This Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is a warm hug in a dish! Tender chicken breasts swim in a rich, tasty sauce made with tomatoes and fresh basil.
It’s super easy to whip up, just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic. I love serving it over rice or pasta for a cozy dinner. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best here for tenderness. If you want more flavor, you can use chicken thighs instead; they are juicier and hold up well in slow cooking.
Marinara Sauce: This adds a rich tomato flavor. If you don’t have marinara, crushed tomatoes are a good substitute. You could also use tomato sauce mixed with some Italian seasoning.
Heavy Cream: It creates a creamy texture. For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or even whole milk, but the dish won’t be as rich. For a dairy-free version, coconut cream can work, though it will have a slightly different flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds depth. If you’re out, try another hard cheese like Pecorino Romano or even nutritional yeast for a vegan option!
Spices: Garlic powder and onion powder provide ease in flavoring. Fresh garlic and onion can be substituted, just adjust the amounts to taste—about 1-2 cloves of garlic and half a small onion will do!
How Do I Achieve Tender, Flavorful Chicken in a Slow Cooker?
Cooking chicken in a slow cooker is easy but requires some care to ensure it stays moist and flavorful. Here’s how:
- Start with quality chicken breasts; it makes a big difference in taste and texture.
- Make sure the chicken is fully coated with the sauce mixture. This will help keep it moist while cooking.
- Cooking on low gives the chicken time to absorb the flavors and become tender, so try to stick to that setting if you can!
- Don’t skip the step of stirring in the Parmesan cheese toward the end. It adds a creamy finish to the sauce and infuses more flavor!
- Always check for doneness. Your chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Breasts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
For the Sauce:
- 2 cups marinara sauce (or crushed tomatoes)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Garnish:
- Fresh basil leaves
- Optional: Red pepper flakes, for a bit of heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish requires approximately 15 minutes of preparation time and will need 4 to 6 hours to cook on low or 2 to 3 hours on high in the slow cooker. Perfect for busy days when you want to come home to a delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. Make sure they lay flat so they get evenly cooked.
2. Mix the Sauce:
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the marinara sauce, heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is well mixed and looks creamy. This sauce is going to be so tasty!
3. Combine Chicken and Sauce:
Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker. Make sure all chicken pieces are covered with the sauce, so they soak up all those flavors while cooking.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Cover your slow cooker, and set it to cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and tender when it’s done. The longer it cooks on low, the more tender it will be!
5. Add the Cheese:
About 30 minutes before you are ready to serve, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce. This will melt into the sauce and make it even creamier. What a treat!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the chicken is fully cooked, taste the sauce and adjust the salt and pepper if you need to. When serving, garnish the creamy chicken with fresh basil leaves and sprinkle more Parmesan cheese on top if you like. Enjoy this delicious and creamy dish with a smile!
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier result. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute half and half or full-fat coconut milk. For a dairy-free alternative, non-dairy creamers made from nuts or soy also work well, though they may alter the flavor slightly.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the dish for up to 3 months; just let it cool completely before placing it in the freezer. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Can I Add More Vegetables to This Recipe?
Yes! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Just chop them into small pieces and add them to the slow cooker along with the sauce. Keep in mind that adding more ingredients may slightly change the cooking time.
