This creamy tomato basil chicken is a cozy treat made in a slow cooker. Tender chicken is cooked in a rich tomato sauce, mixed with fresh basil for a burst of flavor!
Hands down, it’s a perfect dish for busy days; just toss everything in, set it, and forget it! I love serving it with pasta or rice to soak up that yummy sauce! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this dish as they stay moist in the slow cooker. You can substitute thighs for more tenderness or even use leftover rotisserie chicken; just add it toward the end of cooking.
Canned Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes give texture and flavor. If you have fresh tomatoes, feel free to chop them up! You could also use crushed tomatoes for a smoother sauce, but remember it might change the consistency a bit.
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream creates a rich sauce. For a lighter option, use half-and-half or even full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative. Just note that coconut milk will change the flavor slightly.
Fresh Basil: Fresh basil adds a bright flavor. If fresh isn’t available, dried basil works well. You may want to use a little less of the dried version, as it’s usually stronger in flavor.
How Do You Achieve the Best Flavors in the Slow Cooker?
Cooking with a slow cooker is all about layering flavors. Start by sautéing the chicken in olive oil to enhance its flavor before adding it to the slow cooker. It creates a nice golden crust, deepening the taste.
- After searing the chicken (if you choose to), place it in the slow cooker first to ensure it cooks in its juices.
- Mix the tomato ingredients thoroughly before pouring them over the chicken, ensuring every part gets coated.
- Lastly, remember to stir in the cream and cheese toward the end of cooking to keep them fresh and flavorful.
By building the flavors in this way, this dish will be bursting with deliciousness when it’s time to eat! Enjoy cooking!
Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Slow Cooker Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (or 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time, plus cooking time of 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high in your slow cooker. You’ll spend a little time searing the chicken for flavor, then it’s just a matter of mixing, pouring, and waiting for the slow cooker to do its magic!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Searing the Chicken:
Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Then, sear each side for 2-3 minutes until they are golden brown. This step is optional, but it really boosts the flavor of the chicken!
2. Add to the Slow Cooker:
Once the chicken is seared, place the breasts directly into your slow cooker. They’ll get nice and tender as they cook!
3. Mix the Sauce:
In a bowl, combine the diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, minced garlic, finely chopped onion, dried basil (or fresh if you have it), oregano, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything well to combine.
4. Combine and Cook:
Pour that delicious tomato mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring the chicken is well-coated. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for about 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and super tender!
5. Add the Cream:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, stir in the heavy cream (or half-and-half) along with the grated Parmesan cheese. Leave the cover off to let the sauce thicken a bit.
6. Taste and Adjust:
Give the sauce a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add a bit more salt, pepper, or herbs according to your preference.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish your creamy tomato basil chicken with fresh basil leaves if you like. Serve it over a bed of cooked pasta, rice, or with some crusty bread to soak up that creamy goodness!
Enjoy your comforting slow cooker creamy tomato basil chicken! 🍽️
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
It’s best to use thawed chicken for this recipe. If you do accidentally use frozen chicken, increase the cooking time by about an hour on low, and ensure that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before serving.
How Can I Make This Dish Dairy-Free?
You can substitute the heavy cream with a dairy-free alternative, such as coconut milk or cashew cream. For flavor, use unsweetened almond milk and add a tablespoon of nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to toss in some veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Add them in the last hour of cooking to prevent them from becoming too soft but still delicious!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the leftover chicken and sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also reheat in the microwave.
