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Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken
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Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is a comforting and fresh dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked slowly in a rich, velvety tomato sauce infused with fresh basil and herbs. Perfect for busy weeknights, it requires minimal prep while delivering maximum flavor. This family-friendly recipe pairs well with pasta, rice, or crusty bread and is versatile with easy variations to suit any taste or dietary preference.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Tomato Sauce Base

  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Dairy and Fresh Herbs

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

Cooking Oils

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the ingredients: Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Roughly chop the fresh basil leaves if a milder herb texture is preferred. Measure out the canned crushed tomatoes and cream.
  2. Sauté onions and garlic: Heat olive oil in a small pan over medium heat. Cook onions until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, unlocking their full flavor.
  3. Add chicken to the slow cooker: Place the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker for even cooking.
  4. Combine tomato mixture: In a bowl, mix the crushed tomatoes, sautéed onions and garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken in the slow cooker.
  5. Set and cook: Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
  6. Stir in cream and basil: When the chicken is done, gently shred it with two forks directly in the slow cooker. Stir in the heavy cream and fresh basil, and let the mixture heat for 10–15 minutes to meld flavors before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh basil last to preserve bright flavor and color.
  • Don’t skip sautéing onion and garlic to deepen the flavor.
  • Shred chicken gently to keep tender pieces intact.
  • Slow cook on low heat for best texture and flavor blending.
  • Add cream gradually to adjust richness to taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker chicken, creamy tomato basil chicken, easy slow cooker recipes, family dinner, comforting chicken recipe, gluten free chicken dish

Find it online: https://emillycooks.com/slow-cooker-creamy-tomato-basil-chicken/