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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Pour the milk mixture into the slow cooker and stir carefully to ensure even distribution throughout the sauce.
- Gently nestle chicken breasts into the sauce, making sure they are completely submerged and surrounded by the flavorful liquid.
- 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).
- As the cooking process nears completion, test the chicken’s tenderness and sauce consistency, adjusting seasoning if needed.
- 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.
- 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