This Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Breasts dish is a dream! It features tender chicken cooked in a rich tomato sauce with fresh basil that fills your kitchen with a wonderful aroma.
You’ll love how easy it is to make—just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do its magic! Perfect for busy days when you want a comforting meal without a lot of fuss.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can use skinless chicken thighs, which are juicier. For a vegetarian twist, consider substituting with chickpeas or a plant-based chicken alternative.
Diced Tomatoes: A can of diced tomatoes adds flavor and moisture. If you prefer fresh, use about 4-5 ripe tomatoes, chopped. You could also choose canned fire-roasted tomatoes for a smoky flavor.
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream creates a rich and creamy sauce. If you want a lighter option, you can substitute with half-and-half or coconut cream for a dairy-free version, but it may alter the flavor slightly.
Parmesan Cheese: Fresh grated Parmesan cheese adds a nice depth. If you’re out of Parmesan, try Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free alternative. Just keep in mind it won’t melt in the same way as cheese does.
Fresh Basil: Fresh basil is a key ingredient, giving freshness to the dish. In the off-season, dried basil works as a substitute, but use less as it’s more concentrated in flavor.
How Do I Cook Chicken Perfectly in a Slow Cooker?
Cooking chicken in a slow cooker is simple, but getting it just right takes some care. The key is to avoid overcooking, which can make the chicken dry. Here’s how to do it:
- Always season your chicken well. Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning go a long way.
- Use the right amount of liquid. The chicken will release some moisture, so don’t add too much broth.
- Keep the lid closed. Resist the urge to peek, as this releases heat and extends cooking time.
- Check for doneness after 4 hours on low. Chicken should shred easily with a fork when it’s ready.
Some like to sear the chicken first for extra flavor, so that’s an option if you have time! Just heat oil in a skillet, sear for a few minutes on each side, and then transfer to the slow cooker.
How to Make Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Breasts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
For The Sauce:
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious slow cooker dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and then cooks for 4 to 6 hours in the slow cooker. So, you can prep it in no time, and let your slow cooker do the work while you relax!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sautéing the Aromatics:
Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them together for about 5 minutes or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. This is going to add a fantastic flavor to your dish!
2. Setting Up the Slow Cooker:
Next, take your slow cooker and place the chicken breasts inside. Season them evenly with the salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. This will give your chicken a lovely taste right from the start.
3. Adding the Sauce Ingredients:
Now, pour the sautéed onion and garlic mix over the chicken in the slow cooker. Then, open the can of diced tomatoes and add them (with their juices) along with the chicken broth. Gently stir to combine everything together so that the chicken is nicely covered.
4. Slow Cooking the Chicken:
Cover your slow cooker with the lid, and let it work its magic. Cook on low for about 4 to 6 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is cooked through and can be easily shredded with a fork. It’ll smell amazing!
5. Finishing the Sauce:
About 30 minutes before serving, it’s time to add the creamy goodness. Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and the chopped fresh basil. Mix well and allow it to heat through. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed—it should be delicious!
6. Serving Your Dish:
Once done, serve the creamy tomato basil chicken warm. Garnish each serving with additional fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if you like. Enjoy your tasty meal!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Chicken Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative and will remain tender and juicy during cooking. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if they are larger; they might need a bit more time to cook through.
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
No worries! You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich. To thicken it a bit more, consider adding a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little water before adding it to the slow cooker.
Can I Prepare This Recipe in Advance?
Yes! You can prep the ingredients ahead of time. Simply sauté the onion and garlic, then place everything (except the cream, Parmesan, and basil) in the slow cooker. Store it in the fridge overnight and cook the next day. Just add the cream and cheese in the last 30 minutes as mentioned!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the dish for up to 2 months. When reheating, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
