Dreamy Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Breast Recipe

Slow cookers can turn an ordinary evening meal into a tantalizing chicken breast experience that surprises everyone at the table.

This creamy tomato basil creation transforms simple ingredients into something magical.

We stumbled upon this recipe during a lazy weekend experiment.

Tender chicken absorbs rich flavors while simmering gently in a velvety sauce.

The combination of ripe tomatoes and fragrant basil creates an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen.

Fresh herbs and minimal preparation make this dish a weeknight lifesaver.

Each bite promises comfort and deliciousness that will have people asking for seconds.

Grab your apron and let the slow cooker work its delectable magic!

Pro Tips for Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken Breast

• Sear for Deeper Flavor: Browning the chicken in a skillet before slow cooking enhances the overall taste and develops rich, caramelized notes that make the dish more complex.
• Customize Cream Consistency: Adjust the sauce thickness by gradually adding cornstarch mixture if you prefer a more velvety texture without compromising the creamy goodness.
• Herb Selection Matters: Fresh basil brings a brighter, more vibrant flavor compared to dried herbs, so use fresh leaves when possible for maximum taste impact.
• Protein Swap Options: Replace chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a more tender result, or try turkey breast for a different protein alternative that works equally well.
• Low and Slow Magic: Cooking on low heat allows the chicken to become incredibly tender and lets the flavors meld together, creating a more harmonious and delicious final dish.

Why Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken Breast Is a Must-Try

• Transform ordinary chicken breasts into a tender, flavor-packed meal by letting the slow cooker do all the hard work, ensuring juicy meat and a rich, creamy sauce every single time.
• Delight family and friends with this versatile dish that combines classic Italian-inspired flavors, making it a go-to recipe for gatherings, date nights, or simple weekday meals that everyone will love.
• Easily adapt the recipe by serving over your favorite starches like pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, and adjust seasonings to suit your taste preferences with minimal effort.

Ingredients Needed for Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken Breast

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that becomes tender and flavorful when slow-cooked. Best when fresh and boneless.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds rich, salty depth to the sauce. Choose authentic, freshly grated for best flavor.

• Crushed Tomatoes, Chicken Broth: Create a rich, tangy sauce foundation. Use low-sodium broth for better control of salt content.
• Heavy Cream: Provides creamy texture and luxurious mouthfeel. Full-fat version recommended for best results.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Essential spices for seasoning the chicken. Freshly ground spices offer more intense flavor.
• Dried Basil, Fresh Basil Leaves: Provides herbal, aromatic notes. Fresh basil is best for garnishing.
• Minced Garlic: Adds sharp, pungent flavor to the sauce. Fresh garlic cloves preferred over pre-minced.
• Cornstarch: Optional thickening agent for adjusting sauce consistency. Creates smooth, glossy sauce texture.

How to Make Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken Breast Easily

Step 1: Kickstart The Flavor

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder

Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Dance those chicken pieces around for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn golden and gorgeous. (Optional magic step that boosts deliciousness)

Step 2: Build The Base

• Crushed tomatoes
• Chicken broth

• Minced garlic
• Dried basil
• Parmesan cheese

Step 3: Slow And Steady Cooking

Lock the lid and let your slow cooker work its wonder. Cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours until chicken becomes fork-tender and juicy.

Step 4: Create Creamy Magic

During the final 30 minutes, swirl in heavy cream. Want a thicker sauce? Blend cornstarch mixture to reach perfect consistency.

Step 5: Serve With Celebration

Shower with fresh basil leaves. Nestle this dreamy chicken over pasta, fluffy rice, or creamy mashed potatoes.

Best Storage Method for Tomato Basil Chicken Breast

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled chicken to freezer-safe containers, storing up to 3 months. Seal tightly to prevent freezer burn and maintain flavor.
• Warm refrigerated chicken in microwave using 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Alternatively, gently reheat in skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying.
• If sauce separates during storage, whisk briefly when reheating to restore creamy consistency and recombine ingredients smoothly.

Side Ideas for Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken Breast

• Choose a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the creamy tomato sauce's richness and cut through its velvety texture.
• Serve warm, crusty Italian bread or garlic toast to soak up the delicious sauce and add a delightful crunch to the meal.
• Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's creamy profile and provide a bright, zesty contrast.
• Prepare a side of roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant to add color, nutrition, and a complementary Mediterranean-inspired flavor to the chicken.

Different Ways to Enjoy Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken Breast

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk for a creamy, lactose-free option. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to maintain rich flavor.
• Low-Carb Solution: Skip pasta or rice. Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate intake while keeping the dish satisfying and nutritious.
• Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Add red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, and a splash of white wine for a bold, zesty version. Include chopped kalamata olives for extra Mediterranean character.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Swap chicken with firm tofu or white beans. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and increase herbs for deeper flavor profile.

Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Breast Recipe

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4.8 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy tomato basil chicken breast elevates home cooking with Italian-inspired comfort. Tender chicken breasts simmer in a rich, herb-infused sauce that delivers mouthwatering flavor and simple weeknight elegance when you crave something special.

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Ingredients

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Meat:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Seasonings and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder

Other Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) crushed tomatoes
• ½ cup (120 milliliters / 4 fluid ounces) chicken broth
• ½ cup (120 milliliters / 4 fluid ounces) heavy cream
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon dried basil (or ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped)
• ¼ cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Orchestrate a flavor foundation by generously massaging chicken breasts with aromatic spices, creating a robust seasoning profile that will elevate the entire dish.
2. Develop a rich caramelized exterior for the chicken by searing in a hot skillet, which intensifies the meat’s inherent flavors and creates a beautiful golden-brown crust.
3. Transfer the seared protein into the slow cooker, blanketing it with a vibrant tomato landscape infused with fragrant garlic, herbaceous basil, and umami-rich Parmesan cheese.
4. Submerge the chicken in a luxurious liquid bath of crushed tomatoes and savory chicken broth, allowing the proteins to gently poach and absorb the surrounding aromatic essence.
5. Allow the slow cooker to tenderly transform the chicken, maintaining a low and consistent temperature that guarantees exceptionally moist and succulent meat.
6. Introduce velvety heavy cream during the final culinary moments, creating a silken sauce that embraces the chicken with a decadent, smooth texture.
7. If needed, incorporate a cornstarch slurry to elegantly thicken the sauce, ensuring a perfect consistency that clings beautifully to the meat.
8. Finalize the dish by adorning with delicate fresh basil leaves, presenting a visually stunning and flavor-packed entrée perfect for serving atop pasta, rice, or creamy mashed potatoes.

Notes

• Enhance flavor by searing chicken before slow cooking, creating a golden-brown exterior that locks in delicious, rich taste.
• Opt for fresh basil instead of dried for a brighter, more vibrant herb profile that elevates the entire dish’s aromatic quality.
• Adjust cream consistency by gradually adding cornstarch mixture, preventing sauce from becoming too thick or lumpy.
• Transform dish into lighter version by substituting heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for diet-friendly alternatives.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4-5 hours (low) / 2-3 hours (high)
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 425
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 38g
• Cholesterol: 120mg