Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken: Easy Slow Cooker Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a comforting, creamy meal that practically makes itself.

This creamy tomato basil chicken recipe is designed for those busy weeknights when you crave something wholesome and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a healthy, hearty option that brings a touch of gourmet flavor to your dinner table with minimal effort.

This slow cooker recipe transforms simple ingredients into a rich, flavorful dish that your whole family will love. The tender chicken, bright tomatoes, and aromatic basil meld together beautifully, creating a satisfying meal that feels both indulgent and light.

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What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe

This creamy tomato basil chicken is a true weeknight hero, perfect for busy families, meal preppers, or anyone looking for a delicious, no-fuss dinner. It’s incredibly forgiving, making it ideal for beginner cooks, and the slow cooker does most of the work, freeing you up to tackle other tasks or simply relax. You can set it in the morning and come home to a house filled with the inviting aroma of a home-cooked meal. It’s naturally gluten-free if you skip any flour thickeners, and it’s packed with lean protein and vegetables, making it a healthy choice that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Serve it with pasta, rice, or a simple side salad for a complete and satisfying meal that will quickly become a regular in your dinner rotation.

Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress

Gathering your ingredients for this creamy tomato basil chicken is straightforward, focusing on fresh and pantry staples. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, requiring readily available items that combine to create a complex flavor profile.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for searing)
• Fresh parsley or extra basil for garnish (optional)
• Cooked pasta, rice, or crusty bread for serving

For simple substitutions, you can easily swap boneless, skinless chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer a richer flavor and more tender texture; they hold up wonderfully in the slow cooker. If fresh basil isn’t available, you can use 1 tablespoon of dried basil, though the fresh herb offers a brighter flavor. For a lighter touch, you can use half-and-half or even milk instead of heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich. Feel free to use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content. If you don’t have crushed and diced tomatoes, a large can of whole peeled tomatoes that you crush by hand or blend briefly will also work.

Time Needed From Start To Finish

This recipe is a fantastic option for those who appreciate hands-off cooking. The active preparation time is minimal, allowing you to get other things done while your meal simmers to perfection.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3-4 hours on high, or 6-8 hours on low
• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes (depending on slow cooker setting)

How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues

Making this creamy tomato basil chicken in your slow cooker is incredibly simple. Follow these steps for a delicious and perfectly cooked meal every time.

1. Prepare the Chicken: If desired, you can quickly sear the chicken breasts or thighs in a skillet with a tablespoon of olive oil for 2-3 minutes per side before adding them to the slow cooker. This step is optional but can add a nice depth of flavor and a slightly browned exterior to the chicken. Place the chicken pieces evenly at the bottom of your slow cooker.
2. Combine the Tomato Base: In a medium bowl, whisk together the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes (undrained), chicken broth, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined.
3. Pour Over Chicken: Carefully pour the tomato mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker, ensuring the chicken is mostly submerged in the sauce.
4. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on the LOW setting for 6-8 hours, or on the HIGH setting for 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when it is tender and easily shredded with a fork.
5. Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
6. Add Cream and Basil: Stir in the heavy cream and fresh chopped basil into the slow cooker with the shredded chicken and tomato sauce. Stir gently until everything is well combined and heated through, about 10-15 minutes on low or warm setting.
7. Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings if necessary. You might want to add a pinch more salt, pepper, or even a dash of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
8. Serve Warm: Ladle the creamy tomato basil chicken over your favorite cooked pasta, rice, or serve with crusty bread for dipping. Garnish with fresh parsley or extra basil, if desired.

Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life

This creamy tomato basil chicken is incredibly versatile, allowing for many variations to suit different tastes and occasions. For a kid-friendly twist, you can serve the shredded chicken and sauce over mild pasta shapes like rotini or penne, and offer a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese on top. You can also blend a portion of the sauce before adding the chicken back in if your kids prefer a smoother texture.

To add more vegetables, consider tossing in a cup of spinach, chopped bell peppers, or sliced mushrooms during the last hour of cooking. For a heartier meal, you can stir in cooked white beans or chickpeas along with the cream. If you like a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes added with the other seasonings will give it a nice kick. This dish also works wonderfully as a filling for wraps or sandwiches; simply spoon the shredded chicken and sauce into a tortilla or on a toasted bun. For a low-carb option, serve it over zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or a bed of steamed greens. It’s also excellent as a buffet item, easily kept warm in the slow cooker for guests to serve themselves.

Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them

Even with a simple slow cooker recipe, a few common mistakes can impact the final dish. One frequent slip-up is overcooking the chicken. While slow cookers are forgiving, chicken breasts can become dry and stringy if cooked for too long, especially on the high setting. To avoid this, check the chicken at the lower end of the cooking time range. Chicken thighs are more forgiving and remain moist even with longer cooking times.

Another mistake is adding the cream and fresh basil too early. Heavy cream can sometimes curdle if cooked at high temperatures for extended periods, and fresh basil loses its vibrant flavor and color if subjected to prolonged heat. Always stir in the cream and fresh herbs during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking, just enough time to heat through and meld flavors without compromising their quality.

Finally, don’t forget to taste and adjust seasonings at the end. The flavors in a slow cooker can sometimes concentrate or mellow out. A final taste test allows you to balance the salt, pepper, and other spices, ensuring your dish is perfectly seasoned before serving.

How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture

This creamy tomato basil chicken is an excellent candidate for meal prepping and makes for delicious leftovers. To store, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken and sauce. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When reheating from frozen, it’s best to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before gently reheating on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave. If reheating directly from frozen, use a low heat setting and stir frequently to ensure even heating and prevent the sauce from separating. The texture of the chicken remains tender, and the sauce holds up beautifully after freezing and reheating, making it a convenient option for future meals.

Questions People Always Ask Before Making This Recipe

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts or thighs. However, you’ll need to increase the cooking time by about 1-2 hours on either the low or high setting to ensure the chicken is fully cooked through and tender.

What if I don’t have fresh basil?

If fresh basil isn’t available, you can use dried basil. As a general rule, use about one-third the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh. So, for 1/4 cup of fresh basil, use approximately

FAQs

• Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
• How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
• Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
• Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.