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.