Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Breast

Introduction

Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Breast is the ultimate comfort food for those busy weeknights when you want something hearty and satisfying but don’t have the time to spend hours in the kitchen. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity – tender chicken breasts slow-cooked to perfection in a rich and creamy tomato sauce, with the bright, fresh flavors of basil and garlic adding a burst of deliciousness in every bite. The tangy tomato base adds a lovely depth to the sauce, making it perfect for spooning over pasta, rice, or dipping with a warm loaf of bread to soak up every last drop of that creamy goodness.

I can’t even count how many times I’ve turned to this dish when I need something easy yet comforting. It’s one of those meals where you throw everything in the slow cooker, set it, and forget it. The house fills with the most mouthwatering aromas, and by the time dinner rolls around, you’ve got a meal that feels like it’s been cooking for hours, even though it was all hands-off.

What I love most about Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Breast is how versatile it is. You can serve it with whatever you have on hand – pasta, rice, or even a side of roasted veggies. It’s a meal that pleases everyone, whether you’re serving it to your family or hosting a small gathering. Plus, the leftovers taste even better the next day, making it the perfect dish for meal prep! It’s cozy, comforting, and just plain delicious.

Perfect for:

• Busy weeknights
• Meal prep
• Family dinners
• Comfort food lovers
• Serving with pasta or rice

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Breast

Here’s why Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Breast will become your go-to meal:

• Tender Chicken Every Time: The slow cooker ensures that the chicken turns out incredibly tender and juicy, absorbing all the flavors from the sauce.
• Rich and Creamy Sauce: The tomato and cream combination creates a velvety, rich sauce that is perfect for spooning over chicken and sides.
• Minimal Prep: Simply throw the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it do the work, making this a hands-off recipe that’s perfect for busy days.
• Versatile Dish: This dish pairs perfectly with pasta, rice, or even mashed potatoes, allowing you to customize it based on your preferences.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: The recipe makes enough to feed a family, and leftovers reheat beautifully for the next day.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 6 hours on low
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 40g, Carbs: 15g, Fat: 25g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Breast:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar (optional)
• Fresh basil for garnish

Ingredient Highlights

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: These lean cuts of chicken are perfect for slow cooking, staying tender and juicy throughout the cooking process.
• Crushed Tomatoes & Tomato Paste: These provide a rich, tangy base for the creamy tomato sauce, balancing the flavors of the dish.
• Heavy Cream: The heavy cream creates the creamy, luscious sauce that coats the chicken and adds richness to the dish.
• Fresh Basil: Fresh basil adds vibrant, aromatic flavor to the sauce, complementing the richness of the cream and tomatoes.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan enhances the flavor of the sauce with its nutty, savory taste and adds depth to the dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Breast:

Prepare the Chicken and Sauce:

1. Sear the Chicken (Optional): In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts on both sides for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. This step adds extra flavor but can be skipped if you prefer a simpler method.
2. Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker: In the slow cooker, combine the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, heavy cream, garlic, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine.
3. Add the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts into the slow cooker, spooning some of the sauce over the top. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours.

Finish the Dish:

4. Shred the Chicken: After 6 hours, remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces or leave the breasts whole if you prefer.
5. Add Fresh Basil and Parmesan: Stir in the fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce. If you like a tangy note, add a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar at this point. Mix well.
6. Return Chicken to Sauce: Place the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker and stir to combine with the sauce. Let it sit for an additional 10-15 minutes to heat through and absorb the flavors.

Serve:

7. Serve and Garnish: Spoon the creamy tomato basil chicken over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Breast

Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Breast is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways:

• With Pasta: Serve over your favorite pasta for a creamy, comforting meal. Spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine work well.
• Over Rice: Serve the creamy chicken over steamed rice for a satisfying and filling meal.
• With Mashed Potatoes: This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, as the creamy sauce complements the potatoes’ smooth texture.
• With Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the flavorful tomato sauce.
• On a Salad: For a lighter option, serve the creamy chicken on top of a fresh green salad with a drizzle of the sauce.

Additional Tips for Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Breast

Here are some tips to ensure your Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Breast turns out perfect:

• Avoid Overcooking the Chicken: Chicken breasts cook quickly in a slow cooker. Stick to 6 hours on low to avoid overcooking, which can make the chicken dry.
• Customize the Sauce: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste. Add extra garlic, red pepper flakes, or even a touch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
• Use Full-Fat Cream: For a richer, creamier sauce, opt for full-fat heavy cream. You can substitute with half-and-half or a lighter cream, but the sauce won’t be as rich.
• Add Vegetables: For extra flavor and nutrition, toss in some spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers into the sauce.
• Make it Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, add extra red pepper flakes or a small diced jalapeño to the sauce.

Recipe Variations for Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Breast

Here are 10 variations you can try for Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Breast:

• Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes: For an added depth of flavor, stir in some chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
• Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts: Swap the chicken breasts for bone-in, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful result.
• Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Chicken: Add spinach and artichoke hearts to the sauce for a creamy, hearty twist.
• Garlic Parmesan Chicken: Add more garlic and a handful of grated Parmesan to the sauce for a sharper, cheesier flavor.
• Spicy Arrabbiata Chicken: Add extra red pepper flakes or a touch of hot sauce for a spicy, zesty sauce.
• Add Mushrooms: Stir in sliced mushrooms for an earthy, savory addition to the sauce.
• Lemon Zest Chicken: Add some lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice at the end to brighten the dish.
• Pesto Chicken: Stir in some fresh basil pesto for an Italian-inspired variation with a burst of basil flavor.
• Coconut Cream Chicken: For a slightly different twist, use coconut cream in place of heavy cream for a tropical flavor.
• Chicken and Bacon: Add crispy bacon crumbles to the sauce for a smoky, savory kick.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: This dish freezes well! Simply store the chicken and sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove until hot.
• Storage: Leftover creamy tomato basil chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Ensure it is kept in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Special Equipment for Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Breast

Here are some special equipment items that can make preparing Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Breast easier:

• Slow Cooker: A 6-quart slow cooker is ideal for this recipe, allowing enough space for the chicken and sauce.
• Sauté Pan (Optional): If you choose to sear the chicken, a large sauté pan will work best for getting a golden brown color.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: These are essential for measuring out ingredients like heavy cream, spices, and tomato products.
• Grater: A fine grater is perfect for shredding Parmesan cheese and garnishing the dish.
• Serving Spoon: A large spoon helps you serve the creamy chicken and sauce over your chosen base, whether it’s pasta, rice, or potatoes.

FAQ Section for Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Breast

1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
   Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just be sure to cook the dish for 7-8 hours on low to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
2. Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
   Yes, but the sauce won’t be as rich and creamy as when using heavy cream. If you prefer a lighter version, half-and-half is a good alternative.
3. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
   Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free Parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version.
4. Can I cook this on high in the slow cooker?
   While it’s best to cook on low for 6 hours, you can cook it on high for 3 hours. Just keep an eye on the chicken to prevent overcooking.
5. Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
   Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms to make it even heartier.

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Conclusion

Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Breast is the ultimate comfort food, offering tender chicken simmered in a rich, creamy tomato sauce. This dish is incredibly versatile—whether you serve it over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, it’s sure to please everyone at the table. With its minimal prep and the magic of slow cooking, it’s perfect for busy nights when you want a delicious and hearty meal without the hassle.

The creamy sauce, flavored with aromatic basil, complements the chicken beautifully, making each bite comforting and satisfying. This recipe is simple enough for a weeknight dinner, yet impressive enough to serve for a casual gathering. With very little hands-on time, it’s an easy way to create a comforting dish that feels special.

I can’t wait to see how your Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Breast turns out! Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see your delicious creation. Leave a comment or share your thoughts on how you made this dish your own! Enjoy!