Description
A comforting and flavorful Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken recipe combining tender chicken breasts with a rich tomato and herb sauce, slow-cooked to perfection and finished with fresh basil. Perfect for an easy dinner served over pasta, rice, or with fresh veggies.
Ingredients
Scale
Sauce Ingredients
- 14 oz can diced tomatoes with Italian herbs (398 ml)
- 1 cup tomato pasta sauce
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup evaporated milk or heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons corn starch
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Finishing Touch
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: Add diced tomatoes with Italian herbs, tomato pasta sauce, minced garlic, salt, Italian seasoning, dried basil, and black pepper into a 3-6 quart slow cooker. Stir well to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
- Mix the cream and thickener: In a separate bowl, whisk together evaporated milk or heavy cream with corn starch until fully combined and smooth. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker and stir gently to incorporate it into the sauce base.
- Add the chicken: Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts directly into the slow cooker on top of the sauce. Press the chicken breasts down slightly so they are submerged in the sauce to ensure even cooking and flavor absorption.
- Slow cook the chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3 to 5 hours. Check doneness by ensuring the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker size and amount of ingredients.
- Finish with fresh basil and serve: Once cooked, stir in the finely chopped fresh basil for a burst of fresh flavor. Serve the creamy tomato basil chicken over pasta, rice, or alongside a fresh salad and vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Ensure chicken is fully cooked by checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer for food safety.
- You can substitute heavy cream with evaporated milk for a lighter version, but heavy cream creates a richer sauce.
- Adjust seasoning to taste before serving, especially salt and pepper depending on your slow cooker variability.
- This recipe is best on low heat to keep chicken tender and prevent the cream from curdling.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
