The Ultimate Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe
When life gets busy and dinner time approaches faster than expected, having a reliable slow cooker recipe in your back pocket becomes absolutely essential. This Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is exactly that kind of recipe – a true lifesaver that transforms simple ingredients into an incredibly satisfying, restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort on your part.
There’s something magical about the way slow cooking allows flavors to meld and develop over time. This particular recipe showcases that magic beautifully, combining tender chicken breasts with a lusciously creamy tomato sauce that’s infused with aromatic basil and garlic. The result is a dish that tastes like you’ve been laboring in the kitchen all day, when in reality, you’ve done little more than toss ingredients into your slow cooker and walk away.
What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility and forgiving nature. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a weeknight, meal prepping for the week ahead, or entertaining guests without the stress of complicated cooking techniques, this dish delivers every single time. The creamy sauce is rich enough to feel indulgent yet balanced with bright tomato flavors and fresh herbs that prevent it from becoming too heavy.
The beauty of slow cooker cooking lies not just in its convenience, but in how it transforms tougher cuts of meat into tender, flavorful centerpieces. While this recipe calls for chicken breasts, the gentle, low-temperature cooking process ensures they emerge incredibly moist and practically falling apart with tenderness. The extended cooking time also allows the chicken to absorb all those wonderful flavors from the sauce, creating a harmonious blend in every bite.
From a practical standpoint, this recipe is a meal planner’s dream. You can prep it the night before, store everything in the refrigerator, and simply transfer it to your slow cooker the next morning before heading out for the day. By the time you return home, your house will be filled with the most incredible aromas, and dinner will be ready to serve. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you look like a culinary genius while requiring minimal actual effort.
The creamy tomato basil sauce deserves special mention here. Unlike many heavy cream-based sauces that can feel overwhelming, this one strikes the perfect balance. The acidity from the tomatoes brightens the richness of the cream, while the basil adds a fresh, herbaceous note that elevates the entire dish. The garlic provides depth and warmth, and the seasonings tie everything together beautifully.
This recipe also scales wonderfully, making it perfect for feeding crowds or for those who love having leftovers. The flavors actually improve overnight, making day-two portions even more delicious than the first serving. You can serve it over rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or even with crusty bread for dipping into that incredible sauce.
For busy parents, this recipe is particularly valuable. It’s kid-friendly enough to please picky eaters while sophisticated enough to satisfy adult palates. The ingredients are straightforward and likely already in your pantry, eliminating the need for special shopping trips or expensive specialty items.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (or 2 tablespoons dried basil)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown, then transfer to slow cooker.
- Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, diced onion, and minced garlic to the slow cooker with the chicken.
- Pour in chicken broth and add dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender and easily shreds.
- Remove chicken from slow cooker and shred using two forks, then return to the slow cooker.
- Stir in heavy cream and chopped fresh basil, mixing well to combine with the sauce.
- Cook for an additional 15-20 minutes on LOW to allow flavors to meld and sauce to thicken slightly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs to preference.
- Serve hot over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes, garnished with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese.
Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown, then transfer to slow cooker.
- Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, diced onion, and minced garlic to the slow cooker with the chicken.
- Pour in chicken broth and add dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender and easily shreds.
- Remove chicken from slow cooker and shred using two forks, then return to the slow cooker.
- Stir in heavy cream and chopped fresh basil, mixing well to combine with the sauce.
- Cook for an additional 15-20 minutes on LOW to allow flavors to meld and sauce to thicken slightly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs to preference.
- Serve hot over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes, garnished with fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
Serving Suggestions and Variations
This versatile dish pairs beautifully with numerous side dishes and can be adapted in countless ways to suit different preferences and dietary needs. For a complete meal, consider serving it over creamy mashed potatoes, buttered egg noodles, or fluffy white rice that can absorb all that incredible sauce. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread makes an excellent accompaniment for sopping up every last drop of the creamy tomato sauce.
For those following specific dietary plans, this recipe adapts wonderfully. You can easily make it dairy-free by substituting coconut cream for the heavy cream, or use Greek yogurt for a lighter version with added protein. The recipe is naturally gluten-free when served over rice or with gluten-free bread options.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
This recipe is a meal prep champion, storing beautifully in the refrigerator for up to four days or in the freezer for up to three months. When freezing, consider portioning it into individual servings for easy reheating. The flavors actually improve after sitting overnight, making leftovers even more delicious than the original meal.
When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much during storage. Gentle reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave works perfectly, though be careful not to overheat as this can cause the cream to separate.
