This creamy tomato basil chicken is made easy with a slow cooker! Just toss chicken breasts, tomatoes, and basil together, and let it cook until tender and yummy.
You’ll love how the flavors blend perfectly while you relax. I sometimes serve it over pasta for a filling meal—just don’t forget the garlic bread! 🍞
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe due to their tenderness. If you’re looking for a healthier option, skinless thighs work well too. They have more flavor and keep moisture better during cooking.
Crushed Tomatoes: They provide the base for the sauce. If fresh tomatoes are available, you can use about 2 cups of diced fresh tomatoes instead. San Marzano tomatoes are also an excellent alternative for a richer flavor.
Heavy Cream: This is what gives the dish that creamy texture. If you’re watching your calories, you can swap it for half-and-half or a light cream, though the texture may be slightly less rich.
Parmesan Cheese: This adds a salty, nutty flavor to the dish. If you don’t have Parmesan, Pecorino Romano is a good substitute. Nutritional yeast can be used for a dairy-free option, giving a cheese-like flavor.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Stays Tender and Flavorful?
Cooking chicken breasts in a slow cooker is a fantastic way to keep them juicy. Here are the key steps to follow:
- Start by placing the chicken at the bottom of the slow cooker. This ensures it cooks evenly in the flavorful sauce.
- Gather your sauce ingredients in a bowl and mix them well. This step is crucial, making sure the flavors marry nicely before they go on the chicken.
- For extra tenderness, avoid opening the slow cooker while it’s cooking. Each time you do, it releases heat and steam, which can extend cooking time.
- Don’t skip stirring in the Parmesan cheese about 30 minutes before serving. This is when it melts into the sauce and creates a creamy finish.
Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Breasts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Dish:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy tomato basil chicken takes about 15 minutes of prep time and then needs to cook in the slow cooker for either 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. So, it’s perfect for a busy day when you can let it do its magic while you go about your routine!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. This will be the base of your delicious meal!
2. Make the Creamy Sauce:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, chicken broth, minced garlic, dried basil, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until everything is well mixed. This creamy sauce will add so much flavor!
3. Combine Everything in the Slow Cooker:
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, making sure they are nicely coated with that delicious sauce.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when it’s cooked through and tender, a sign that it’s ready to be shredded or served whole.
5. Add the Parmesan:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce. Watch it melt and blend beautifully into the sauce for extra creaminess.
6. Finish and Serve:
Once the chicken is cooked, you can shred it right in the sauce or serve the chicken breasts whole. Garnish with chopped fresh basil and sprinkle some extra Parmesan on top if you like. This dish is fantastic served over pasta or rice, letting you soak up all that flavorful sauce. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours on low or 30-60 minutes on high. There’s no need to thaw them beforehand; they’ll cook perfectly in the slow cooker!
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
No worries! You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, whole milk, or a dairy-free option like coconut cream. Just keep in mind that the sauce may be slightly less rich, so you might want to add a bit of extra Parmesan for flavor!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain the sauce’s creaminess.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Absolutely! You can add chopped bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini to the slow cooker along with the chicken for a nutrient boost. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as veggies can cook faster than chicken.
