Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe

If you’re craving a dinner that’s fuss-free but still bursting with cozy, comforting flavors, then this Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe is about to become your new best friend. I absolutely love how this dish comes together — simple ingredients, set-it-and-forget-it cooking, and a luscious tomato basil sauce that everyone in my family goes crazy for. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find it’s one of those slow cooker meals you’ll want to make again and again.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully, making a harmonious sauce that’s both creamy and bright with tomato and herb flavors. Plus, the items are pantry staples — keep some on hand and you’re ready to whip this up anytime.

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs): I like using breasts for lean protein, but thighs add great flavor and juiciness if that’s your preference.
• Heavy cream: This is key for that rich, velvety texture in the sauce — full-fat always wins here.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce just right without any chalky taste.
• Tomato paste: Adds concentrated tomato depth that enhances the sauce’s flavor.
• Canned diced tomatoes: Use good quality canned tomatoes for sweetness and a bit of texture.
• Cherry tomatoes: Fresh, halved cherry tomatoes burst with brightness and keep things interesting in the sauce.
• Garlic: Five cloves might sound like a lot, but trust me — it’s the soul of this recipe.
• Dried basil (or fresh): I often use fresh when available for a vibrant herbal note, but dried works beautifully if that’s all you have.
• Dried thyme: Adds an earthy undertone that balances the basil perfectly.
• Sea salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out every flavor.
• Black pepper: Adds just a hint of bite to round everything off.

Variations

This Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe is so versatile, I often tweak it depending on what’s in my pantry or what my family’s craving that week. It’s super forgiving, which I love, because let’s be honest — we all have those days when perfect precision just isn’t happening.

• Make it dairy-free: I’ve swapped the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk before, and it’s surprisingly delicious with just a hint of tropical flavor.
• Add veggies: Sometimes I throw in sliced bell peppers or mushrooms to make it more hearty and colorful.
• Use chicken thighs: Whenever my local market has a sale, thighs make the dish extra tender and flavorful (plus, they’re usually more budget-friendly).
• Add a kick: Want spice? Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes — it wakes up the dish in the best way.

How to Make Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Whisk the Cream and Cornstarch

Start by adding the heavy cream and cornstarch to your slow cooker. Whisk them together until the cornstarch is fully dissolved in the cream — this step ensures your sauce thickens up beautifully without any lumps. Trust me, I learned that skipping proper whisking results in weird texture surprises later, and no one wants that!

Step 2: Add Tomatoes, Garlic & Herbs

Next, stir in the tomato paste, canned diced tomatoes, halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, dried basil and thyme, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good mix so all those flavors meld together from the start. This layering of tomato goodness creates a rich sauce base that slowly infuses into the chicken as it cooks.

Step 3: Add the Chicken

Place your chicken breasts (or thighs) right into the sauce, pressing them down gently so they’re mostly submerged. I like to make sure each piece is evenly coated — it helps them soak up all the flavor during cooking.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Pop the lid on and cook on HIGH for 3 hours or LOW for 10 hours. I usually do the low and slow method if I’m setting it up in the morning, but the high setting is perfect for quicker dinners. When it’s done, your chicken will be tender and the sauce creamy and thick — pure magic.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling fresh torn basil leaves right on top when serving — it adds a gorgeous vibrant green color and fresh aroma that lightens the rich sauce perfectly. A little sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or some grated Parmesan also takes it to the next level in my book.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes to soak up all that sauce or over a bed of buttered egg noodles for an easy weeknight meal. Sometimes I serve it alongside a simple green salad with vinaigrette to balance the creaminess.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like plating the chicken on a wooden board with grilled asparagus and roasted garlic bread on the side, garnished with basil sprigs for a rustic yet elegant look. It’s fun to make the table feel a bit more special with simple touches like that.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually let any leftovers cool to room temperature, then store them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so it tastes even better the next day!

Freezing

This Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe freezes really well. I portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

When reheating, I prefer warming it gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat so the sauce stays luscious and doesn’t separate. A splash of additional cream or broth can help loosen the sauce if it thickened too much in the fridge.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe has definitely earned a permanent spot in my meal rotation because it’s exactly what I want on nights when I need something delicious without the fuss. It’s easy to prep, forgiving for busy schedules, and perfectly comforting. I really encourage you to give it a try — I bet you’ll love how tender the chicken gets and how that creamy, tangy sauce wraps everything up like a big cozy hug. Let me know what you think when you make it for your family or friends!

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