Description
This Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken breasts cooked in a flavorful creamy tomato and basil sauce. Perfect for a hands-off meal, the slow cooker infuses the chicken with Italian herbs and garlic, creating a rich and comforting dish that’s easy to prepare and ideal for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Tomato Basil Sauce
- 1 can diced tomatoes with Italian herbs, including juice (14 oz or 398 ml)
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs)
Finishing Touches
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker, combine the diced tomatoes with Italian herbs along with their juice, marinara sauce, finely minced garlic, salt, Italian seasoning, dried basil, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to mix all ingredients evenly.
- Add cream mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy whipping cream and cornstarch until smooth and well combined. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker and stir gently to incorporate it into the tomato sauce base.
- Arrange the chicken: Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts into the slow cooker, pressing them down slightly so they are submerged in the creamy tomato basil sauce for maximum flavor absorption.
- Slow cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook the chicken on low heat for 3 to 4 hours. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the thickest part of the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), confirming it is safely cooked and tender.
- Finish and serve: Once cooked, stir the finely chopped fresh basil into the sauce. Taste and adjust seasonings as necessary. Serve the chicken topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor and richness.
Notes
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the chicken after cooking and simmer the sauce on high in the slow cooker for 10-15 minutes.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Serve with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the creamy tomato basil sauce.
- Fresh basil adds vibrant flavor but can be substituted with additional dried basil if unavailable.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
