Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is your weeknight dinner superhero. It’s that cozy, rich, and creamy kind of comfort food that tastes like it came from your favorite Italian spot—without ever leaving your house. Best part? It’s a true dump-and-go slow cooker recipe.

Toss in the ingredients in the morning, and by dinnertime, you’ve got tender chicken smothered in a dreamy tomato-basil cream sauce that practically begs to be poured over pasta or rice. The focus keyword slow cooker creamy tomato basil chicken isn’t just here for the SEO—it’s the actual magic phrase that’ll save dinner and your sanity. Plus, even picky eaters can’t resist it. So go ahead, bookmark this one—you’re going to want it on repeat.

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What is Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken?

Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is that kind of dish that makes you feel like you’ve got your life together. You throw in a few pantry staples, let the slow cooker do the heavy lifting, and come home to a dinner that smells and tastes like you spent hours simmering something spectacular. The chicken turns out juicy and fork-tender, while the creamy tomato basil sauce gives serious restaurant vibes. It’s an American twist on Italian comfort food, minus the effort. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just want to meal-prep something that doesn’t taste like cardboard by day three, this one checks all the boxes—creamy, comforting, and wonderfully low-effort.

Reasons to Try Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

Let’s be real: weeknights are chaos. Between juggling work, kids, and the never-ending to-do list, dinner often becomes an afterthought. That’s why Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken deserves a gold star. You only need 10 minutes of prep, and boom—it’s hands-off from there. It’s comforting enough for chilly evenings, fancy enough for company, and easy enough for Tuesdays. The sauce? Oh, it’s ridiculously good—rich, creamy, and kissed with basil. Even better, this recipe is naturally gluten-free and budget-friendly. Oh, and if you’re into meal-prep that doesn’t suck, it reheats like a dream. Need another reason? The smell alone will have your family hovering in the kitchen like you’re some kind of culinary wizard.

Ingredients Needed to Make Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
• ½ cup tomato sauce
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried basil (or ¼ cup chopped fresh basil)
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half and half)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)
• Fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions to Make Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or someone who’s just trying to get dinner on the table without losing your mind, this step-by-step guide has your back. From dumping the ingredients to serving that first luscious bite, each stage is simple, comforting, and totally doable. Here’s how to make Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken like a pro — without breaking a sweat.

Step 1: Prep the Slow Cooker Base

Start by placing 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts directly into the bottom of your slow cooker. No need to sear, season, or overthink it. This is a true dump-and-go dish — perfect for those mornings when even making toast feels like a chore.

If you’re wondering whether chicken thighs would work here, the answer is a big yes! In fact, they’re often more forgiving and flavorful. You can learn more about chicken swaps and slow cooker basics here if you’re experimenting.

Step 2: Mix the Tomato Basil Sauce

In a medium bowl, combine the following ingredients:

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with their juice
• ½ cup tomato sauce
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried basil (or ¼ cup fresh if you’re feeling fancy)
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, but great for a little kick)

Whisk it all together until it looks like a well-blended, slightly chunky tomato sauce. This mixture is the flavor engine of the recipe, so don’t skimp on those seasonings.

Tip: If you’re looking for a more vibrant, garden-fresh option, check out our fresh herb substitution guide to learn how to use what you’ve got.

Step 3: Pour and Set

Carefully pour the tomato basil mixture over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker, making sure they’re mostly submerged. This helps the meat soak up all those beautiful flavors as it cooks low and slow.

Place the lid on tightly (don’t peek—we know it’s tempting), and set your slow cooker:

• LOW for 6–7 hours
• HIGH for 3–4 hours

This step-by-step slow cooker method keeps the chicken tender and juicy without needing extra attention. And let’s be honest, the hands-off part is what makes this recipe a weeknight savior.

Step 4: Shred or Slice the Chicken

About 30 minutes before serving, open the lid and check your chicken. It should shred easily with a fork. You can either:

• Shred the chicken right in the pot using two forks
• Leave it whole for a more polished presentation

Either way, you’re about to be hit with that warm, savory, creamy tomato scent that feels like a hug from the inside.

Step 5: Add the Cream and Cheese

Now comes the cozy upgrade. Stir in:

• 1 cup heavy cream (or half and half for a lighter version)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

The sauce will instantly change from a zesty tomato base to something richer and silkier — a creamy tomato dream. This step-by-step transformation takes the dish from basic to beautiful.

Want to go dairy-free? Swap in coconut cream and skip the cheese. It’s still delicious, and you can find more dairy-free ideas here if needed.

Step 6: Thicken (Optional)

If the sauce feels a bit too thin for your liking, no worries. Just mix:

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water
• Stir the slurry into the sauce and let it cook for another 10–15 minutes

This step-by-step thickening trick makes the sauce perfect for coating pasta, rice, or even a hunk of crusty bread.

Step 7: Return the Chicken and Serve

Gently place the shredded or whole chicken back into the sauce and give it a good stir so it’s fully coated. Then, serve it hot over:

• Pasta (fettuccine or penne work great)
• Rice
• Mashed potatoes
• Cauliflower mash for a low-carb twist

Top with chopped fresh basil for that final pop of color and flavor. It’s not just a garnish—it truly brightens up the whole dish.

Need pairing inspiration? Our Creamy Turkey Wild Rice Soup makes an amazing starter, and your slow cooker will already be warm!

What to Serve with Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

This dish practically screams for carbs. Try it over buttery mashed potatoes or twirl it into a bowl of spaghetti or linguine. If you’re going low-carb, a side of steamed broccoli or roasted zucchini keeps things light but satisfying. Crusty garlic bread? Yes, please. For a cozy soup pairing, consider our Creamy Turkey Wild Rice Soup or the Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup if you’re feeling spicy. Add a crisp green salad with balsamic vinaigrette, and you’ve got a complete, balanced meal that feels way fancier than it is.

Key Tips for Making Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

• Use chicken thighs if you want extra flavor and tenderness—dark meat does wonders here.
• Don’t skip the Parmesan. It’s not just for taste; it thickens the sauce and gives it that nutty, savory depth.
• Fresh basil is a game-changer, but dried works in a pinch.
• Don’t overcook! Chicken can dry out even in a slow cooker—set a timer.
• Want more veggies? Toss in spinach during the last 30 minutes.
• Make it dairy-free? Use coconut cream and skip the cheese—it still tastes fab.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

Got leftovers? Lucky you. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. When reheating, warm gently on the stove or microwave at 50% power to avoid curdling the cream sauce. If it thickens too much, splash in a little chicken broth or cream to loosen it up. Pro tip: It’s even better the next day. That creamy tomato flavor somehow gets bolder overnight—like it had time to think about its life and become a better version of itself.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, just be sure it’s not in a giant frozen lump. Add 1–2 extra hours to the cook time on low.

Is this keto-friendly?
If you skip the cornstarch and serve it with low-carb sides, it can definitely work for keto.

Can I prep this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Mix the sauce ingredients and store them with the chicken in a freezer bag. Thaw and cook when ready.

What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
Use a Dutch oven in the oven at 300°F for about 2.5–3 hours. Same vibe, same cozy payoff.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason why Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken has become a go-to for busy families—it’s comforting, low-effort, and packed with flavor. It’s the kind of dinner that makes you feel like you’ve got it all together, even when you don’t. Bookmark it, pin it, or better yet, make it tonight. If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy our cozy Slow Cooker Chicken Stew for another crowd-pleasing dinner. Give your slow cooker the spotlight it deserves—you’ve got dinner handled.

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