Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

Enjoy a comforting and flavorful dish with Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken! This easy recipe combines tender chicken breasts with a rich, creamy tomato sauce and fresh basil, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Serve it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread for a complete meal. Let’s get started!

Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious dish:

For the Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves (chopped, plus extra for garnish)

Timing

Here’s a breakdown of the timing for preparing this dish:

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 4 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low
• Total Time: Approximately 4-8 hours

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Place Chicken in Slow Cooker: Lay the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Add Tomatoes and Sauce: Pour the diced tomatoes (with juices) and tomato sauce over the chicken.
3. Season: Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) over the top.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Cover and Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Step 3: Make it Creamy

1. Add Cream and Cheese: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well to combine.
2. Add Fresh Basil: Stir in the chopped fresh basil, reserving some for garnish.

Step 4: Serve

1. Shred the Chicken: If desired, shred the chicken in the sauce using two forks for a more rustic presentation.
2. Plate and Garnish: Serve the creamy tomato basil chicken over pasta, rice, or with bread. Garnish with additional fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional content per serving (assuming 4 servings):

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	450
Total Fat	28g
Saturated Fat	16g
Cholesterol	150mg
Sodium	600mg
Total Carbohydrates	10g
Dietary Fiber	1g
Sugars	3g
Protein	40g

Tips for Success

To ensure your Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken turns out perfectly, keep these tips in mind:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh basil enhances the flavor significantly, so try to use it if possible.
• Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste. You can add more herbs or spices for extra flavor.
• Serve with Sides: This dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or a side salad.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers, here’s how to store them properly:

• Refrigeration: Store the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the creamy tomato basil chicken for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is a delicious, easy meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, this dish is sure to please the whole family. Enjoy making and sharing this comforting meal!

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes! You can use frozen chicken breasts, but you may need to extend the cooking time by an hour or so.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or even plain Greek yogurt for a lighter version, although the texture may differ slightly.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for added nutrition.

Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours

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Ingredients

• For the Chicken
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves (chopped, plus extra for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Place Chicken in Slow Cooker: Lay the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Add Tomatoes and Sauce: Pour the diced tomatoes (with juices) and tomato sauce over the chicken.
3. Season: Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) over the top.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Cover and Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Step 3: Make it Creamy

1. Add Cream and Cheese: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well to combine.
2. Add Fresh Basil: Stir in the chopped fresh basil, reserving some for garnish.

Step 4: Serve

1. Shred the Chicken: If desired, shred the chicken in the sauce using two forks for a more rustic presentation.
2. Plate and Garnish: Serve the creamy tomato basil chicken over pasta, rice, or with bread. Garnish with additional fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.