Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

The Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is a go-to comfort food dish that’s perfect for busy days. Made with tender chicken breasts, rich tomato sauce, a splash of cream, and aromatic basil, it creates a hearty and deeply flavorful meal with minimal effort. Just throw everything into the slow cooker in the morning and enjoy a satisfying dinner by evening.

This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of pasta, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. Its versatility and comforting flavor make it a family favorite and ideal for meal prepping or entertaining guests. The basil adds a fresh, herbaceous finish to the creamy tomato base, elevating it from simple to sensational.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

• 1 ½ cups tomato pasta sauce

• ¾ cup heavy cream

• ½ cup low sodium chicken broth

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp dried basil

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

• 2 tbsp water (if using cornstarch)

• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Directions:

1. Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together tomato sauce, cream, chicken broth, garlic, dried basil, salt, and pepper.

3. Pour the sauce over the chicken in the slow cooker.

4. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

5. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix cornstarch with water and stir into the sauce during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

6. Stir in Parmesan cheese and let it melt into the sauce.

7. Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 5 hours | Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
Kcal: 385 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken: A Comforting Classic Made Effortless

When it comes to weeknight dinners, nothing beats the convenience and soul-warming goodness of a slow-cooked meal. One dish that never fails to deliver on both taste and comfort is Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between minimal effort and maximum flavor. With tender chicken breasts simmering slowly in a creamy, garlic-infused tomato basil sauce, it’s a dish that soothes the soul, pleases the palate, and impresses with its simplicity.

A Cozy Favorite for Every Season

This recipe is beloved not only for its comforting flavors but also for its versatility. Whether you’re seeking warmth on a cold winter night or a satisfying dinner without heating up the kitchen in summer, this slow cooker chicken fits seamlessly into your meal plans. The creamy tomato sauce is rich but not heavy, enhanced by the sweet freshness of basil and the deep umami of garlic and Parmesan.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

Here are a few reasons this dish is a keeper in every home cook’s repertoire:

• Effortless Preparation: All it takes is 10 minutes of prep. Place everything in your slow cooker and let time do the rest.

• Family-Friendly Flavors: Tomato, garlic, basil, and a touch of cream, these universally loved ingredients make this dish a hit with adults and kids alike.

• Meal Prep Dream: This dish keeps well in the fridge and reheats beautifully, making it ideal for weekly meal prepping.

• Customizable: You can serve this chicken with just about anything, over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or with roasted vegetables.

• Gluten-Free & Low-Carb Friendly: Without any flour or breading, this creamy chicken can be enjoyed on a variety of diets.

A Flavor Profile That Warms the Heart

At the heart of this dish is its luscious, slow-simmered tomato basil cream sauce. The tomato base provides a mild tang, perfectly offset by the richness of heavy cream. Minced garlic infuses the dish with a warm depth, while basil brings in a bright, slightly sweet herbal note that elevates the entire meal. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese adds that final savory, nutty element that ties everything together beautifully.

The chicken itself, after hours of gentle cooking, becomes impossibly tender. It practically falls apart with a fork, soaking up every drop of that silky sauce. Whether you shred it and stir it back into the sauce or serve it whole over your favorite carb, the flavor is always front and center.

Ideal Pairings

This creamy tomato basil chicken is a versatile main course that plays well with a variety of sides. Some classic pairings include:

• Pasta: Linguine, spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne, just about any noodle can cradle this creamy sauce.

• Rice: Fluffy jasmine or basmati rice makes a perfect bed for the chicken and sauce.

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy meets creamy in this ultimate comfort food combo.

• Zoodles or Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb version, pair the chicken with spiralized zucchini or riced cauliflower.

• Crusty Bread: A thick slice of sourdough or ciabatta is perfect for mopping up that delicious sauce.

For a pop of freshness, consider serving the dish with a crisp green salad dressed simply in lemon and olive oil or balsamic vinaigrette. Roasted green beans, broccoli, or asparagus also make excellent side dishes.

Tips for Perfect Results

• Use High-Quality Chicken: Fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier, richer result.

• Don’t Skip the Basil: Fresh basil at the end adds brightness and aroma. If you only have dried basil, use it during cooking, but try to add fresh if possible for that final touch.

• Thickening the Sauce: For a thicker sauce, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

• Make It Cheesy: Stir in extra Parmesan or even a handful of shredded mozzarella at the end for a cheesier finish.

• Add Vegetables: Spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes can be added in the last hour of cooking for extra texture and nutrition.

How to Store and Reheat

Leftovers are one of the best parts of this dish! Store any extras in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply microwave in a covered bowl for 2-3 minutes or warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat until heated through. If the sauce has thickened in the fridge, a splash of milk or broth can loosen it up to a silky consistency again.

This dish is also freezer-friendly. Cool completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Variations to Try

Once you’ve tried this classic version, here are some fun ways to switch things up:

• Tuscan Style: Add sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a splash of white wine.

• Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño.

• Cheesy Delight: Stir in cream cheese for an even richer sauce.

• Veggie Boost: Add diced zucchini or mushrooms during the last hour of cooking.

• Protein Swap: Use boneless pork chops or turkey breast in place of chicken.

When to Serve This Dish

• Busy Weeknights: Let it cook while you work or run errands, dinner’s ready when you are.

• Meal Prep Sundays: Make a batch and divide into containers for easy lunches.

• Family Dinners: It’s familiar, hearty, and satisfying for all ages.

• Dinner Parties: Looks elegant when plated, especially with pasta and fresh basil on top.

• Cold Weather Comfort: Cozy and warming, perfect for fall and winter nights.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is more than just a meal, it’s an experience in comfort, flavor, and convenience. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day. With just a few simple ingredients and a slow cooker doing the heavy lifting, you can create a restaurant-worthy dish that the whole family will love.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, feeding a hungry crowd, or just craving something rich and delicious with minimal effort, this recipe is a must-try. It offers flexibility, classic flavors, and that irresistible creamy finish that makes it one of the most comforting dishes you can make with so little effort.

So the next time you’re wondering what to make for dinner, let this slow cooker chicken be your answer. Pair it with your favorite sides, garnish with fresh basil, and get ready for compliments at the dinner table. This one’s a keeper.