Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Breast

There’s something undeniably special about a dish that practically cooks itself while you go about your day. This Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Breast is one of those gems that will make you look like a culinary rock star without the stress. I remember the first time I prepared it for a group of friends. The aromas wafting through the house were intoxicating, pulling them into the kitchen like moths to a flame. And when they tasted it, oh boy! Eyes widened, forks flying, and requests for seconds all around. This recipe has since become a staple in my home, a comforting embrace on busy days and a go-to for gatherings.

Why this recipe is a must-try

Why spend hours in front of the stove when you can let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting? This dish marries the wholesome goodness of chicken with the rich and hearty flavors of tomatoes and basil, enhanced by a silky cream that makes every bite feel like a luxurious treat. It’s not just about taste; it’s also about ease and versatility. You can whip this up in the morning, head out for the day, and return to a home that smells like heaven. Plus, each bowl of this creamy delight offers a wave of nostalgia—remember the comfort of tomato soup from childhood? This is like an upgraded version, perfect for adults who still crave those homely flavors.

Gather these ingredients

Let’s break down what you’ll need:

• 4 Chicken Breasts: Go for bone-in and skin-on for a richer flavor, but if you prefer convenience, boneless skinless works just fine.

• 1 Can (14.5 oz) Diced Tomatoes with Juice: This is the sauce base, bringing that burst of acidity and sweetness. Feel free to use fire-roasted tomatoes for an extra smoky depth.

• 1 Cup Heavy Cream or Cream Cheese: This ingredient is the secret to the creaminess. While cream adds richness, cream cheese will give it a satisfying tang. Choose based on your mood!

• 1 Cup Fresh Basil Leaves, Chopped: The vibrant and aromatic basil brings life to your dish. If you’re in a pinch, dried basil works too, but go easy on it—dried herbs are more potent.

• 2 Cloves Garlic, Minced: Because garlic makes everything better. You can adjust this to your taste—more garlic means more flavor!

• Salt and Pepper to Taste: Essential for bringing out all those delicious flavors.

• Olive Oil (Optional): A splash can enhance the flavor and help with browning, but it’s not a must in the slow cooker.

Preparing Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Breast

Now for the good stuff—the how-to!

1. Place the Chicken: Lay those chicken breasts in the slow cooker. They should bask comfortably in the bottom, ready to soak up all the flavors.

2. Add the Goodness: Pour the diced tomatoes (juice and all) over the chicken. Follow this with your heavy cream or cream cheese, minced garlic, and chopped basil. Use a spoon to evenly distribute everything—it looks so good already!

3. Season It Up: Generously sprinkle salt and pepper over the top. Remember, seasoning layers will heighten the flavors really well!

4. Cook, Cook, Cook: Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The longer, the better for tender, juicy chicken!

5. Shred and Stir: Once it’s cooked to perfection, shred the chicken right in the pot and give everything a good stir to combine. The aroma will be intoxicating.

6. Serve It Up: Dish it out over pasta, rice, or with a slice of crusty bread to mop up that glorious sauce. You’ll want every drop!

How to enjoy it

The best way to enjoy this dish? It’s all about the pairing! Serve it on a bed of fluffy pasta, and let it soak in that creamy sauce. If you’re feeling lighter, a side of steamed veggies or a fresh salad with zesty vinaigrette would make a perfect companion. And let’s not forget some crusty bread—ideal for scooping up every delightful morsel.

Storage and reheating tips

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Transfer any extras into an airtight container, and it will stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to indulge again, reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until thoroughly warmed. If you find yourself with a bounty of this dish (like I often do), it freezes beautifully for up to three months. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge before reheating for the best results!

Helpful cooking tips

A few extra nuggets of wisdom for you:

• Want to elevate the flavor even more? Sauté the garlic in a bit of olive oil before adding it to the slow cooker. Toasted garlic adds a whole new layer of depth!
• If you like a touch of heat, throw in some red pepper flakes with the tomatoes.
• Need a dairy-free option? Swap the cream for coconut milk, and you’ll still get that lovely richness without the dairy.

Creative twists

Feeling adventurous? Here are a few variations to try:

• Herb Variations: Swap basil for fresh oregano or thyme for a totally new vibe.
• Sundried Tomatoes: Toss in some chopped sundried tomatoes for an added punch.
• Cheesy Delight: Stir in some grated Parmesan cheese just before serving for that irresistible cheesy goodness.

Ingredients

• 4 Chicken Breasts
• 1 Can (14.5 oz) Diced Tomatoes with Juice
• 1 Cup Heavy Cream or Cream Cheese
• 1 Cup Fresh Basil Leaves, Chopped
• 2 Cloves Garlic, Minced
• Salt and Pepper to Taste
• Olive Oil (Optional)

Directions

1. Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
2. Add diced tomatoes, heavy cream, minced garlic, and chopped basil.
3. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
5. Shred the chicken and stir into the sauce.
6. Serve over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.

Your questions answered

1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
   Yes, you can! Just ensure they cook a little longer in the slow cooker.

2. What if I don’t have fresh basil?
   Dried basil works; just remember to use less since it’s more concentrated!

3. Can I make this ahead of time?
   Absolutely! You can prepare everything in the slow cooker the night before. Just pop it in the fridge, and turn it on in the morning.

4. How spicy is this dish?
   It’s not spicy at all unless you add red pepper flakes for a kick!

5. What’s the best way to reheat this?
   Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.

This creamy dish is not just sumptuous, but it also brings warmth and comfort to your table. It’s a meal that will have everyone coming back for more, and one that, trust me, you’ll be proud to share. So go on! Try it out, get your skillet dirty (in a good way), and let your culinary creativity shine. I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out—share your experiences, tweaks, and delightful surprises in the comments! Happy cooking!

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Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Breast

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time Cook Time Total Time 21 hrs

Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 15 Calories: 450

Description

An easy, delicious, and comforting creamy tomato basil chicken dish that practically cooks itself.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Main Ingredients

• 4 pieces Chicken Breasts (Bone-in and skin-on recommended for richer flavor.)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) Diced Tomatoes (Can be fire-roasted for added flavor.)
• 1 cup Heavy Cream or Cream Cheese (Choose based on mood for richness.)
• 1 cup Fresh Basil Leaves, Chopped (Dried basil can be substituted; use less.)
• 2 cloves Garlic, Minced (Adjust based on taste preference.)
• to taste n/a Salt
• to taste n/a Pepper
• optional splash Olive Oil (Enhances flavor and browning.)

Directions

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

   Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
   Mark as complete

2. Add Ingredients

   Pour diced tomatoes over the chicken followed by heavy cream or cream cheese, minced garlic, and chopped basil.
   Use a spoon to distribute evenly.
   Mark as complete

3. Season

   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
   Mark as complete

4. Cook

   Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
   Longer cooking yields more tender chicken.
   Mark as complete

5. Finish Up

   Once cooked, shred the chicken in the pot and stir everything together.
   Mark as complete

6. Serve

   Serve over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.
   Enjoy every drop of the sauce.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 450kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 30g47%

Saturated Fat 15g75%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 120mg40%

Sodium 400mg17%

Potassium 900mg26%

Total Carbohydrate 12g4%

Dietary Fiber 2g8%

Sugars 5g

Protein 35g70%

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Vitamin A 15 IU

Vitamin C 20 mg

Calcium 10 mg

Iron 10 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Can be made ahead and frozen for later use.

Keywords: slow cooker, chicken, creamy, tomato, basil