Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken in Slow Cooker Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, fuss-free meal that bursts with flavor, you’re going to love this Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken in Slow Cooker Recipe. I absolutely love how the slow cooker does all the hard work — by the time you come back, you’ve got tender chicken swimming in this dreamy tomato basil cream sauce that’s just irresistible. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a go-to in your dinner rotation.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create a luxurious, fragrant sauce that hugs tender chicken breasts wonderfully. When shopping, aim for a good-quality marinara and fresh basil if you can find it—trust me, it makes a difference!

• Diced tomatoes with Italian herbs: Adds texture and a seasoned tomato flavor right off the bat.
• Marinara sauce: Use your favorite brand or homemade for the base; choose something flavorful for best results.
• Garlic: Finely minced for that punchy aroma that blends seamlessly into the sauce.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors—essential but keep it balanced.
• Italian seasoning: A blend of oregano, thyme, and rosemary will deepen the flavor profile.
• Dried basil: Adds that extra herbaceous note, but fresh is even better later.
• Pepper: Just a little for subtle warmth.
• Heavy whipping cream: This is the magic that makes the sauce creamy without curdling.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce for that luscious texture.
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: They cook evenly and soak up the saucy goodness — thighs work great too for a juicier bite.
• Fresh basil: Stirred in last, for the freshest, most vibrant herbal flavor.
• Parmesan cheese: The finishing touch, giving a salty, nutty flavor boost when you serve.

Variations

I’m all about making recipes my own, and this Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken in Slow Cooker Recipe is no exception. A few tweaks can keep this dinner exciting and tailor it to your cravings.

• Swap the Chicken: I’ve made this using boneless skinless thighs with fantastic juiciness — if you want a richer flavor and a bit more forgiving meat, thighs are your friend.
• Add Heat: When I’m craving a kick, I toss in some red pepper flakes or cayenne; it plays so nicely against the creamy tomato base.
• Basil Pesto Substitute: Fresh basil can be tricky to find sometimes, so swapping with a spoonful of pesto adds that herby brightness effortlessly.
• Make it Dairy-Free: I’ve experimented with coconut cream instead of heavy cream and while it changes the flavor, it’s a nice option if you’re dairy-free.

How to Make Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken in Slow Cooker Recipe

Step 1: Mix Your Sauce Base

Start by combining the diced tomatoes (with that Italian herb seasoning in the can), marinara sauce, minced garlic, salt, Italian seasoning, dried basil, and pepper directly in your slow cooker. Give everything a good stir so the flavors start blending early — this step sets the delicious foundation.

Step 2: Whisk Cream and Cornstarch

In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy whipping cream and cornstarch until smooth. This little trick makes sure your sauce thickens beautifully without lumps or curdling, which can happen if you add cream straight to hot liquids.

Step 3: Add Chicken and Cook Low & Slow

Press the chicken breasts gently down into the sauce so they’re mostly submerged. Then cover the slow cooker and set it on low for 3 to 4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when a thermometer reads 165°F in the thickest part. The chicken comes out super tender and soaked with all those rich flavors.

Step 4: Finish With Fresh Basil and Serve

Once the chicken is cooked, stir in the fresh chopped basil — it brightens the whole dish with a fresh, herbaceous note. Give it a taste and tweak the salt or pepper if needed. I like to serve it right away topped with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Yum!

How to Serve Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken in Slow Cooker Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling freshly grated Parmesan cheese right on top — it melts slightly into the warm sauce and adds a salty, nutty depth. Sometimes, I add a little extra fresh basil or even a drizzle of good olive oil to finish the dish beautifully. A few cracks of fresh black pepper always elevate it.

Side Dishes

This creamy tomato basil chicken pairs perfectly with buttery pasta, but I’ve also enjoyed it over creamy polenta or garlic mashed potatoes when I want something extra cozy. For lighter sides, steamed green beans or roasted cauliflower balance the richness nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner guests, I’ve served this chicken sliced over individual bowls of angel hair pasta, garnished with basil leaves and a Parmesan crisp on top. It’s simple but feels fancy! Another fun idea I tried was layering the chicken and sauce over toasted garlic bread for a quick chicken parm-inspired meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to transfer leftovers into airtight containers and keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens a bit, so giving it a gentle stir and a quick reheat helps bring back that creamy texture. It also tastes even better the next day — the flavors really meld together!

Freezing

If I want to save some for later, I freeze portions in freezer-safe containers. The key is to freeze before adding fresh basil and Parmesan, which you add fresh after reheating. It freezes very well — just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

When I reheat, I do it on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. This helps keep the chicken tender and the sauce creamy. Microwaving works, too, but I find slower reheating preserves texture better.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken in Slow Cooker Recipe feels like a warm hug on a plate — it’s got that perfect balance of tangy tomato and comforting creaminess with the bright freshness of basil. It’s one of those recipes that’s easy enough for busy nights but still impressive enough to serve guests. I honestly can’t recommend it enough; give it a try and see why it quickly became a favorite in my kitchen. You’ll be glad you did!

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