This Easy Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is a dream come true! Just toss chicken, tomatoes, and basil in the cooker, and let it work its magic.
It’s so creamy and comforting, perfect for cozy nights. I love serving it over pasta or rice—it’s like a warm hug from a bowl! 🍝❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless breast is great for this dish as it cooks evenly. If you’re looking for a cheaper option, you can use thighs, which become really tender.
Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes add great flavor. If fresh tomatoes are in season, feel free to chop them up instead! It’s a wonderful change that adds freshness.
Heavy Cream: While heavy cream is rich and makes the sauce creamy, you can substitute half-and-half for a lighter option or even Greek yogurt for a healthier twist. Just be sure to add it towards the end of cooking.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully, but pre-grated works too. If you’re lactose intolerant, a dairy-free cheese can do the trick as well.
Basil: Dried basil is fine, but nothing beats fresh, especially if you grow your own! It’s fragrant and brightens the dish. If fresh isn’t available, Italian seasoning is a good alternative.
How Do You Ensure Perfectly Cooked Chicken in the Slow Cooker?
Cooking chicken in a slow cooker is easy, but you want to make sure it doesn’t dry out. Here’s how to do it:
- Season the chicken well to enhance flavor.
- Place it in the sauce for moisture and flavor. Avoid stacking breasts to cook evenly.
- Cook on low for the most tender results, and opt for the higher setting only if you’re short on time.
- Check on it during the last hour of cooking for doneness. It should reach 165°F (75°C).
By following these tips, you’ll have juicy, flavorful chicken every time! Enjoy your meal over pasta or rice for a satisfying dinner. 😊
Easy Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half and half
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (or 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: cooked pasta or rice, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious meal takes approximately 15 minutes to prep, plus 4-6 hours of cooking on low (or 2-3 hours on high). You’ll have a flavorful dish ready with minimal hands-on time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by lightly seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. This ensures they are flavorful as they cook.
2. Mix the Tomato Base:
In your slow cooker, combine the undrained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, minced garlic, and dried basil. Give it a good stir to mix everything well—it will create a delicious sauce!
3. Add the Chicken:
Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Nestle them right into the sauce so they can absorb all those yummy flavors while cooking.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for about 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. You want the chicken to be cooked through and tender—just check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
5. Add Creamy Goodness:
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix gently to create a delightful creamy sauce that coats the chicken beautifully.
6. Final Touches:
Cover again and let it cook for the remaining 30 minutes. During this time, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
7. Serve Up and Enjoy:
When it’s time to serve, dish out the creamy tomato basil chicken over your choice of cooked pasta or rice. Garnish with fresh chopped basil and sprinkle on some extra Parmesan cheese for that added touch!
This slow cooker recipe delivers tender chicken enveloped in a rich, creamy tomato and basil sauce—a comforting and delicious meal with very little effort on your part! Enjoy! 😊
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it first for even cooking. Simply transfer the chicken to the refrigerator the night before or use the cold water method: place the sealed chicken in cold water until it’s thawed. This ensures your chicken will cook thoroughly and evenly in the slow cooker.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half works well as a substitute for heavy cream. Alternatively, you can use Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative; just stir it in at the end of cooking to prevent curdling.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave or on the stove. You might want to add a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much while storing.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the ingredients a day in advance and simply assemble everything in the slow cooker when you’re ready to cook. Just be sure to keep the chicken refrigerated until you’re ready to start cooking, and follow the same cooking instructions as usual!
