This Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Breast is a rich, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a velvety tomato-basil cream sauce. Slow-cooked to perfection, this meal is effortless yet elegant, making it a great option for busy weeknights or a comforting weekend dinner. Serve it over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for a satisfying meal the whole family will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hands-off cooking – Let the slow cooker do the work.
- Rich and creamy – The tomato-basil sauce is smooth and full of flavor.
- Perfect for meal prep – Stores and reheats beautifully.
- Versatile – Serve it with pasta, rice, or a low-carb alternative.
- Family-friendly – A comforting dish that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Crushed tomatoes (canned)
- Heavy cream
- Garlic, minced
- Onion, diced
- Chicken broth
- Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil, chopped
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper
- Butter or olive oil
Directions
- Prepare the slow cooker – Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Add ingredients – Pour in the crushed tomatoes, garlic, onion, and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
- Slow cook – Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender.
- Make it creamy – Stir in the heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and butter. Let it cook for another 10-15 minutes.
- Finish and serve – Stir in the fresh basil, then serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6-7 hours 10 minutes
Variations
- Low-carb option – Serve over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
- Dairy-free alternative – Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and omit the parmesan.
- Spicy kick – Add red pepper flakes or cayenne for heat.
- Extra veggies – Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for more nutrition.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing – Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating – Warm in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs will be just as tender and flavorful.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Coconut cream or a mix of milk and cream cheese can work as substitutes.
How do I thicken the sauce?
If needed, mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with water and stir it into the sauce.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, but you may need to cook them down longer for a richer flavor.
Is this dish keto-friendly?
Yes, if served over a low-carb base like cauliflower rice.
Can I add cheese?
Absolutely! Mozzarella or cheddar can make it even creamier.
What’s the best pasta to serve with this?
Fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti work well to hold the creamy sauce.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes, cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then quick release and stir in the cream and basil.
Can I prep this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before and store it in the fridge.
How can I make it lighter?
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the cheese.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Breast is a comforting, easy-to-make dish packed with rich flavors. Whether served over pasta, rice, or a low-carb alternative, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Try it today for a delicious, fuss-free meal!
PrintSlow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Breast
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: ~7 hours
- Total Time: ~7 hours
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is a simple yet delicious meal featuring tender chicken breasts slow-cooked in a creamy tomato sauce with garlic, basil, and Parmesan. Serve it over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort meal.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
1/2 cup fresh basil (chopped) or 1 teaspoon dried basil
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar (optional, for depth of flavor)
For Serving (Optional):
Cooked pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes
Extra Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
-
Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and onion powder.
-
Assemble in Slow Cooker:
- Place the chicken in the slow cooker.
- Add garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
-
Slow Cook:
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender.
-
Make It Creamy:
- Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil.
- Let it cook for another 10-15 minutes on low until the sauce is creamy and well blended.
-
Serve & Enjoy:
- Serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh basil.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier option.
- Swap heavy cream for coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
- Stir in spinach or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
- If the sauce is too thin, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water and stir it in during the last 15 minutes.
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