Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is a dish that will capture your heart and taste buds alike. Picture this: tender chicken swimming in a soothing, creamy tomato sauce infused with the aromatic essence of fresh basil. It’s the ideal meal for busy days when you crave something hearty yet effortless. Best of all, this recipe is made easy with your trusty slow cooker, allowing you to set it and forget it while it works its magic.
Why We Love This Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe
There’s something incredibly comforting about a slow-cooked meal. With this recipe, you can enjoy the wholesome goodness without spending hours in the kitchen. The simplicity of the ingredients means you can find them in almost any pantry, making it easy to whip up this dish whenever the craving strikes. Plus, the versatility of serving options means you can tailor it to your preferences.
This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or even when you’re entertaining guests. The vibrant flavors of tomato and basil not only satisfy your taste buds but also create a feast for the eyes. Your slow cooker will transform humble ingredients into a warm, creamy embrace that you and your loved ones will cherish. It’s reliable, delicious, and undeniably comforting—what’s not to love?
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken
Here’s what you’ll need to create this luscious dish:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup basil, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pasta, rice, or bread for serving
How to Make Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Directions
Making Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is a breeze. Start by placing the four boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. These will be the star of the show, tenderizing beautifully as they cook low and slow.
In a separate bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, heavy cream, chopped basil, diced onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir this creamy mixture thoroughly, ensuring every ingredient is well incorporated. Pour this delicious concoction over the chicken in the slow cooker, making sure to cover the chicken completely. The tomato and cream sauce will infuse flavors into the chicken as it cooks.
Now it’s time to cover the slow cooker. Set it to cook on low for about 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. If you have the time, low and slow is the way to go, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to become delightfully tender.
As cooking time approaches its end, you will be greeted with a tantalizing aroma filling your kitchen. When the timer goes off, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. This method allows the chicken to soak up even more of that creamy, flavorful sauce. Gently mix everything together, ensuring each shred of chicken is enveloped in the luscious tomato-basil sauce.
Your Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is now ready to serve! Portion it out over a bed of pasta, rice, or alongside slices of crusty bread to soak up every last drop of that divine sauce. It’s comfort food at its finest.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken
Serving Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is as simple as it is satisfying. Begin by preparing your choice of side—whether that’s pasta, rice, or slices of warm bread. The key is to have something that will absorb the creamy sauce beautifully.
Spoon generous portions of the creamy tomato basil chicken mixture over your chosen base. If you’ve opted for pasta, a generous swirl will create a delightful dish. For rice lovers, a mound of fluffy rice topped with this rich chicken is comforting and filling. And let’s not forget about the loaf of crusty bread, perfect for dipping and savoring every velvety mouthful.
For a final touch, consider garnishing with additional fresh basil or a sprinkle of grated cheese to elevate the dish’s presentation. Gather around the table with your family or friends, and watch as they delight in every bite of this comforting meal. The conversational flow over a dish like this blends wonderfully, creating not just a meal but indeed a memorable dining experience.
Expert Tips: Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken
- Choose Quality Ingredients: The flavor of your dish hinges on the quality of your ingredients. Opt for fresh basil and high-quality diced tomatoes to make the sauce stand out.
- Add Veggies: If you’d like to incorporate more nutrients, consider adding bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini to the slow cooker. They will cook down beautifully and add to the dish’s flavor and nutritional profile.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste your sauce before serving! Depending on your preference, feel free to adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or even a hint of spice if you like a kick.
- Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors develop even further after a day in the fridge, making it taste even better!
- Freezing: This dish freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers before placing it in the freezer for up to three months. This way, you can enjoy a home-cooked meal even on the busiest of days.
How to Store Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken
Storing your Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is easy and helps you make the most of your delicious creation. After serving, let the leftover chicken cool down to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer the leftovers into an airtight container. This will keep your meal fresh while protecting it from any unwanted odors in the fridge.
Refrigerate the chicken for up to three days. Make sure to label the container with the date, so you’re aware of its freshness. If you’d like to keep it longer, you can freeze the creamy chicken. Just ensure you use a freezer-safe container, and store it for up to three months.
When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, you can reheat them either on the stovetop or in the microwave. If reheating from frozen, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then reheat until piping hot, ensuring each bite is as flavorful as when it was freshly made.
Variation of Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken
While the original recipe is undoubtedly delicious, you can explore various variations to keep things exciting:
- Pesto Chicken: Instead of using all basil, add a spoonful of store-bought or homemade pesto to the sauce mixture. This will add a delightful depth of flavor.
- Spicy Version: If you enjoy some heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sauce. Adjust the spice level according to your preferences.
- Cream Cheese Addition: For an even creamier texture, include some cream cheese along with the heavy cream. This will enhance the richness of the sauce.
- Different Proteins: While chicken is the star, you can substitute it with boneless, skinless turkey breasts or even firm tofu cubes for a vegetarian version.
- Cheese Lover’s Delight: Stir in some shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking for an ooey-gooey finish.
Each variation brings a fresh twist to the original recipe while keeping the comfort and deliciousness at the forefront.
FAQ
What can I serve with Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken?
You can serve this dish with pasta, rice, or bread. Each choice complements the creamy sauce perfectly, allowing you to soak up the delicious flavors.
Can I make Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken in advance?
Absolutely! This dish is perfect for meal prep. It stores well in the refrigerator or freezer and can be reheated when you’re ready to enjoy it.
How long does it take to cook Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken?
You can cook it on low for about 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Either way, the chicken will be tender and flavorful!
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken?
Yes! Feel free to use different herbs, vegetables, or protein substitutes according to your dietary needs and preferences.