chili flakes

• Use a spicy tomato sauce base

Tips for Best Results

1. Sear the chicken for deeper flavor.

2. Use good-quality canned tomatoes—San Marzano tomatoes are excellent.

3. Don’t add cream too early—wait until the end so it doesn’t curdle.

4. Fresh basil is key. Add it at the end for a vibrant finish.

5. Stir sauce thoroughly after adding cream for a silky texture.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Make-Ahead:

• Prepare everything the night before, including browning the chicken and mixing the sauce.

• Store the ingredients in a container or directly in your slow cooker insert (if removable and refrigerator-safe), then start cooking the next day.

Leftovers:

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. The flavors will deepen and improve over time.

Freezing:

Freeze in individual portions or a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating:

• Microwave individual portions for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway.

• Or reheat on the stove over medium-low heat until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, but it’s recommended to thaw chicken before adding it to the slow cooker to ensure safe cooking. If using frozen, extend cooking time slightly and monitor internal temperature—it should reach 165°F (74°C).

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Just ensure your slow cooker has enough room. A 6- to 8-quart slow cooker is best for double batches.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes. Use the “Sauté” function to brown the chicken, then add the sauce. Pressure cook on high for 10–12 minutes (depending on the cut), quick release, stir in the cream and basil at the end, and serve.

How can I thicken the sauce?

If your sauce is too thin, remove the lid in the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow it to reduce. You can also stir in 1 tablespoon of tomato paste or a cornstarch slurry.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is more than just a meal—it’s a comforting, soul-satisfying dish that brings together classic flavors in a modern, easy-to-make way. Whether you’re a slow-cooker pro or a first-timer, this recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite.