Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is the perfect solution for busy days when you still want a homemade, comforting meal. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—just toss the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it work its magic. As the chicken slowly cooks, it absorbs the rich flavors of tangy tomato, fragrant basil, and creamy sauce. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is a recipe you’ll want to make over and over again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Effortless Cooking: It’s a “set it and forget it” meal, ideal for busy days.
Comforting Flavors: The combination of rich tomato, fresh basil, and creamy sauce is a comforting classic.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread for a meal that satisfies every craving.
Perfect for Meal Prep: The leftovers reheat beautifully, making it a great make-ahead option.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best, though you can substitute with boneless chicken thighs for a juicier option.
Tomato Pasta Sauce: Use your favorite well-seasoned tomato-based pasta sauce for a rich tomato flavor.
Diced Tomatoes: Adds texture, but can be substituted with more pasta sauce if you prefer a smoother sauce.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds depth of flavor.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs to give the dish an authentic Italian flair.
Dried Basil: Brings out the classic basil-tomato pairing.
Evaporated Milk or Heavy Cream: These creamy additions balance out the acidity of the tomatoes and create a luxurious texture.
Cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency.
Fresh Basil: Adds a pop of fresh flavor at the end, but basil pesto can also be used if fresh basil is unavailable.

How to Make Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken:

Prepare the Sauce: In the slow cooker, combine the tomato pasta sauce, diced tomatoes, garlic, Italian seasoning, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir well to mix all the flavors.
Mix Cream and Cornstarch: In a separate bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk or heavy cream with cornstarch until smooth. This will help thicken the sauce.
Add Chicken: Place the chicken breasts into the slow cooker, nestling them into the tomato mixture.
Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 3-5 hours, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Finish with Fresh Basil: Before serving, stir in freshly chopped basil or a spoonful of basil pesto for added flavor.
Serve: Pair with pasta, rice, or your favorite side dish.

Cooking Tips:

Check the Chicken Early: To avoid overcooking, start checking the internal temperature of your chicken at the 3-hour mark.
Avoid Low-Fat Dairy: Stick with heavy cream or evaporated milk to prevent curdling during the cooking process.
Thickening the Sauce: If you prefer an even thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to let some liquid evaporate.

Helpful Tips:

Double the Recipe: If you have a large slow cooker, feel free to double the recipe for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
Slow Cooker Liners: Use liners to make cleanup a breeze, especially when making creamy dishes like this.
Fresh Basil Substitutes: Can’t find fresh basil? Try using 1-2 teaspoons of basil pesto for a similar fresh taste.

Recipe Details:

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 3-5 hours
Total Time: 4 hours
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Diet: Gluten-Free

Nutritional Information:

Calories: 210 kcal
Carbohydrates: 16g
Protein: 29g
Fat: 3g
Sodium: 1099mg
Vitamin C: 16mg

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, boneless, skinless thighs will work beautifully and add extra juiciness.
What can I serve with this dish? It pairs well with pasta, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.
Can I use milk instead of cream? It’s best to use evaporated milk or heavy cream to prevent curdling, but if you try regular milk, make sure to add it towards the end.

Storage Instructions:

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: This dish freezes well, but for best results, freeze without the cream and add it after reheating.
Reheating: Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating.

Related Recipes:

If you loved this recipe, you’ll enjoy these creamy, slow cooker favorites:

Crockpot Pierogi Casserole with Turkey Kielbasa

Conclusion:

This Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is an easy, family-friendly meal that’s full of flavor and perfect for busy weeknights. With minimal prep and a few pantry staples, you can enjoy a comforting Italian-inspired dish without spending hours in the kitchen. Give it a try and make dinnertime a breeze!

Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

Author: Charlotte

Print Recipe

Description

Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is the perfect comfort meal for busy weeknights. It’s the kind of dish that fills your home with inviting aromas as it slowly simmers, giving you a taste of slow-cooked goodness without any hassle.

Ingredients

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best, though you can substitute with boneless chicken thighs for a juicier option.
Tomato Pasta Sauce: Use your favorite well-seasoned tomato-based pasta sauce for a rich tomato flavor.
Diced Tomatoes: Adds texture, but can be substituted with more pasta sauce if you prefer a smoother sauce.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds depth of flavor.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs to give the dish an authentic Italian flair.
Dried Basil: Brings out the classic basil-tomato pairing.
Evaporated Milk or Heavy Cream: These creamy additions balance out the acidity of the tomatoes and create a luxurious texture.
Cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce to the perfect consistency.
Fresh Basil: Adds a pop of fresh flavor at the end, but basil pesto can also be used if fresh basil is unavailable.

Instructions

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: This dish freezes well, but for best results, freeze without the cream and add it after reheating.
Reheating: Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating.

Notes

Adjust the cooking time based on your slow cooker. Some cook faster than others, so start checking at 3 hours to avoid overcooking the chicken.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, add more cornstarch or let the sauce simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes after cooking.