Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Breast

Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Breast is the ultimate comfort dish, combining tender, juicy chicken breasts with a rich, velvety tomato basil sauce. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a hearty, flavorful meal without standing over the stove. By using a slow cooker, you allow the chicken to cook low and slow, soaking up all the vibrant flavors of tomatoes, basil, garlic, and cream. Serve it over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or with crusty bread to soak up the decadent sauce. Not only is this recipe easy to prepare, but it’s also a showstopper that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Creamy Sauce: The tomato basil sauce is infused with cream and Parmesan, delivering a velvety texture and luxurious flavor.
• Effortless Cooking: Using a slow cooker means minimal hands-on time and maximum flavor.
• Versatile Serving Options: Pair it with pasta, rice, veggies, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
• Meal Prep-Friendly: This dish stores and reheats beautifully, making it great for meal prep.
• Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of creamy sauce and tender chicken is a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4-6 hours (slow cooker)
• Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 380
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Protein: 40g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 5g

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Creamy Tomato Basil Sauce:

• 1 can (14.5 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes (fire-roasted for extra flavor, if desired)
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried basil (or 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped)
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky kick)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

For Garnish and Serving:

• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
• Extra grated Parmesan cheese
• Pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Season the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
2. In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
3. Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.

Step 2: Prepare the Slow Cooker

1. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, chopped onion, garlic, dried basil, oregano, smoked paprika (if using), and red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Pour in the chicken broth and gently stir to combine the ingredients, ensuring the chicken is submerged in the sauce.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

1. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4-6 hours or high heat for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/75°C).

Step 4: Add the Cream and Parmesan

1. About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese.
2. Let the sauce cook on low for an additional 15 minutes to thicken and meld the flavors.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and plate them.
2. Spoon the creamy tomato basil sauce over the chicken.
3. Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve with your choice of pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.

Ingredient Background

Chicken Breasts

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are lean and protein-rich, making them an ideal base for this dish. Cooking them in the slow cooker ensures they stay tender and juicy, absorbing the flavors of the sauce.

Tomatoes

Using both crushed and diced tomatoes creates a balance of textures in the sauce. Crushed tomatoes provide a smooth, rich base, while diced tomatoes add small bursts of juicy flavor.

Basil

Basil is the star herb in this recipe, lending its sweet, slightly peppery aroma to the sauce. Fresh basil enhances the final dish, but dried basil works well for slow-cooked flavors.

Parmesan Cheese

Parmesan adds a salty, umami depth to the sauce, complementing the creaminess and acidity of the tomatoes. For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan.

Heavy Cream

Heavy cream gives the sauce its signature silky texture and rich flavor. For a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half or coconut cream.

Technique Tips

1. Season the Chicken Well: Properly seasoning the chicken ensures that it holds its own against the bold flavors of the sauce.
2. Layer Ingredients: Place the chicken at the bottom of the slow cooker and layer the sauce ingredients on top for even cooking.
3. Low and Slow for Tender Chicken: Cooking on low heat allows the chicken to become tender and soak up the flavors.
4. Don’t Add Cream Too Early: Adding cream at the end prevents it from curdling during the long cooking process.
5. Fresh Basil for Garnish: Adding fresh basil at the end brightens the dish and enhances the flavor.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

• Shredded Chicken: Shred the cooked chicken breasts and mix them back into the sauce for a creamy, stew-like consistency.
• Casserole Style: Transfer the chicken and sauce to a baking dish, sprinkle with mozzarella or Parmesan, and broil until bubbly and golden.
• Stuffed Shells: Use the sauce as a filling for large pasta shells stuffed with ricotta and chicken.
• Open-Faced Sandwich: Serve the chicken on toasted bread or a ciabatta roll with a drizzle of sauce and melted cheese.

Additional Tips for Success

• Use Fresh Herbs: If possible, use fresh basil for garnish to bring out the flavors of the dish.
• Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, use less chicken broth or let the sauce simmer uncovered in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Double the Sauce: The sauce is so good you’ll want extra! Double the sauce ingredients for leftovers or to serve over pasta.
• Make It Cheesy: Stir in mozzarella or fontina cheese for an extra creamy, cheesy sauce.

Recipe Variations

• Low-Carb Option: Serve over zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or spaghetti squash for a keto-friendly meal.
• Spicy Twist: Add extra red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for a kick of heat.
• Vegetarian Version: Substitute the chicken with tofu, chickpeas, or hearty vegetables like eggplant or zucchini.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
• Baked Version: Place the chicken and sauce in a baking dish and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 35-40 minutes, then stir in the cream and Parmesan.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the chicken and sauce in individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to restore the sauce’s consistency.

Healthier Twist Ideas

• Use Greek Yogurt: Substitute heavy cream with plain Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-packed sauce.
• Choose Skinless Thighs: Chicken thighs are slightly higher in fat but remain tender and flavorful in the slow cooker.
• Reduce Salt: Use low-sodium chicken broth and Parmesan to control the sodium content.
• Extra Veggies: Add spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to boost the nutritional value of the dish.

Serving Suggestions for Events

• Date Night Dinner: Serve over fettuccine with a side of garlic bread and a glass of white wine.
• Family Meal: Pair with mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, and a fresh green salad.
• Dinner Party: Plate the chicken with creamy polenta and garnish with fresh basil for an elegant presentation.
• Meal Prep: Divide the chicken and sauce into individual containers with rice or pasta for grab-and-go lunches.

Special Equipment

• Slow Cooker: A 4-6 quart slow cooker is ideal for this recipe.
• Sharp Knife: For chopping onions and garlic evenly.
• Wooden Spoon: For stirring the sauce without scratching the slow cooker.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe and remain juicy during slow cooking.

2. Can I make this in the Instant Pot?

Yes, use the sauté function to cook the onion and garlic, then pressure cook the chicken and sauce for 10 minutes. Add cream and Parmesan after releasing the pressure.

3. Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?

Yes, dried basil works well in the sauce, but fresh basil adds a brighter flavor for garnish.

4. What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half, coconut cream, or even cream cheese for a creamy texture.

5. Can I use store-bought marinara sauce instead of canned tomatoes?

Yes, marinara sauce can be used for convenience, but adjust the seasonings as marinara is typically pre-seasoned.

6. How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Cook the chicken on low heat and avoid overcooking. Chicken breasts can dry out if left in the slow cooker too long.

7. Can I skip the Parmesan cheese?

You can omit Parmesan for a dairy-free version, but it adds depth and richness to the sauce.

8. What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?

For a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of chicken broth or simmer uncovered during the last 30 minutes.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Breast is a cozy, flavorful dish that’s as simple to make as it is delicious. With its tender chicken, creamy tomato basil sauce, and endless serving possibilities, this recipe is a perfect addition to your dinner rotation. Whether served over pasta for a hearty family meal or paired with a salad for a lighter option, this dish is sure to impress. Grab your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home!

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