Savory Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Breasts Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and these slow cooker creamy tomato basil chicken breasts deliver pure comfort on a plate.

Tender chicken simmers in a luscious sauce that speaks volumes about home-cooked deliciousness.

Rich tomato flavors mingle with fragrant basil, creating a meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Every bite promises depth and satisfaction without hours of kitchen labor.

The slow cooker works magic, turning simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

creamy, herbaceous, and utterly irresistible, this dish will become your new go-to dinner solution.

Get ready to fall in love with a recipe that makes weeknight cooking a breeze.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 5 hours

Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients Inside Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken

• Diced Tomatoes: Adds vibrant, tangy foundation and chunky texture to create depth in the sauce.
• Tomato Pasta Sauce: Provides rich, smooth tomato flavor and helps build a robust sauce profile.
• Minced Garlic: Delivers aromatic punch and creates a savory undertone for the entire dish.
• Italian Seasoning: Brings a harmonious blend of herbs that elevates the sauce's complexity.
• Dried Basil: Introduces a classic herbal note that complements the tomato base.
• Black Pepper: Offers subtle heat and rounds out the sauce's overall flavor.

• Evaporated Milk: Creates a luxurious, silky texture without overwhelming the dish's delicate flavors.
• Corn Starch: Acts as a natural thickener to give the sauce elegant consistency and body.

• Chicken Breasts: Serves as the primary protein, absorbing the sauce's rich flavors and providing a tender, nutritious centerpiece.
• Fresh Basil: Adds a bright, final burst of herbaceous freshness just before serving, enhancing the entire dish's aromatic profile.

Tools for Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken Breasts

• Slow Cooker: Essential for creating this tender, flavorful chicken dish with minimal effort.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending the milk and cornstarch smoothly without lumps.
• Small Bowl: Ideal for mixing the thickening cream and cornstarch mixture.
• Cutting Board: Necessary for preparing fresh basil and any additional side ingredients.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for chopping herbs and preparing ingredients precisely.

How to Make Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken in the Crockpot

• Sauce Preparation

Create a flavorful tomato base inside your slow cooker by mixing diced tomatoes, pasta sauce, and aromatic seasonings. Blend these ingredients smoothly to develop a rich, complex flavor profile.

• Sauce Texture Enhancement

Incorporate a creamy element by whisking together a thickening agent with a dairy product. This technique ensures a silky, luxurious sauce consistency that will coat the chicken perfectly.

• Chicken Placement

Gently nestle chicken breasts into the prepared sauce, ensuring they are completely surrounded by the flavorful liquid. This method guarantees even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.

• Slow Cooking Process

Allow the chicken to simmer slowly, transforming into a tender, succulent dish. Monitor the internal temperature to ensure safe and perfect cooking, typically requiring 3-5 hours on low heat.

• Final Touch and Presentation

Brighten the dish with fresh basil moments before serving. Plate over your favorite grain or alongside crisp vegetables for a complete, satisfying meal that bursts with Mediterranean-inspired flavors.

Flavor Ideas for Tomato Basil Chicken Breasts

• Replace chicken breasts with thighs, turkey breast, or boneless pork chops for a different flavor profile and texture variation.
• Mix in a splash of white wine or balsamic vinegar during cooking to add complexity and richness to the tomato base.
• Sprinkle shredded mozzarella, parmesan, or crumbled feta on top during the last 30 minutes of cooking for extra creaminess and tang.
• Toss in chopped zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers halfway through cooking to increase nutritional value and create a more substantial meal.
• Add red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or a dash of cayenne for those who enjoy a subtle kick of heat in their dish.

Ways to Serve Tomato Basil Chicken Perfectly

• Pasta Paradise: Ladle the creamy tomato basil chicken over al dente spaghetti or fettuccine for a classic Italian-inspired meal that will transport your taste buds straight to comfort food heaven.
• Rice Roundup: Serve the tender chicken and rich sauce atop fluffy white or brown rice, allowing the grains to soak up all the delicious tomato and basil flavors.
• Salad Sidekick: Pair the chicken with a crisp mixed green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the creamy sauce and add a fresh, zesty element to your plate.
• Herb Garden Garnish: Sprinkle extra fresh basil leaves or grated parmesan cheese on top to elevate the presentation and add a burst of aromatic freshness to the dish.

Keeping Slow Cooker Chicken Moist and Tasty

• Maximize Meal Prep: Cook an extra batch of chicken breasts and refrigerate for quick lunches throughout the week. The creamy tomato sauce keeps the meat tender and flavorful for 3-4 days.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Pack individual portions in airtight containers, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen chicken stays delicious for up to 2 months when properly sealed.
• Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated chicken gently in the microwave or stovetop, adding a splash of broth to maintain moisture. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and prevent drying out.
• Smart Storage Solutions: Store sauce and chicken separately if possible, keeping them in clear, labeled containers in the refrigerator. This method helps maintain optimal texture and prevents soggy ingredients.

Tender Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken Breasts Recipe

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4.7 from 26 reviews

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

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Description

Slow cooker creamy tomato basil chicken breasts deliver comfort and richness from Mediterranean-inspired ingredients. Herbs, cream, and tender chicken combine for a simple yet elegant dinner solution you can easily prepare.

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Ingredients

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• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 (14 oz / 398 ml) can diced tomatoes with Italian herbs
• 1 cup tomato pasta sauce
• ½ cup evaporated milk or heavy cream
• 2 tbsps corn starch
• 2 tbsps fresh basil, finely chopped
• 2 tsps minced garlic
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp dried basil
• ¼ tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Sauce Preparation: Blend diced tomatoes, tomato pasta sauce, minced garlic, salt, Italian seasoning, dried basil, and black pepper in a 3-6 quart slow cooker, creating a robust flavor foundation.
2. Thickener Creation: Whisk evaporated milk (or heavy cream) with corn starch in a separate bowl until achieving a smooth, lump-free consistency.
3. Sauce Integration: Incorporate the milk-corn starch mixture into the slow cooker, stirring thoroughly to ensure even distribution and sauce homogeneity.
4. Chicken Placement: Immerse chicken breasts completely in the seasoned sauce, positioning them to cook evenly and absorb maximum flavor.
5. Slow Cooking Process: Cover and set slow cooker to low temperature, allowing chicken to simmer for 3-5 hours until reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), adjusting time based on cooker size.
6. Final Flourish: Gently fold fresh basil leaves into the sauce moments before serving to elevate the dish with a bright, aromatic finish.
7. Serving Suggestion: Plate the creamy tomato basil chicken atop pasta, steamed rice, or accompanied by a crisp salad and roasted vegetables for a complete, satisfying meal.

Notes

• Timing Tip: Check chicken’s doneness at 3 hours to prevent overcooking, ensuring tender and juicy meat.
• Sauce Consistency: Whisk cornstarch mixture thoroughly to eliminate lumps and achieve a smooth, velvety texture.
• Flavor Boosting: Allow fresh basil to infuse during the last 15-20 minutes for maximum aromatic impact.
• Serving Suggestion: Let chicken rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to absorb additional sauce and enhance overall flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 hours
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 750 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg