Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful, and utterly satisfying meal, then this Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Imagine tender chicken breasts slow-cooked in a luscious tomato and basil-infused creamy sauce — it’s a true hug in a bowl that’s both easy to make and packed with heartwarming flavors.

Why You Should Make This Recipe

Effortless, hands-off cooking: Just pop all the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it work its magic while you go about your day.
Rich, comforting flavors: The creamy tomato basil sauce perfectly complements tender chicken, creating a deliciously balanced dish.
Versatile and adaptable: This recipe works well with different chicken cuts and can be adjusted with spices to suit your taste.
Great for family dinners or meal prep: It makes enough sauce to serve over pasta or rice, making leftovers just as exciting as the first serving.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Each ingredient in this Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe was chosen to contribute to the rich texture, vibrant flavor, and beautiful color that make this dish a standout. Whether it’s the zesty tomatoes, the creamy touch of heavy cream, or the fresh basil notes, these essentials create a dish that’s both simple and incredibly satisfying.

• Diced tomatoes with Italian herbs: They add depth and a fresh, herbaceous richness; if you prefer no chunks, swap them for extra tomato sauce.
• Marinara sauce: Use your favorite brand or homemade version to bring in a full-bodied tomato flavor that sets the base of the sauce.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the sauce with a savory aroma, making this dish smell irresistible.
• Heavy whipping cream: This ingredient provides that velvety, luscious texture; avoid lighter creams to prevent curdling.
• Fresh basil: Finely chopped basil added at the end gives the dish a bright, fresh finish—perfect for that authentic Italian flair.

How to Make Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Combine the Sauce Ingredients

Start by adding your diced tomatoes (with their Italian herb seasoning), marinara sauce, finely minced garlic, salt, Italian seasoning, dried basil, and black pepper into the slow cooker. Give everything a great stir — this mix forms the flavorful foundation for the sauce that the chicken will soak up.

Step 2: Prepare the Cream Mixture

In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy whipping cream and cornstarch until smooth. This blend will thicken the sauce beautifully during the slow cooking process, giving it a creamy, dreamy consistency you’ll want to savor with every bite.

Step 3: Add Chicken and Cook

Place the clean, boneless, skinless chicken breasts right into the slow cooker, pressing them gently into the sauce so they’re well coated. Then set your slow cooker to low and let it cook for about 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F—perfectly juicy and flavorful.

Step 4: Finishing Touches

Once cooked, stir in the finely chopped fresh basil to give the sauce a pop of bright color and fresh herbal flavor. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings if needed. Serve hot with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese — it’s the cherry on top for this comforting dish!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh basil leaves and a dusting of Parmesan cheese elevate the dish visually and add layers of flavor. For an extra touch, a drizzle of good olive oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can add a delightful little kick.

Side Dishes

This creamy tomato basil chicken pairs wonderfully with a bed of al dente pasta, garlic bread, or even creamy mashed potatoes. For lighter options, serve with steamed greens or a crisp Caesar salad to balance the creaminess.

Creative Ways to Present

Try plating this dish over a colorful cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini noodles for a low-carb twist that still lets the sauce shine. Layer it atop polenta for a rustic Italian touch, or serve in small ramekins as an elegant family-style meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors even deepen overnight, making it perfect to enjoy the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce together in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the creamy texture intact without sacrificing any flavor.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating. If it thickens too much, add a splash of cream or broth to loosen it back up to that perfect silky finish.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

The Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe embodies everything you want in a comforting homemade meal—minimal effort, maximum flavor, and pure satisfaction. I promise once you’ve tried it, it’ll be a recipe you reach for again and again, especially when you want dinner that feels like a warm, cozy welcome home. Give it a go, and enjoy the delicious comfort it brings to your table!

Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe

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• Author: Olivia
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 to 4 hours
• Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

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Description

This Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich, creamy tomato and herb sauce. Perfect for an easy dinner, it combines diced tomatoes, marinara sauce, fresh and dried herbs, and heavy cream to create a luscious sauce served with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Slow cooking the chicken ensures juicy, melt-in-your-mouth results with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

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Sauce Ingredients

• 1 can diced tomatoes with Italian herbs with juice (14oz or 398ml)
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 3 cloves garlic (finely minced)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• ½ cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Chicken

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs)

Finishing

• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

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Instructions

1. Prepare Sauce: In a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker, combine the diced tomatoes with Italian herbs and their juice, marinara sauce, minced garlic, salt, Italian seasoning, dried basil, and pepper. Stir well to mix all the flavor components.
2. Mix Cream and Cornstarch: In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy whipping cream and cornstarch until smooth and no lumps remain. Add this mixture to the slow cooker and stir to incorporate thoroughly into the sauce base.
3. Add Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the slow cooker, pressing them gently down into the sauce so they are well coated and partially submerged.
4. Slow Cook: 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).
5. Finish and Serve: Stir in the freshly chopped basil, taste the sauce, and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the creamy tomato basil chicken with a generous sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese on top.

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Notes

• Some sauce was removed from the pictures in the slow cooker to show detail. The recipe makes plenty of sauce for pasta!
• Chicken can be substituted with boneless skinless chicken thighs, chicken meatballs, sausages, or other preferred cuts for different flavors.
• Choose any marinara-style tomato sauce with good flavor; this will greatly impact the final taste.
• If you prefer a smoother sauce without chunks, substitute diced tomatoes with additional tomato sauce.
• Use heavy cream or evaporated milk for the best creamy texture without curdling; avoid regular milk or light cream.
• Adjust herbs and seasonings to your taste. For a spicy kick, add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
• If fresh basil is unavailable, basil pesto is an excellent substitute for fresh basil flavor.