Crockpot Recipes

January 21, 2026

Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken: 5 Reasons to Love It

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Difficulty Easy

Recipe by

Mia

88 Views • 10 min read

Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken: 5 Reasons to Love It

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Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken! It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, with tender chicken swimming in a rich, creamy sauce that’s bursting with flavor. The combination of juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and a splash of heavy cream creates a dreamy dish that practically cooks itself while you go about your day. Seriously, it’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want to come home to something comforting and delicious without any fuss. Trust me, this dish will become a staple in your kitchen!

Ingredients List

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried basil
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Make sure to have everything measured out and ready to go! This way, you can just toss it all in the slow cooker and let it work its magic. Fresh ingredients make a difference, but if you’ve got dried herbs on hand, they’ll do just fine too. Oh, and don’t skip the Parmesan—it adds that extra creamy, cheesy goodness that elevates this dish to another level!

How to Prepare Instructions

Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken - detail 1

Getting your Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken ready is a breeze! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal waiting for you by dinnertime. It’s all about layering those flavors and letting the slow cooker do its thing. Let’s dive in!

Step-by-Step Guide

Start by placing the 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts right at the bottom of your slow cooker. They’re going to soak up all that deliciousness!
Next, open that can of diced tomatoes (14 oz) and pour it over the chicken. Don’t drain it! The juices are essential for flavor.
Now, add in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of chicken broth. This is where the creaminess comes from, and it just makes everything so rich and comforting!
Sprinkle in 2 minced cloves of garlic and 1 teaspoon of dried basil. The aroma is already starting to make my mouth water!
Season with salt and pepper to taste. I usually go light on the salt at first; you can always adjust later!
Give everything a good stir to make sure all the ingredients are well combined. It’s okay if the chicken isn’t fully submerged; it’ll cook beautifully!
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or if you’re short on time, on high for 3-4 hours. Just don’t peek too often; let that magic happen!
Once the cooking time is up, take two forks and shred the chicken right in the slow cooker. It should fall apart easily, and you’ll want to mix it back into the creamy sauce.
Finally, stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it’s melted and mixed through. This step is key for that extra cheesy goodness!

And there you have it! This recipe is so simple, but it’s packed with flavor and comfort. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to whip up such a rich dish without spending hours in the kitchen!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s talk about the numbers! While these figures can vary slightly depending on the exact ingredients you use, here’s a general idea of what you’re getting with each serving of my Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken:

Calories: 450
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 120mg
Sodium: 600mg
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 3g
Protein: 35g

These estimates really pack a punch in terms of flavor while still being a satisfying and hearty meal! It’s always good to keep an eye on your nutritional intake, but I promise this dish is worth every bite. Enjoy knowing you’re treating yourself to something delicious and comforting!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick preparation time: With just 15 minutes of prep, you can set it and forget it!
Rich and creamy flavor: The combination of heavy cream and Parmesan creates a sauce that’s irresistibly delicious.
Perfect for meal prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week—this dish only gets better!
Gluten-free option available: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for a variety of diets.
Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this comforting dish; it’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Versatile serving options: Serve it over pasta, rice, or even quinoa for a complete meal that fits your cravings!

Honestly, once you try this Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken, you’ll want to make it again and again. It checks all the boxes for a weeknight winner!

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s make sure your Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken turns out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my favorite tips to elevate this dish:

Seasoning is key: Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper! Taste the sauce after shredding the chicken and adjust the seasoning. Sometimes, a little extra salt or a squeeze of lemon juice can really brighten the flavors.
Fresh herbs make a difference: If you have fresh basil on hand, use it! Just chop it up and stir it in at the end for a fresh burst of flavor. It’s like a little garden magic in your bowl!
Experiment with cheese: While Parmesan is a classic choice, try mixing in some mozzarella for a gooey texture or even a sprinkle of feta for a tangy twist!
Make it a complete meal: Serve this chicken over something hearty like pasta, rice, or even crusty bread to soak up that creamy sauce. It’s also delicious served alongside steamed veggies for a lighter option!
Don’t rush the cooking: Letting it cook on low for the full 6-8 hours really allows those flavors to meld together beautifully. If you’re in a hurry, cooking on high is fine, but I promise the low and slow method is worth it!
Leftover magic: If you have any leftovers, don’t hesitate to turn them into a creamy pasta dish the next day! Just toss the chicken and sauce with cooked pasta for a quick and delicious meal.

These little nuggets of wisdom will help you create a dish that’s not just good, but downright phenomenal! Enjoy the process, and remember to taste along the way—you’re going to love it!

Variations

If you’re feeling adventurous and want to switch things up with your Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken, I’ve got some fantastic ideas for you! This recipe is super versatile, so let your creativity shine. Here are a few variations you can try:

Add some veggies: Toss in some chopped spinach, bell peppers, or even zucchini for a boost of color and nutrition. They’ll soften beautifully in the slow cooker and add a fresh taste to the dish.
Spice it up: Want a little kick? Add some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the mix. It’ll give your creamy sauce a delightful heat that’s sure to warm you up!
Swap the protein: If chicken isn’t your thing, try using boneless pork chops or even turkey breast. They’ll soak up all that creamy goodness just as well!
Herb it up: Experiment with different herbs! If basil isn’t your favorite, try oregano or thyme for a different flavor profile. Fresh herbs added at the end can elevate the dish, too!
Make it a casserole: After shredding the chicken, transfer everything to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, and pop it in the oven for a few minutes until golden brown for a crispy finish.
Add a cheesy twist: Mix in some cream cheese or ricotta for an even creamier texture. You can also sprinkle some mozzarella on top just before serving for that melty cheese experience!

These variations will not only keep things exciting but also allow you to customize the dish to fit your cravings and dietary preferences. Have fun experimenting, and remember, cooking is all about enjoying the process and making it your own!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

So, you’ve made this delicious Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken, and now you’ve got some leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to store and reheat it properly so you can enjoy that creamy goodness all over again.

First off, let it cool down a bit before transferring it to an airtight container. This helps preserve the flavor and texture. You can keep your leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s sealed tight to prevent any pesky odors from sneaking in!

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, you can reheat them on the stovetop or in the microwave. If using the stovetop, simply place the chicken and sauce in a pan over low heat, stirring occasionally until it’s warmed through. This method helps keep everything creamy and prevents it from drying out. Just be patient; it’ll be worth the wait!

If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works just fine too! Transfer a portion to a microwave-safe bowl, cover it loosely (to avoid splatters), and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until it’s hot and ready to eat. Just remember, the chicken might get a little hot, so take care when digging in!

And there you have it! With these simple storage and reheating tips, you can savor the flavors of your Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken for days to come. Happy eating!

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve whipped up this delicious Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken, let’s talk about how to turn it into a complete meal that will have everyone raving! After all, the right sides can elevate this dish to a whole new level of comfort and joy.

Pasta: My absolute favorite is serving this creamy chicken over a bed of al dente fettuccine or penne. The noodles soak up that luscious sauce, making every bite a creamy dream!
Rice: If you’re in the mood for something a little lighter, fluffy jasmine or basmati rice makes a wonderful base. The rice absorbs the sauce beautifully, adding a lovely texture to your meal.
Quinoa: For a nutritious twist, try serving it over quinoa. It’s packed with protein and gives a nice nutty flavor that pairs well with the creaminess of the chicken.
Crusty Bread: Don’t forget about a side of crusty bread! A nice, warm baguette or some garlic bread is perfect for soaking up all that sauce. Trust me, you won’t want to leave a drop behind!
Steamed Vegetables: To balance out the richness, serve some lightly steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus on the side. They add a pop of color and freshness that complements the dish beautifully.
Salad: A simple garden salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast. It’s light, crunchy, and makes for a perfect palate cleanser!

Mix and match these sides to create your perfect plate! Whether you go for hearty or light, these suggestions will help you enjoy your Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken in a way that feels satisfying and complete. Happy feasting!