Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe

If you’re in the mood for an easy, dreamy weeknight dinner that tastes like pure comfort with every bite, you need to try Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken. Imagine juicy chicken breasts gently simmered in a velvety tomato-basil sauce, all made effortless with the magic of your slow cooker—it’s hands-down one of my favorite “set it and forget it” family meals!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken shines with just a handful of classic pantry staples and a few fresh touches. Each ingredient brings a distinct flavor or creamy richness, coming together into a comforting, colorful, and truly unforgettable sauce.

• 14 oz can diced tomatoes with Italian herbs: These tomatoes add depth and savory flavor right from the start—no extra seasoning required!
• 1 cup tomato pasta sauce: Use your favorite variety for an even richer tomato base and extra sauciness.
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic: Garlic infuses every bite with its wonderful aroma and warmth.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Just enough to enhance all the flavors and make them pop.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A perfect blend of classic dried herbs to amp up the Italian vibes.
• ½ teaspoon dried basil: For a hint of additional basil flavor to layer with the fresh stuff added at the end.
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds gentle heat and seasoning.
• ½ cup evaporated milk or heavy cream: Either option creates that perfectly creamy, dreamy sauce that makes this dish irresistible.
• 2 tablespoons corn starch: This thickens the sauce so it’s rich enough to serve over pasta or rice.
• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: These soak up all the delicious flavors while staying juicy and fork-tender after slow cooking.
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil: Stirred in at the end for a fragrant, beautiful finish and a pop of color.

Variations

The beauty of Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is how easy it is to adapt to your tastes or whatever’s in your kitchen. Don’t be afraid to put your own spin on things—this recipe loves a little experimentation!

• Use chicken thighs: Swap the breasts for boneless skinless chicken thighs for an even more succulent, juicy result.
• Add vegetables: Toss in baby spinach, sliced mushrooms, or roasted red peppers during the last hour for extra color, nutrition, and flavor.
• Make it dairy-free: Use full-fat coconut milk in place of cream and thicken with arrowroot powder instead of cornstarch.
• Spice it up: Stir in crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño if you prefer a little heat with your creaminess!

How to Make Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

Step 1: Build the Base

Start by adding the canned diced tomatoes, tomato pasta sauce, minced garlic, salt, Italian seasoning, dried basil, and pepper to your slow cooker. Give everything a stir so the flavors begin to mingle—this fragrant base will become your lusciously creamy sauce.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Thickener

Whisk together the evaporated milk (or heavy cream) and cornstarch in a small bowl until completely smooth, then pour it into the slow cooker. This step ensures you’ll get a silky, perfectly thick sauce every time!

Step 3: Add the Chicken

Nestle the chicken breasts into the sauce, gently pressing them down so they’re mostly submerged. This lets them slowly soak up all those savory tomato-basil flavors while cooking to perfectly juicy.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover and cook on low for 3–5 hours. You’ll know the chicken is done when it’s reached 165°F on a meat thermometer—don’t overcook for the best, fork-tender result. The exact time depends on your slow cooker’s size and how full it is, so check a little early the first time you make this dish.

Step 5: Finish with Fresh Basil

Just before serving, stir in the chopped fresh basil for a gorgeous pop of color and a finishing hit of garden-fresh flavor. Spoon the Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken over pasta, rice, or a pile of garlicky veggies—and get ready for second helpings!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

Garnishes

Scatter extra chopped fresh basil or even a little grated Parmesan cheese on top right before serving. That swirl of emerald green and snowy cheese gives every plate a restaurant-style touch and adds a boost of flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.

Side Dishes

My favorite way to serve Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is over a bed of tender spaghetti or rotini that soaks up the sauce. But it’s also outstanding with fluffy rice, cauliflower rice, or a slice of crusty bread to mop up any leftovers. Pair with a simple salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, shred the chicken after cooking and pile it onto toasted ciabatta or serve as a hearty filling for baked potatoes. Or try slicing the chicken and arranging it atop noodles with a generous drizzle of extra sauce for a dish that looks as lovely as it tastes!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken stores beautifully—just transfer cooled chicken and sauce to an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. The flavors seem to get even better by the next day!

Freezing

This dish freezes surprisingly well. Simply portion cooled chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the sauce’s creamy texture.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave in 45-second bursts, stirring between each to ensure even warmth.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken in your own kitchen—it’s the ultimate blend of convenience and comfort, and it’s almost guaranteed to put smiles around your table. Give it a whirl on your next cozy evening and let me know how much you love it!

Print