The Perfect Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Breasts Recipe

Slow cooker creamy tomato basil chicken breasts offer a mouthwatering solution for busy home cooks craving comfort without complex preparation.

Home kitchens buzz with excitement when rich, aromatic flavors promise minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike understand the magic of converting simple ingredients into extraordinary meals.

Tender chicken breasts slowly simmer in a velvety sauce that blends classic Mediterranean herbs with smooth, comforting textures.

Nutritious proteins merge seamlessly with vibrant tomato essence, creating a dish that satisfies hunger and delights taste buds.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of creamy richness and bright, fresh notes that elevate weeknight dining.

The slow cooker works its culinary magic, infusing every morsel with deep, harmonious flavors that feel both sophisticated and approachable.

Why Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Breasts Are So Flavorful

• Effortless Flavor Fusion: Discover a mouthwatering meal that combines rich tomato sauce, aromatic herbs, and tender chicken with minimal prep work, making it perfect for busy home cooks who crave delicious dinners without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Hands-Off Cooking Magic: Slow cooker technology transforms simple ingredients into a creamy, comforting dish that develops deep, layered flavors while you go about your day, eliminating constant stirring and monitoring.
• Versatile Meal Solution: This recipe offers flexibility for serving – whether you're looking for a cozy family dinner, a quick weeknight meal, or an easy entertaining option that pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or fresh vegetables.

What You Need for Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Breasts in the Slow Cooker

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that absorbs the rich, creamy sauce and provides the main substance of the dish.

• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Pasta Sauce: Fresh and robust base for creating a flavorful, tangy sauce.
• Evaporated Milk or Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creates a smooth, creamy texture.
• Corn Starch: Helps thicken the sauce and provides a silky consistency.

• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds depth and savory notes to the sauce.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance overall flavor profile.
• Italian Seasoning, Dried Basil: Classic herb blend that provides authentic Italian-inspired taste.
• Fresh Basil: Bright, fresh herb added at the end for a vibrant finish and aromatic touch.

How to Make Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken That Melts in Your Mouth

Step 1: Create Sauce Consistency

In a small bowl, whisk together evaporated milk and corn starch until smooth. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker and stir well to integrate.

Step 2: Position Chicken

Gently place chicken breasts into the slow cooker, pressing them down so they are completely covered by the sauce.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low temperature for 3-5 hours. Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Cooking duration may vary based on slow cooker size and quantity.

Step 4: Add Fresh Finishing Touch

Moments before serving, sprinkle fresh basil into the dish. Serve alongside pasta, rice, or with a crisp salad and vegetables for a complete meal.

Tips to Balance Cream and Tomato in This Slow Cooker Chicken Dish

• Choose Fresh Ingredients: Select ripe, high-quality tomatoes and fragrant basil for the most vibrant flavor profile.
• Prevent Dry Chicken: Ensure chicken breasts are completely covered in sauce to maintain moisture and tenderness during slow cooking.
• Customize Sauce Thickness: Adjust corn starch slurry amount to create your preferred sauce consistency, from light and thin to rich and creamy.
• Optimize Slow Cooker Performance: Use a 3-6 quart slow cooker and avoid overfilling to guarantee even cooking and consistent heat distribution.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Let chicken rest in the sauce for 10-15 minutes after cooking to allow herbs and spices to fully infuse the meat.

How to Store and Reheat Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken the Smart Way

• Storage: Transfer leftover chicken and sauce into an airtight container, ensuring a tight seal to preserve freshness. Refrigerate within two hours of cooking for optimal safety and taste.
• Refrigerator Preservation: Store chicken in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Keep the chicken pieces whole or shredded, covered completely with sauce to prevent drying out.
• Reheating Method: Warm chicken gently in a microwave or skillet. Pour a splash of water or extra sauce to maintain moisture. Heat until internal temperature reaches 165°F, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly. Avoid overcooking to prevent tough, rubbery chicken.

What to Serve Alongside Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken Breasts

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc beautifully complements the creamy tomato sauce, cutting through its richness while enhancing the fresh basil notes.
• Serve with Garlic Bread: Crusty, warm garlic bread becomes the perfect vehicle for soaking up the delicious sauce, adding a crunchy texture to the tender chicken.
• Match with Light Leafy Salad: A simple mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy chicken dish, balancing the meal's flavors and adding nutritional variety.
• Complement with Roasted Vegetables: Oven-roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus offer a caramelized side that adds depth and nutrition to the meal, creating a well-rounded dining experience.

Fresh Spins on Tomato Basil Chicken Breasts You’ll Enjoy

• Mediterranean Fusion: Replace Italian seasoning with za'atar spice blend and add crumbled feta cheese on top for a Greek-inspired version.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Incorporate diced green chiles, swap Italian seasoning for chili powder, and garnish with fresh cilantro for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
• Creamy Mushroom Upgrade: Sauté sliced mushrooms before adding to the slow cooker, then sprinkle grated parmesan cheese before serving to enhance the umami depth.
• Coconut Curry Transformation: Substitute evaporated milk with coconut milk, add curry powder, and finish with chopped fresh cilantro for an exotic Indian-inspired dish.

Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Breasts Recipe

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4.9 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Breasts merge Italian comfort with effortless cooking. Rich tomato sauce and fresh basil envelop tender chicken, creating a delightful weeknight meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Tomato Base:

• 1 (14 ounces / 398 milliliters) can diced tomatoes with Italian herbs
• 1 cup tomato pasta sauce
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• ½ teaspoon dried basil

Seasonings and Thickeners:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup evaporated milk or heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons corn starch
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped

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Instructions

1. Craft a flavorful base in a 3-6 quart (0.85-1.7 liters) slow cooker by combining diced tomatoes, tomato pasta sauce, finely chopped garlic, salt, Italian seasoning, dried basil, and freshly ground black pepper.
2. Create a silky sauce thickener by whisking evaporated milk (or heavy cream) with corn starch in a separate small mixing bowl until smooth and fully incorporated.
3. Pour the corn starch and milk mixture into the slow cooker, stirring thoroughly to distribute the thickening agent evenly throughout the sauce.
4. Gently nestle chicken breasts into the seasoned sauce, ensuring they are completely submerged and surrounded by the aromatic liquid.
5. Secure the slow cooker lid and set to low temperature, allowing the chicken to simmer and cook for 3-5 hours until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), keeping in mind that cooking duration may fluctuate based on slow cooker size and capacity.
6. In the final moments of cooking, delicately fold fresh basil leaves into the sauce to infuse a vibrant, herbaceous flavor just before serving.
7. Present the creamy tomato basil chicken over pasta, steamed rice, or alongside a crisp salad and roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Notes

• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the most tender and flavorful result, ensuring even cooking throughout the dish.
• Corn starch acts as a magical thickening agent, creating a lusciously creamy sauce that clings perfectly to the chicken.
• Low and slow cooking method guarantees juicy, melt-in-your-mouth chicken without the risk of drying out or overcooking.
• Fresh basil added at the end brings a bright, aromatic finish that elevates the entire flavor profile of the dish.
• Check chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure safe and perfectly cooked protein every single time.
• Versatile recipe allows for easy customization by serving over pasta, rice, or alongside your favorite roasted vegetables.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 hours
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 280 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg