This Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is a warm and comforting meal perfect for busy days. Juicy chicken breasts swim in a rich, creamy tomato sauce with fresh basil.
Cooking in a slow cooker means it’s super easy! Just toss everything in, and let it do its magic. I like to serve it over pasta or rice for a filling dinner. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish as they stay moist during slow cooking. If you prefer dark meat, you can use chicken thighs instead for even more flavor.
Diced Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes bring a lot of flavor. If you have fresh tomatoes, you can use about 2-3 cups, just make sure to chop them up. Fire-roasted tomatoes can also add a nice smoky taste.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or coconut milk. Just keep in mind that the texture and taste will change slightly. If you want a non-dairy option, cashew cream works well too!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor. You can use Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste or any grated hard cheese like Grana Padano. Nutritional yeast is a great dairy-free substitute with a cheesy flavor!
Basil: Fresh basil is ideal for its aromatic quality. If you don’t have it, dried basil can substitute. Just use less – about one tablespoon of dried for every quarter cup of fresh.
Why Is Searing the Chicken Important?
Searing the chicken before slow cooking might seem like an extra step, but it truly enhances the flavor and creates a nice texture. Here’s how to do it effectively:
- Heat your skillet over medium-high with a drizzle of olive oil.
- Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Don’t overcrowd the pan.
- Remove and transfer the chicken to the slow cooker, ensuring the golden crust is preserved for more flavor.
This small step makes a difference in taste, giving your dish richer flavors and making it even more appetizing!
How to Make Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Breasts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Olive oil for cooking
For the Sauce:
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried basil)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 10 minutes to prepare and then you can let it cook in the slow cooker. It will need 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high. So, total time will be around 4-6 hours, depending on your cooking setting!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sear the Chicken (Optional):
Start by heating a skillet over medium-high heat and adding a drizzle of olive oil. Once hot, place the chicken breasts in the skillet. Sear them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. This step is optional, but it adds extra flavor to the chicken!
2. Prepare the Sauce in the Slow Cooker:
In your slow cooker, combine the undrained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped basil (or dried basil), Italian seasoning, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Give everything a good stir to mix it all together.
3. Add the Chicken to the Sauce:
Carefully place the seared chicken breasts into the slow cooker. Press them down a bit into the sauce to make sure they are well coated. This will help the chicken soak up all that delicious flavor!
4. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is fully cooked and tender, making it easy to shred or slice.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and set it aside. Stir the sauce well to mix everything together. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve the chicken with the creamy tomato basil sauce poured over the top. Feel free to garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and more fresh basil for a beautiful finish. Enjoy with a side of pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up all the yummy sauce!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just make sure they’re fully thawed before cooking, as slow cooking from frozen can lead to uneven cooking. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or submerge the sealed bag in cold water for a quicker option. Once thawed, follow the recipe as usual!
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you want a lighter version or a dairy-free alternative, you can use coconut cream or a mixture of half-and-half and cream cheese. For a lower-fat option, try using Greek yogurt, but add it at the end of cooking to prevent curdling!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’re planning to keep it longer, you can freeze the sauce separately from the chicken for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating!
Can I Add More Vegetables to This Dish?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini to enhance the dish. Just chop them and add them to the slow cooker with the tomatoes and sauce, adjusting the cooking time as needed to ensure everything is tender!
