This slow cooker creamy tomato basil chicken is a warm hug in a dish! Tender chicken breasts swim in a rich, tangy sauce with tomatoes and fresh basil. Yum!
I love how effortless this recipe is. Just toss everything in the slow cooker, and a few hours later, dinner is ready! Perfect with pasta or rice, too!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this dish as they become tender in the slow cooker. If you prefer dark meat, thighs are a tasty substitute and can add extra flavor.
Marinara Sauce: This provides the base flavor. You could use homemade marinara or any jarred sauce you like. If you want a little kick, try adding a spicy marinara instead!
Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or even coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative.
Parmesan Cheese: Fresh grated Parmesan adds rich flavor. For a different twist, try Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a vegan substitute.
Fresh Basil: Fresh basil brightens the dish. Dried basil can stand in if fresh isn’t available, but you’ll need less, about one teaspoon, since dried herbs are more potent.
How Do You Make the Creamiest Sauce in a Slow Cooker?
The key to a creamy and flavorful sauce lies in how and when you combine your ingredients. Mixing everything but the cheese and basil first helps avoid clumping. Then, adding the cheese and basil towards the end allows flavors to meld without losing their freshness.
- Use a medium bowl to combine marinara, cream, tomatoes, garlic, and seasonings well before pouring over the chicken.
- Stir in Parmesan and basil only 30 minutes before serving to keep the flavors vibrant and the cheese from getting too thick.
Keeping an eye on seasoning during cooking is also important. Taste and adjust as needed!
Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Breasts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Components:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked pasta or rice, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and then you’ll let it cook in the slow cooker for either 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. It’s a perfect dish to set and forget while you go about your day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Chicken:
Start by placing the chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. Make sure they are spread out evenly so they cook nicely.
2. Mix the Creamy Sauce:
In a medium bowl, combine the marinara sauce, heavy cream, diced tomatoes, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed. This is your delicious creamy sauce!
3. Pour the Sauce Over Chicken:
Carefully pour your creamy tomato mixture over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Make sure the chicken is well covered with the sauce.
4. Cooking Time:
Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook. You can choose low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The chicken is ready when it’s cooked through and tender.
5. Add Finishing Touches:
About 30 minutes before you plan to serve, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped basil into the slow cooker. This adds a wonderful flavor to the dish!
6. Taste and Adjust:
After a good stir, taste your creamy tomato basil sauce. If you feel it needs more flavor, sprinkle in some extra salt and pepper to your liking.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to eat, serve the creamy tomato basil chicken over cooked pasta or rice. Don’t forget to garnish with additional fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for that extra touch!
Enjoy your flavorful and creamy dish!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts Instead?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to increase the cooking time by about an hour for the low setting or around 30 minutes for the high setting. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you want a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free version, try coconut milk or a plant-based heavy cream substitute. Just note that using lighter options may result in a less rich sauce.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or cream if the sauce thickens too much.
Can I Add Additional Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini. Just be sure to chop them into small pieces and toss them in with the creamy mixture early in the cooking process to ensure they cook through.
