The Best Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe Ever

Slow cooker creamy tomato basil chicken revolutionizes ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience that promises comfort and satisfaction.

Kitchen magic happens when simple components meld together effortlessly in a reliable appliance.

Robust flavors develop slowly, creating a rich and harmonious dish that speaks to the soul of home cooking.

Mediterranean-inspired seasonings dance through tender meat, promising a meal that feels both sophisticated and wonderfully approachable.

Weeknight dinners demand simplicity without sacrificing taste, and this recipe delivers precisely that delightful balance.

creamy sauces invite warmth and indulgence, making every bite feel like a gentle embrace.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike appreciate meals that require minimal effort but maximize deliciousness.

Why Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Is a Time-Saver

• Embrace Effortless Cooking: Let the slow cooker do all the hard work, transforming simple ingredients into a mouthwatering meal with minimal hands-on time.
• Creamy Comfort in Every Bite: The combination of evaporated milk and tomato sauce creates a luxuriously smooth, rich sauce that coats the tender chicken perfectly.
• Fresh Herb Finale: A sprinkle of fresh basil at the end adds a burst of bright, aromatic flavor that elevates the entire dish from good to absolutely delicious.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Easily adaptable to serve over pasta, rice, or with a side salad, making it a flexible option for different tastes and meal preferences.

What Goes Into Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that absorbs the rich tomato sauce and becomes tender during slow cooking.

• Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Pasta Sauce: Creates a vibrant, robust sauce with deep tomato flavor and smooth texture.

• Garlic, Salt, Italian Seasoning, Dried Basil, Black Pepper: Provides classic Italian-inspired flavor profile with aromatic and savory notes.

• Evaporated Milk or Heavy Cream, Corn Starch: Ensures a silky, thick sauce that coats the chicken beautifully and adds richness.

• Fresh Basil: Adds bright, fresh finish to the dish with classic Mediterranean herb essence.

Easy Steps to Cook Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Flavorful Sauce Base

• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato pasta sauce
• Minced garlic
• Salt
• Italian seasoning
• Dried basil
• Black pepper

Stir ingredients thoroughly to create a rich sauce foundation.

Step 2: Create Creamy Thickening Mixture

• Evaporated milk
• Corn starch

Mix until smooth and completely blended. Pour the mixture into the slow cooker and stir well to incorporate.

Step 3: Add Chicken to Sauce

Gently place chicken breasts into the slow cooker, pressing them down so they are completely covered by the sauce.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 3-5 hours. Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Cooking duration may vary depending on slow cooker size and model.

Step 5: Enhance with Fresh Herbs

Once cooking is complete, stir in finely chopped fresh basil to bring a bright, aromatic finish to the dish.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the creamy tomato basil chicken over pasta, rice, or alongside a crisp salad and roasted vegetables. Garnish with additional fresh basil if desired.

Cooking Tips for Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken in the Slow Cooker

• Prevent Curdling: Whisk the evaporated milk and cornstarch thoroughly to create a smooth mixture, which helps prevent separation during slow cooking.
• Chicken Moisture Trick: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts of similar size to ensure even cooking and prevent dry meat.
• Herb Freshness Boost: Add fresh basil just before serving to maintain its vibrant flavor and bright green color.
• Sauce Consistency Secret: If the sauce seems too thin, remove the chicken and let it simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes to thicken naturally.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to check chicken's internal temperature, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked protein every time.

Best Way to Store Leftover Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the chicken and sauce together. Refrigerated meals stay fresh for 3-4 days.
• Freezing: Transfer cooled chicken to freezer-safe containers or bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Reheating: Warm refrigerated chicken in the microwave at 50% power, stirring occasionally, until heated through. For frozen portions, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Add a splash of milk or broth to restore sauce's creamy consistency and prevent drying out.

What Goes Well with Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the creamy tomato sauce, balancing its richness with bright, zesty notes that complement the basil's freshness.
• Serve with Garlic Bread: Crusty, butter-laden garlic bread becomes the perfect sidekick, soaking up the luxurious sauce and adding a delightful crunch to each bite.
• Match with Mediterranean Salad: A light Greek-style salad with cucumber, feta, and olives provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy chicken, adding vibrant colors and tangy flavors to the meal.
• Choose Herbed Quinoa: Fluffy quinoa seasoned with fresh herbs creates a protein-packed base that enhances the dish's Italian-inspired flavor profile while adding nutritional balance.

Ways to Switch Up Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Replace Italian seasoning with oregano, add kalamata olives, and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese before serving for a Greek-inspired version.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Incorporate diced green chilies, swap basil for cilantro, and add a dash of cumin to create a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
• Creamy Roasted Vegetable Blend: Mix in roasted red peppers, zucchini, and eggplant chunks during the last hour of cooking to enhance the vegetable content and texture.
• Coconut Curry Transformation: Substitute evaporated milk with coconut milk, add mild curry powder, and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro for an Indian-inspired dish.

Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken brings Italian comfort right to your dinner table. Tender chicken nestles in a rich, aromatic sauce that promises pure culinary satisfaction for anyone seeking a delicious, effortless meal.

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Ingredients

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Primary Protein:

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

Tomato Base:

• 14 ounces (398 milliliters) diced tomatoes with Italian herbs
• 1 cup tomato pasta sauce
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic

Seasonings and Finishing Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup evaporated milk or heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons corn starch
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil

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Instructions

1. Prepare the aromatic base by combining diced tomatoes, tomato pasta sauce, minced garlic, salt, Italian seasoning, dried basil, and black pepper in a 3-6 quart slow cooker, thoroughly mixing the ingredients to create a robust flavor foundation.
2. In a separate small bowl, create a smooth thickening agent by whisking evaporated milk (or heavy cream) with corn starch until completely integrated and free of lumps.
3. Pour the milk mixture into the slow cooker and stir carefully to ensure even distribution throughout the sauce.
4. Gently nestle chicken breasts into the sauce, making sure they are completely submerged and surrounded by the flavorful liquid.
5. Secure the slow cooker lid and set to low temperature, allowing the chicken to simmer and tenderize for 3-5 hours, monitoring until the internal temperature reaches a safe 165°F (74°C).
6. As the cooking process nears completion, test the chicken’s tenderness and sauce consistency, adjusting seasoning if needed.
7. During the final moments of cooking, delicately fold in freshly chopped basil leaves, releasing their vibrant aroma and adding a bright, herbaceous note to the dish.
8. When ready to serve, carefully transfer the succulent chicken and creamy sauce over prepared pasta, fluffy rice, or alongside a crisp garden salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Notes

• Transform boring weeknight dinners into restaurant-quality meals with minimal effort using this hands-off slow cooker method.
• Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts to ensure tender, easy-to-shred meat that absorbs the rich, creamy tomato sauce perfectly.
• Check chicken temperature with a meat thermometer to guarantee food safety and prevent dry, overcooked protein.
• Customize the dish by swapping evaporated milk with heavy cream for an even more luxurious texture, or use half-and-half for a lighter version.
• Fresh basil added at the end provides a bright, aromatic finish that elevates the entire flavor profile of the creamy tomato sauce.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, making this a great meal-prep option.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 hours
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg