Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe
This Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich tomato and basil-infused creamy sauce. Perfect for an easy, hands-off meal, it uses simple ingredients and slow cooking to develop deep flavors, making it ideal for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Tomato Sauce Base
- 1 can diced tomatoes with Italian herbs with juice (14 oz or 398 ml)
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Cream Mixture
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs)
Finishing Touches
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare Sauce Base: Add the diced tomatoes with Italian herbs and their juice, marinara sauce, minced garlic, salt, Italian seasoning, dried basil, and pepper into a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker. Stir these ingredients together thoroughly to combine the flavors.
- Mix Cream and Cornstarch: In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy whipping cream and cornstarch until smooth and well combined. This mixture will help thicken the sauce during cooking.
- Add Cream Mixture to Slow Cooker: Pour the cream and cornstarch mixture into the slow cooker with the tomato sauce base, stirring gently to incorporate.
- Place Chicken in Sauce: Add the boneless skinless chicken breasts into the slow cooker, pressing them down slightly so they are coated and submerged in the sauce.
- Cook on Low: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken is done when a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F (74°C).
- Finish and Serve: Once cooked, stir in the freshly chopped basil. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as desired. Serve the chicken topped with grated Parmesan cheese for added richness and flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but it may be less thick.
- For best results, do not open the slow cooker lid during cooking to maintain temperature and cooking time.
- Serve with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy tomato basil sauce.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for 3 days and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
