Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this slow cooker creamy tomato basil chicken! It’s like a warm hug in a bowl and perfect for those days when you just want comfort food without all the fuss. The chicken gets so tender, it practically falls apart, and the creamy sauce—oh wow! It’s rich and velvety, with a burst of fresh basil that makes your taste buds dance. Every bite is packed with flavor, and the best part? You can set it and forget it! Just toss everything in the slow cooker, and let the magic happen. Trust me, you’ll want to savor this dish on repeat, especially on those cozy evenings. It’s a fantastic meal to share with family and friends, and it truly brings everyone together around the table.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken
To whip up this delightful dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup heavy cream, for that luscious texture
- 1/2 cup chicken broth, to enhance the flavor
- 1 cup fresh basil, chopped (don’t skimp on this one!)
- 1 medium onion, diced finely
- 3 cloves garlic, minced for an aromatic kick
- Salt to taste, because seasoning is key!
- Pepper to taste, for a little extra zing
Trust me, using fresh ingredients makes all the difference in this creamy, flavorful dish!
How to Prepare Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken
- First things first, grab your slow cooker and place the 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts right at the bottom. They’ll be the star of the show!
- Next, open that can of diced tomatoes and pour it on top of the chicken—juice and all! This adds so much flavor and moisture.
- Now, add in the 1/2 cup of chicken broth, followed by the finely diced onion and minced garlic. Oh, that aroma will be heavenly!
- Time to season! Sprinkle salt and pepper over everything to taste—don’t be shy, this will boost the flavors beautifully.
- Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6 hours. This is when the magic happens; the chicken will become incredibly tender!
- After 6 hours, it’s time for the creamy goodness! Stir in the 1 cup of heavy cream and the 1 cup of chopped fresh basil. You’ll love how vibrant it looks!
- Cover it again and let it cook for an additional 30 minutes. This step ensures everything melds together perfectly.
- Finally, give it a good stir before serving warm over pasta or rice for a cozy meal that’ll satisfy everyone!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super easy to make—just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work!
- The flavors are rich and comforting, with a creamy sauce that’s simply irresistible.
- Fresh basil adds a pop of color and a burst of flavor that elevates the dish.
- It’s a healthy option packed with protein, making it a great choice for family dinners.
- Perfect for meal prep; you can enjoy leftovers throughout the week without losing any yumminess!
- Ideal for busy days—set it in the morning and come home to a delicious meal waiting for you!
Tips for Success with Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken
To make sure your slow cooker creamy tomato basil chicken turns out absolutely perfect, here are some handy tips! First, always use fresh ingredients—especially the basil—as it really enhances the flavor. If you can, choose organic chicken for the best quality. Keep an eye on cooking times; every slow cooker is a bit different, so check your chicken for tenderness around the 6-hour mark. For serving, pair it with a crusty bread to soak up that delicious creamy sauce. And don’t forget to taste and adjust seasoning before serving—it makes all the difference!
Nutritional Information for Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken
This slow cooker creamy tomato basil chicken is not just delicious but also quite nutritious! Each serving is estimated to contain about 450 calories, with 25 grams of fat and 40 grams of protein. You’ll also find around 10 grams of carbohydrates and just 3 grams of sugar. Keep in mind, these figures are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. It’s a comforting meal that doesn’t skimp on nutrition!
FAQ About Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to add a little extra cooking time to ensure they’re fully cooked through. The slow cooker will still work its magic to keep the chicken tender and juicy.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly, but it’ll still be delicious!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through, and it’ll taste just as good!
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes! Feel free to toss in some bell peppers, carrots, or spinach for added nutrition. Just make sure they’re cut into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
What can I serve with this dish?
This creamy tomato basil chicken is perfect over pasta, rice, or even with a side of crusty bread to soak up that amazing sauce! Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions for Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken
When it comes to serving this slow cooker creamy tomato basil chicken, the possibilities are endless! I love to serve it over a bed of al dente pasta, like fettuccine or spaghetti, which soaks up all that luscious sauce beautifully. If you’re in the mood for something heartier, a fluffy scoop of rice works wonderfully too! And let’s not forget about crusty bread! A warm, freshly baked baguette or some garlic bread is perfect for mopping up every last drop of that creamy sauce. You can even toss a simple side salad together for a fresh crunch—just add some mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. Enjoy every bite!
Storage & Reheating Instructions for Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken
Storing your leftovers is super easy! Just transfer any uneaten slow cooker creamy tomato basil chicken into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge, where it’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also microwave it in short intervals—about 30 seconds at a time—stirring in between to ensure even heating. If it seems a bit thick after refrigeration, don’t hesitate to add a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring back that delightful creaminess. Enjoy your delicious leftovers!
Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken: 7 Cozy Delights
- Total Time: 6 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious slow cooker creamy tomato basil chicken recipe.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- Add diced tomatoes, chicken broth, onion, and garlic.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours.
- Stir in heavy cream and chopped basil.
- Cook for an additional 30 minutes.
- Serve warm over pasta or rice.
Notes
- Use fresh basil for best flavor.
- Serve with crusty bread.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: slow cooker creamy tomato basil chicken