Slow cooker tomato basil chicken is my go-to recipe when life feels like a runaway train and I need dinner to basically cook itself. First, I toss everything in the pot, cross my fingers, and hope nothing spills on my socks. Honestly, it’s one of those Crockpot Chicken Tomato Recipes that makes me feel like a kitchen genius, even when I forget to thaw the chicken.
So, if you’re juggling work, kids, or just your own sanity, this easy and healthy crockpot recipe will save your evening. The smell alone is enough to make my family start hovering around the kitchen, forks in hand, pretending they’ll help with dishes. But really, with a handful of ingredients and a little patience, you get a meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen—without actually doing it.
My Kitchen Story
First, let me set the scene: it’s a Monday, I’ve forgotten to plan dinner (again), and my slow cooker stares at me like, “Are we doing this or what?” So, I grab my chicken breasts and a can of diced tomatoes, and my kitchen instantly transforms into a tomato basil chicken crockpot experiment. Of course, I spill some marinara on the counter—par for the course. But honestly, that’s the beauty of slow cooker basil chicken: it’s messy, forgiving, and somehow always turns out delicious, even if you’re distracted by a rogue soccer ball rolling through your kitchen.
Then, as the hours pass, the aroma fills the house and I remember why I love healthy dump and go crockpot recipes. No standing over the stove, no frantic last-minute chopping. Also, I get to catch up on my favorite shows while dinner does its magic—who knew chicken breasts in crock pot could be so low-stress? Every time I make this, I think back to the first time I tried the Easy Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken Recipe For Tender And Flavorful Dinner and realized how easy chicken crockpot recipes easy healthy can be.
What Makes It Stand Out
So, what really makes this slow cooker creamy tomato basil chicken special? It’s that dreamy, creamy sauce—you whisk together a bit of heavy cream and cornstarch, and suddenly, dinner feels fancy. Plus, it’s one of those chicken breast crockpot recipes easy enough for a Tuesday, but impressive enough for guests. Finally, if you love creamy chicken recipes, you should check out the Creamy Ranch Chicken Recipe Made Easy In Your Slow Cooker Crockpot for even more weeknight wins.
What You’ll Need
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Diced tomatoes with Italian herbs and juice | 1 can (14 oz or 398 ml) |
| Marinara sauce | 1 cup |
| Garlic, finely minced | 3 cloves |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Italian seasoning | 1 teaspoon |
| Dried basil | ½ teaspoon |
| Pepper | ¼ teaspoon |
| Heavy whipping cream | ½ cup |
| Cornstarch | 2 tablespoons |
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 4 (about 2 lbs) |
| Fresh basil, finely chopped | 2 tablespoons |
| Grated Parmesan cheese | for serving |
Handy Kitchen Helpers
If you’re anything like me, your slow cooker is a trusted friend for busy weeknights. This slow cooker tomato basil chicken comes together with just a few utensils: a trusty 4- to 6-quart crockpot, a whisk for mixing the creamy sauce, and a sharp knife for prepping the garlic and basil. Also, the slow cooker does most of the heavy lifting, so you don’t need to babysit the stove or oven.
Sometimes, I swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs if I want a little extra tenderness. However, either works perfectly with this method. If you love easy and healthy crockpot recipes, check out my Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Burrito Bowl Recipe For A Healthy Weeknight Dinner for another weeknight hit. Want more inspiration for slow cooker basil chicken? Try my Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken Recipe Easy Dump And Go Crockpot Dinner too.
Finally, I always recommend checking for doneness with a thermometer—food safety is important. For more tips on safe slow cooking, visit this helpful resource at foodsafety.gov. With these basics, you’ll find slow cooker creamy tomato basil chicken is a breeze, and you can enjoy more chicken breasts in crock pot meals with confidence.
Step-by-step method for a Crockpot / Slow Cooker recipe
Step 1
First, combine the diced tomatoes with their juice, marinara sauce, garlic, salt, Italian seasoning, dried basil, and pepper in a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker. Stir well to mix all the flavors together.
Step 2
Then, in a small bowl, whisk the heavy cream and cornstarch until smooth. Add this creamy mixture to the slow cooker, giving everything a good stir to blend the sauce.
Step 3
Next, place the chicken breasts into the slow cooker, pressing them gently down into the sauce. Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken reads 165°F, ensuring perfectly cooked chicken.
Tips and tricks to make this Crockpot / Slow Cooker recipe shine
Also, don’t forget to stir in the fresh basil just before serving to keep its vibrant flavor bright and fresh. This slow cooker tomato basil chicken dish pairs beautifully with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, adding a lovely savory touch. For extra inspiration, try the Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken And Potatoes Easy Slow Cooker Recipe or the Easy Crockpot Chicken Tortellini Recipe With 6 Simple Ingredients. Both recipes share the ease and comfort that come with great chicken crockpot recipes easy healthy and slow cooker creamy tomato basil chicken options. Remember, this recipe is a wonderful example of healthy dump and go crockpot recipes that save time without sacrificing flavor.
What to serve with this Crockpot / Slow Cooker recipe
First, consider serving your slow cooker tomato basil chicken with a side of garlic mashed potatoes or a simple bed of steamed rice to soak up that delicious sauce. Also, a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables make a wonderful complement, balancing the rich flavors. For more meal ideas, check out our Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken And Veggies Easy Healthy Family Favorite and Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken Easy And Flavorful Family Favorite.
How to store and reheat
Since this recipe is made in a crockpot, it cools down evenly, making it easy to store. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Next, when reheating, do so gently on the stove or in the microwave to keep the chicken moist and tender. The slow cooker method helps the flavors meld beautifully, so reheating only enhances the taste.
FAQ
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts work well in this slow cooker tomato basil chicken recipe. They cook nicely and stay tender when cooked slowly.
Do I need to brown the chicken first?
Browning the chicken is optional. It adds flavor but skipping it makes this a true dump and go crockpot recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! It stores well and tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for easy healthy crockpot recipes.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What can I substitute for fresh basil?
Dry basil works in a pinch; use about one-third the amount of fresh. You can also try fresh oregano or parsley for a different twist.
Print
slow cooker tomato basil chicken
- Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Healthy Dump And Go Crockpot Recipes
Description
A creamy and flavorful slow cooker dish featuring chicken breasts simmered in a tomato basil sauce with Italian herbs and Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
1 can diced tomatoes with Italian herbs and juice (14 oz or 398 ml)
1 cup marinara sauce
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon dried basil
¼ teaspoon pepper
½ cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons cornstarch
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs)
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil
Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
1. Combine the diced tomatoes with their juice, marinara sauce, garlic, salt, Italian seasoning, dried basil, and pepper in a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker. Stir to mix well.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and cornstarch until smooth, then add this mixture to the slow cooker.
3. Place the chicken breasts into the slow cooker, pressing them down into the sauce.
4. Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken reads 165°F.
5. Once cooked, stir in the fresh basil, then taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve the chicken topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream for a lighter option.
Fresh basil can be substituted with extra dried basil if unavailable.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently to avoid curdling the cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3.5 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 590 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Thanks for spending time with me in the kitchen today! This slow cooker tomato basil chicken is one of those cozy, comforting dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day. If you loved this recipe, you might also enjoy our Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken And Veggies Easy Healthy Family Favorite and Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken Easy And Flavorful Family Favorite. Don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest for more cozy Crockpot / Slow Cooker recipes that make weeknight dinners a breeze!