Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that’s comfort food with a gourmet twist, let me introduce you to the Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe. This meal is like a warm hug on a plate—rich, velvety, and bursting with bright tomato and fragrant basil flavors. I love this recipe because it marries simplicity with taste so effortlessly. Plus, with the slow cooker doing all the hard work, you get a hands-off meal that’s seriously satisfying. Stick around—I’m excited to share all the tips that’ll help you nail this recipe every time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe is in how simple yet perfectly balanced the ingredients are. Each element plays a role, from the cream that mellows the tomatoes to the garlic and herbs that amp up the aroma. Whenever I shop for this, I make sure to pick the freshest canned tomatoes or cherry tomatoes I can find—taste really shines through with quality produce.

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs): Choose breasts for lean meat or thighs for more juicy, tender results.
• Heavy cream: Adds richness and silky texture to the sauce; whole milk won’t quite do the same job.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce—make sure to whisk it well with the cream first.
• Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and gives the sauce depth.
• Canned diced tomatoes: Brings in that classic tomatoey tang with a nice texture.
• Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic makes a world of difference for that punch of flavor.
• Cherry tomatoes: Adds bursts of sweetness and texture—you can swap fresh or canned here.
• Dried basil (or fresh basil): Basil is the star herb here; fresh gives vibrancy, dried is convenient.
• Dried thyme: A subtle earthy note that enhances the chicken.
• Sea salt: Seasoning is key; I always taste and adjust as I go.
• Black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and rounds out the flavor.

Variations

I love how forgiving this recipe is—once you have the basics down, customizing it is a breeze. Sometimes I play with different herbs or swap chicken breasts for thighs depending on what’s in my fridge. Make it your own!

• Use chicken thighs: My family goes crazy for the extra juiciness and flavor thighs provide when slow-cooked.
• Fresh herbs swap: If you have fresh thyme on hand, use that instead of dried—it brightens the whole dish nicely.
• Dairy-free option: I discovered using coconut cream in place of heavy cream works well if you’re avoiding dairy.
• Spicy twist: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes gives a subtle heat that balances the creamy texture beautifully.

How to Make Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Whisk the Cream and Cornstarch

Start by adding the heavy cream and cornstarch into your slow cooker. Whisk these together thoroughly until the cornstarch dissolves completely—you don’t want any clumps! This step is crucial because it ensures the sauce will thicken nicely, turning silky and smooth by the end of cooking.

Step 2: Add Tomatoes, Herbs, and Seasoning

Next, stir in the tomato paste, canned diced tomatoes, and halved cherry tomatoes. Add the garlic cloves, dried basil, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good mix, making sure all these flavors blend well, which helps the chicken soak up all that tomato-basil goodness during cooking.

Step 3: Place Chicken in the Slow Cooker

Push your chicken breasts gently into the sauce, coating them completely. This keeps the meat tender and juicy, trapping steam and flavor. Don’t fuss too much here; as it cooks low and slow, the sauce will thicken and the chicken will finish perfectly.

Step 4: Cook Low and Slow or High and Quick

Place the lid on and cook on HIGH for 3 hours if you’re short on time—or on LOW for 10 hours if you want it to simmer gently and develop deeper flavor. I’ve tried both, and honestly, both ways deliver delicious results, but slow and low is my personal favorite.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I always sprinkle freshly chopped basil leaves on top—it adds a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness. Sometimes I drizzle a little extra cream if I want it ultra-luxurious. A few cracked black peppercorns finish it off nicely.

Side Dishes

To complement the bold flavors, I love serving this with creamy mashed potatoes or buttery polenta. Sometimes it’s all about crusty artisan bread to soak up every bit of that luscious sauce. Roasted green veggies like asparagus or broccoli make a great, healthy balance too.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this over a bed of garlic-infused linguine and garnished with toasted pine nuts for crunch. It makes for a restaurant-worthy presentation and always impresses guests when you casually say, “Oh, it’s just a slow cooker meal!”

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers store beautifully in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. I like to portion out servings right away, so it’s easy to grab and reheat without fuss.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish with great success. Just cool completely, then place in freezer-safe containers. It keeps well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

The best way to reheat leftovers is gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. This helps the sauce regain its creamy texture without separating. Microwave works too, but watch it so it doesn’t get rubbery or overheated.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe has become one of my go-to weeknight dinners not only because it’s scrumptious but also so effortlessly impressive. Whenever I’ve shared it with friends or family, I get asked for the recipe right away. I think you’ll love how the slow cooker transforms simple ingredients into a cozy, creamy dinner that feels like it took hours of work. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite comfort meal!

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