Description
There’s something magical about a meal that comes together effortlessly in a slow cooker. This Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is a rich, flavorful dish that’s as comforting as it is easy to make. Tender chicken is simmered in a creamy tomato basil sauce that pairs perfectly with pasta, rice, or crusty bread. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this dish is a weeknight hero!
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Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup tomato sauce (or marinara sauce)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden (optional but adds flavor).
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
- Place the chicken in the slow cooker.
- In a mixing bowl, combine diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic. Pour the mixture over the chicken.
Step 3: Cook
- Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
Step 4: Make It Creamy
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
- Add the chopped basil and stir gently to combine.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve the chicken with the creamy tomato basil sauce over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with extra fresh basil and Parmesan, if desired.
Notes
- Sear for Flavor: Browning the chicken before slow cooking enhances the flavor, but you can skip this step if you’re short on time.
- Fresh Basil: Fresh basil makes all the difference in the sauce—don’t skip it!
- Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth. If too thin, stir in a bit more Parmesan or let it cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5-6 hours (slow cooker)
- Cuisine: American