Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

Name: Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup tomato pasta sauce; 14 oz can diced tomatoes with Italian herbs (398 ml); 2 teaspoons minced garlic; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon dried basil; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ½ cup evaporated milk or heavy cream; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil

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There’s something undeniably comforting about a creamy tomato basil sauce simmering away, filling the kitchen with an irresistible aroma. I remember the first time I made this dish—it was a busy weeknight, and I had no time to hover over the stove. I tossed a few simple ingredients into my slow cooker and, hours later, was rewarded with a rich, flavorful meal that tasted like I had spent hours perfecting it.

If you’re new to cooking or simply looking for a fuss-free recipe, this Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is your perfect match. It requires minimal prep, uses pantry-friendly ingredients, and results in a deliciously tender chicken dish that pairs well with pasta, rice, or a simple side salad. Plus, since everything cooks in one pot, cleanup is a breeze!

Why This Recipe is Special

Effortless and Beginner-Friendly – No complicated techniques or fancy equipment needed. Just add everything to your slow cooker and let it work its magic.

Rich, Creamy, and Flavor-Packed – A balanced mix of tangy tomatoes, aromatic garlic, and fresh basil gives this dish an authentic Italian-style taste.
Customizable and Versatile – This recipe is adaptable! Swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand, making it a perfect go-to meal.
Perfect for Meal Prep – Make it ahead, store leftovers, and enjoy a ready-to-eat meal later in the week.

Ingredients and Their Roles

Each ingredient plays an essential role in bringing out the best flavors in this dish. Here’s why they matter:

Chicken breasts – The protein base of the dish, slow-cooked until tender and juicy. Boneless, skinless thighs work well too.
Tomato pasta sauce – Adds a deep, tangy tomato flavor with built-in herbs and seasonings. Opt for a marinara-style sauce for the best taste.

Diced tomatoes – Provide texture and a burst of fresh tomato sweetness. If you prefer a smoother sauce, substitute with extra pasta sauce.
Garlic – Infuses the dish with a rich, aromatic depth. Fresh or pre-minced garlic works well.
Italian seasoning and dried basil – A blend of classic herbs that enhances the tomato sauce with warm, savory notes.

Salt and black pepper – Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
Heavy cream or evaporated milk – Creates the creamy, velvety sauce. Avoid regular milk as it may curdle during cooking.
Cornstarch – Thickens the sauce, ensuring it coats the chicken beautifully. Flour can be used as an alternative.

Fresh basil – Brightens up the dish with its fresh, herby taste. If unavailable, a spoonful of basil pesto makes a great substitute.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the base. In your slow cooker, combine the tomato pasta sauce, diced tomatoes, minced garlic, salt, Italian seasoning, dried basil, and black pepper. Stir to mix everything well.

Step 2: Mix the creamy component. In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream (or evaporated milk) and cornstarch until smooth. This will prevent lumps in the sauce later.

Step 3: Assemble the slow cooker. Pour the cream mixture into the slow cooker and stir until fully incorporated. Nestle the chicken breasts into the sauce, making sure they’re well coated.

Step 4: Cook low and slow. Cover and cook on low for 3-5 hours or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If your slow cooker runs hot, start checking at the 3-hour mark to prevent overcooking.

Step 5: Final touch. Once the chicken is tender, stir in the fresh basil and allow the flavors to meld for a few minutes before serving.

Beginner Tips and Notes

How to tell if the chicken is done – Use a meat thermometer to check that the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, the chicken should be opaque and easy to shred with a fork.
Avoid overcooking – Cooking chicken for too long can make it dry. Stick to the recommended time and check for doneness early.
Want a thicker sauce? – If the sauce is too thin, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking or mix in a little extra cornstarch slurry (cornstarch + water).

Short on time? – Cook on high for 2.5-3 hours, but keep an eye on the chicken to prevent drying out.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides:

Over pasta – Classic spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne make a perfect pairing.

With rice – White, brown, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
On toasted bread – Serve over crusty garlic bread for a comforting twist.
Alongside roasted veggies – Try roasted asparagus, zucchini, or steamed green beans for a balanced meal.

Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of cream if needed.

This Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is the perfect recipe for beginner cooks who want something delicious, simple, and foolproof. Whether you serve it over pasta, rice, or veggies, it’s a meal that delivers comfort with every bite.

If you give this recipe a try, let me know how it turned out! Leave a comment, share your tweaks, or tag your dish on social media. Cooking is all about experimenting, so make it your own and enjoy every bite.

Happy cooking!

FAQ About Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well in this recipe. They may require a slightly longer cook time but will remain tender and juicy.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Use heavy cream or evaporated milk instead of regular milk, as they are less likely to curdle when cooked with acidic ingredients like tomatoes.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free heavy cream alternative for a similar creamy texture.

What should I do if my sauce is too thin?

If the sauce is too thin after cooking, mix an additional teaspoon of cornstarch with water and stir it in. Let it cook uncovered for 10-15 minutes to thicken.

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