If you’re anything like me and love meals that practically cook themselves but still pack a punch in flavor, this Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe is going to be your new best friend. I absolutely love how this turns out—tender chicken bathed in a luscious, creamy tomato sauce with just the right hint of basil. Seriously, once you try this, you’ll find it’s the perfect recipe for those busy days when you want comfort food without the fuss. Let’s dive right in, because you’re going to want to have this in your weekly rotation ASAP!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Effortless Cooking: Toss everything into the slow cooker and walk away—no babysitting required.
  • Rich, Comforting Flavors: The creamy tomato basil sauce tastes like it simmered all day, but it’s ready in just a few hours.
  • Versatile and Family-Friendly: My family goes crazy for it, and you can easily pair it with anything from pasta to rice.
  • Simple Ingredient List: No complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients—just good food made easy.
The image shows a white crockpot filled with three pieces of chicken covered in a thick orange creamy sauce with bits of red tomatoes. The sauce is smooth and rich, spreading evenly around the chicken. The chicken pieces are sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs and some grated cheese, adding texture and color contrast. The crockpot is set on a white marbled surface with some green leafy herbs blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7 this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient is there to complement the others perfectly without overpowering them. When shopping, I recommend grabbing good-quality canned tomatoes and fresh basil, because they really elevate the final dish.

  • Diced tomatoes with Italian herbs: Adds depth and a flavorful base to the sauce; using the variety with herbs means less seasoning work for you.
  • Marinara sauce: Enhances tomato flavor and adds some body to the sauce.
  • Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is a game changer here—skip the pre-minced if you can.
  • Salt: Balances all the flavors; you can adjust to taste later.
  • Italian seasoning: A handy combo of herbs that saves time and adds authentic flair.
  • Dried basil: Complements the fresh basil at the end, reinforcing that fresh, fragrant herb note.
  • Black pepper: Just a pinch to keep things interesting.
  • Heavy whipping cream: This is what makes the sauce velvety and indulgent—you won’t miss the butter or cheese.
  • Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce perfectly without lumps.
  • Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Easy to find and cooks evenly in the slow cooker; you can swap for thighs if you want.
  • Fresh basil: Added at the end for that pop of fresh flavor that everyone loves.
  • Grated Parmesan cheese: Optional but highly recommended for serving—it adds a salty, cheesy finish.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I’ve played around with this recipe plenty, and I love how easy it is to tweak. Feel free to make it your own by swapping out a few ingredients or adjusting for your diet.

  • Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts: Thighs stay super juicy and add a richer flavor, especially if you like your chicken a bit more tender and forgiving.
  • Non-Dairy Cream Substitute: I once used full-fat coconut milk in place of heavy cream—it gave it a subtle tropical twist and worked surprisingly well.
  • Extra Veggies: Add sliced mushrooms or bell peppers right at Step 1 for a loaded slow cooker meal that’s vibrant and hearty.
  • Spicy Kick: Toss in red pepper flakes or some chopped jalapeño if you want to heat things up a bit.

How to Make Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Combine the Sauce Ingredients

Start by adding the diced tomatoes (with all their delicious juice), marinara sauce, finely minced garlic, salt, Italian seasoning, dried basil, and pepper into your slow cooker. Give everything a good stir to make sure those Italian herbs are evenly distributed. The slow cooker is your best friend here—it lets those flavors mingle and develop while you’re off doing something else.

Step 2: Whisk the Cream and Cornstarch

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the heavy whipping cream and cornstarch until smooth. This little trick will thicken your sauce beautifully without any clumps or weird textures. Then, pour this creamy mixture right into the slow cooker.

Step 3: Add the Chicken and Cook

Place your boneless skinless chicken breasts on top of the sauce and gently press them down so they’re mostly submerged—this helps them absorb all the flavor while cooking. Cover and set your slow cooker on low for about 3 to 4 hours. Cooking time can vary depending on your slow cooker, so aim for the chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165°F. If you don’t have a thermometer handy, the meat should be opaque and tender, easy to shred with a fork.

Step 4: Finish with Fresh Basil and Serve

Once the chicken is perfectly cooked, stir in the finely chopped fresh basil to brighten everything up. Give the sauce a taste and adjust salt or pepper if needed. Serve it up hot with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top—trust me, it’s the little touch that makes this dish a winner every time.

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Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe

  • Use Fresh Basil at the End: Adding fresh basil after cooking preserves its vibrant flavor and aroma—don’t skip this step!
  • Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Slow cookers vary, so start checking at 3 hours to avoid rubbery chicken.
  • Mix Cream and Cornstarch Well: This prevents lumps and ensures the sauce thickens perfectly without any odd textures.
  • Press Chicken into Sauce: Submerging the chicken helps it soak up all those rich tomato and herb flavors—trust me, every bite will thank you.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe

A white plate holds a bed of light yellow pasta noodles, arranged in a loose nest shape. On top, there are several slices of cooked white chicken, covered with a creamy orange-red sauce that has small bits of tomato. The sauce looks smooth and is spread evenly over the chicken and pasta. The dish is sprinkled with small green herb pieces and light shreds of white cheese. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a bowl of grated cheese slightly blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I keep it simple with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese over each plate—and if you’re feeling fancy, a few extra fresh basil leaves on top make it look beautiful and taste even fresher. A drizzle of olive oil right before serving never hurts either!

Side Dishes

My favorite way to enjoy this is over a bed of fluffy pasta, but I’ve also served it alongside creamy mashed potatoes and even garlic bread for soaking up all that sauce. If you want to keep it light, some roasted veggies or a crisp green salad balances the flavors just right.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, I layered the creamy tomato basil chicken over baked polenta rounds for a dinner party—it looked elevated but was still incredibly easy to throw together. I’ve also served it with a side of herbed quinoa for a nutritious twist when I wanted to impress without stress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After dinner, I let the leftovers cool completely and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for up to 3 days, and the flavors actually deepen overnight—bonus! I always make sure to give it a good stir before reheating to bring everything back together.

Freezing

This recipe freezes surprisingly well. I portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers slowly on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it’s thickened too much. This keeps the chicken juicy and the sauce creamy. Microwaving works fine too—just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring in between.

FAQs

  1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe?

    Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative if you want a more flavorful and juicy result. They also tend to be more forgiving if slightly overcooked. Just keep the same cooking time and check for doneness.

  2. Is it okay to use canned tomatoes without Italian herbs?

    Yes, you can use plain canned tomatoes if you don’t have the herbed variety. I’d recommend boosting the Italian seasoning slightly to make up for the missing herb flavor, so the sauce still tastes vibrant and well-seasoned.

  3. Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

    Yep! Just make sure to use a gluten-free marinara sauce and verify your cornstarch is labeled gluten-free. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

  4. How do I make the sauce less thick?

    If you find the sauce too thick when the cooking’s done, simply stir in a splash of chicken broth or water until you reach your desired consistency. This also works great when reheating leftovers.

  5. Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

    Yes! You can assemble all ingredients in the slow cooker insert and refrigerate overnight, then start cooking the next day. Just let the slow cooker come to room temperature slightly before turning it on for even cooking.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen—there’s something so comforting about the rich, creamy sauce paired with tender chicken, especially knowing it was all made without stress or complicated steps. I hope you give it a try soon, whether for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner. Just imagine coming home to that wonderful aroma filling the house! Trust me, this recipe will quickly become one of those keepers you can rely on again and again.

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Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe

4.9 from 145 reviews
  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 180 minutes
  • Total Time: 185 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Italian
Print Recipe

Description

This Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is a simple and delicious recipe featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a flavorful tomato and basil sauce enriched with cream. Perfect for an effortless dinner, this recipe combines Italian herbs, garlic, and Parmesan cheese for a creamy, hearty meal ready in just a few hours using your slow cooker.

Ingredients

Sauce Ingredients

  • 1 can (14 oz or 398 ml) diced tomatoes with Italian herbs (with juice)
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon dried basil
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • ½ cup heavy whipping cream
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Chicken and Garnish

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs)
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil
  • Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

  1. Combine Sauce Ingredients: Add the diced tomatoes with 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.
  2. Prepare Cream Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy whipping cream and cornstarch until smooth. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker and stir to incorporate with the tomato sauce.
  3. Add Chicken: Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts into the slow cooker, pressing them gently down into the sauce to ensure they are well coated.
  4. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F, ensuring the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
  5. Add Fresh Basil and Serve: Stir in the finely chopped fresh basil. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary. Serve the chicken hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.

Notes

  • This recipe uses simple ingredients yet delivers rich, creamy flavors, making it a perfect easy and impressive dinner.
  • Cooking time may vary slightly based on your slow cooker model; ensure chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F.
  • Serve with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a light cream option.
  • Fresh basil added at the end enhances the fragrance and flavor; avoid cooking it for too long to maintain brightness.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 1099 mg
  • Fat: 3 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 16 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 29 g
  • Cholesterol: 74 mg
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Hi, I’m Julia! A foodie who believes in keeping cooking simple, fun, and full of flavor. From quick weeknight meals to tasty treats, I’m here to share recipes that make life a little easier—and a lot more delicious. Let’s get cooking!

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