If you’re on the hunt for a delicious, comforting, and hassle-free meal, look no further than this Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner, this recipe features tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich and creamy tomato basil sauce. With minimal prep and the convenience of a slow cooker, it’s a go-to option for flavorful, hands-off cooking.
Ingredients:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoe.
1 (14 oz) can tomato sauce.
1/2 cup chicken broth.
1 cup heavy cream.
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
1 medium onion, finely chopped.
4 cloves garlic, minced.
1 teaspoon dried basil.
1 teaspoon dried oregano.
1/2 teaspoon salt.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional).
Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish).
Directions:
Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, onion, garlic, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Mix well.
Combine and Cook: Pour the tomato mixture over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Finish the Sauce: Once the chicken is done, remove it from the slow cooker and set aside. For a smooth sauce, use an immersion blender to blend the sauce until smooth (optional).
Coat the Chicken: Return the chicken to the slow cooker and stir to coat it with the sauce.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Serving Tips:
With Sides: Serve the creamy tomato basil chicken over a bed of pasta, rice, or quinoa to soak up the flavorful sauce. It also pairs well with crusty bread or garlic bread.
Garnish: Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil leaves and a bit more grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.
Vegetable Accompaniment: Complement the meal with a side of steamed or roasted vegetables, such as green beans, broccoli, or a fresh salad.
Portion Control: Divide the chicken and sauce into individual servings for easy portioning, especially if you’re planning to freeze leftovers.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Store any leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken and sauce. Place the cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating: When ready to eat, thaw frozen chicken in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in a microwave-safe dish or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the sauce’s original consistency.
Avoid Overcooking: Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the chicken, which can make it tough.
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FAQs:
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts in this recipe. Chicken thighs are slightly more flavorful and remain tender and juicy during slow cooking. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, but typically, chicken thighs will cook in a similar timeframe as breasts.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the recipe a day in advance. After cooking, let the chicken and sauce cool, then transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. Reheat the dish gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving. It’s also a great option for meal prep or freezer meals.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. Replace the Parmesan cheese with a dairy-free cheese or simply omit it. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious!
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomatoes?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes if you prefer. To do this, peel and chop about 4-5 large tomatoes to replace the canned diced tomatoes. You may need to add a little extra chicken broth or water to achieve the desired sauce consistency, as fresh tomatoes can be less concentrated than canned varieties.
Conclusion:
This Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is not only easy to prepare but also a comforting and flavorful meal that will delight your family and friends. The slow cooker does all the work, infusing the chicken with rich, creamy flavors and making clean-up a breeze. Enjoy this dish over pasta, rice, or with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce!
📖 Recipe:
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Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes - 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Tender chicken breasts slow-cooked in a luscious, creamy tomato basil sauce make this Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken a go-to recipe for a comforting and easy meal. With a blend of rich tomato flavors, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner. Minimal prep and hands-off cooking make it a convenient choice for any occasion.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 (14 oz) can tomato sauce
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 medium onion, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- In a medium bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, heavy cream, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, onion, garlic, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Mix well.
- Pour the tomato mixture over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Once the chicken is done, remove it from the slow cooker and set aside. Use an immersion blender to blend the sauce until smooth (optional).
- Return the chicken to the slow cooker and stir to coat it with the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Notes
For a smoother sauce, blend it with an immersion blender or in a stand blender before returning the chicken to the slow cooker.
Chicken thighs can be used as a substitute for chicken breasts if preferred.
To make this dish dairy-free, replace heavy cream with coconut milk and omit Parmesan cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 350 kcal
