Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe
This Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken recipe features tender chicken breasts simmered in a flavorful blend of diced tomatoes, marinara sauce, garlic, and Italian herbs, finished with a rich and creamy sauce made from heavy whipping cream and cornstarch. Easy to prepare and perfectly cooked in a slow cooker, this dish is ideal for a comforting and delicious weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Sauce
- 1 can diced tomatoes with Italian herbs (14 oz / 398 ml, including juice)
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs)
Cream Sauce
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Finishing Touches
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the slow cooker base: Add the diced tomatoes (with Italian herbs and juice), marinara sauce, minced garlic, salt, Italian seasoning, dried basil, and pepper into a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker. Stir well to combine all the ingredients into a flavorful sauce base.
- Mix cream and cornstarch: In a small bowl, whisk the heavy whipping cream and cornstarch together until smooth. This mixture will help thicken the sauce as it cooks. Pour this cream mixture into the slow cooker and stir gently to combine.
- Add the chicken: Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts into the slow cooker, pressing them down slightly into the sauce to ensure they are fully covered and coated with the tomato cream sauce.
- Slow cook the chicken: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken is done when an instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 165°F (74°C), ensuring the meat is juicy and safe to eat.
- Finish and serve: Once cooked, stir in the finely chopped fresh basil to brighten the flavors. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the creamy tomato basil chicken topped with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an added layer of savory richness.
Notes
- For thicker sauce, you can remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some liquid to evaporate.
- If you prefer a dairy-free option, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cooking cream, but be aware it will affect the flavor slightly.
- Serve this dish over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the creamy tomato basil sauce.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Keywords: slow cooker chicken, creamy tomato basil chicken, Italian chicken recipe, easy slow cooker dinner, chicken with marinara sauce, creamy chicken breast