Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken (Easy & Flavorful!)

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite weeknight dinner. This Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is the ultimate “set it and forget it” meal that delivers a restaurant-quality dish with minimal effort. Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts simmering all day in a rich, aromatic tomato basil sauce, finished with a luscious touch of cream. It’s a comforting, family-friendly recipe that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but it only requires a few minutes of prep time.

Whether you’re looking for an easy meal to please picky eaters or a hands-off dish for a busy day, this creamy crockpot chicken is the perfect solution. The slow cooker does all the work, melding the savory flavors of sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and garlic into a sauce that’s simply irresistible. Serve it over pasta, rice, or with a side of crusty bread to soak up every last drop.

Why This Recipe Works

This isn’t just another slow cooker recipe; it’s a game-changer for busy weeknights. Here’s why you’ll make this Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken again and again:

• Effortless Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep, you can have everything in the crockpot. It’s a true “dump and go” recipe that fits perfectly into any schedule.
• Incredibly Tender Chicken: The slow cooking process gently breaks down the chicken, making it incredibly moist and flavorful. It practically melts in your mouth.
• Rich and Flavorful Sauce: The combination of diced and sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Italian herbs, and fresh basil creates a sauce with incredible depth of flavor that is perfectly balanced by the creamy finish.
• Versatile and Family-Friendly: This dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to customize with vegetables and can be served in multiple ways to keep things interesting.

Key Ingredients for Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

This recipe uses simple, pantry-staple ingredients to create its incredible flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Chicken:

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe. They become exceptionally tender in the slow cooker.
• Olive Oil: Used for searing the chicken to lock in moisture and flavor.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To season the chicken perfectly from the start.

For the Creamy Tomato Sauce:

• Diced Tomatoes: A large can of undrained diced tomatoes forms the base of the sauce.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a concentrated, sweet, and tangy tomato flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Yellow Onion & Garlic: The essential aromatic base for any great sauce.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that provides a classic, savory foundation.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and richness to the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Stirred in at the end to create that signature creamy, velvety texture. For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half.
• Fresh Basil: Provides a bright, peppery flavor that cuts through the richness of the cream.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish to the sauce.

How to Make Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

Follow these simple steps for a perfect, fuss-free dinner. The process is straightforward, making it one of the best crockpot meals for any night of the week.

1. Season and Sear the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown. This step is optional but highly recommended for the best flavor.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Combine in Slow Cooker: Place the seared chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. Top with the sautéed onion and garlic. Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, and sprinkle with Italian seasoning. Stir gently to combine.
4. Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
5. Create the Creamy Sauce: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and fresh chopped basil.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Let the sauce warm through for another 10 minutes. Serve your delicious Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken over pasta, rice, or zucchini noodles.

Expert Tips for Success

A few simple tips can take this creamy crockpot chicken from great to absolutely spectacular.

• Don’t Skip the Sear: Searing the chicken creates a flavorful crust that adds significant depth to the final dish. It only takes a few extra minutes and is well worth the effort.
• Use Fresh Basil: While dried basil can work in a pinch, fresh basil provides a much brighter, more authentic flavor that truly makes the dish shine. Stir it in at the end to preserve its aroma.
• Full-Fat Cream is Best: For the richest, creamiest sauce that won’t curdle, use full-fat heavy cream.

Delicious Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:

• Add Spinach: Stir in a few handfuls of fresh spinach during the last 10 minutes of cooking for added nutrients and color.
• Make it Spicy: Add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning for a gentle kick of heat.
• Introduce Other Veggies: Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini can be added to the slow cooker along with the tomatoes.
• Try Different Cheeses: A blend of Parmesan and Asiago or a spoonful of mascarpone can add a different creamy dimension. Looking for another cheesy chicken dish? This Garlic Butter Roast Chicken is always a hit.

What to Serve with Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are some of our favorites:

• Pasta: Serve over penne, linguine, or fettuccine to capture all of the creamy sauce.
• Rice: Fluffy white or brown rice is perfect for soaking up the flavors.
• Low-Carb Options: Zucchini noodles, cauliflower rice, or spaghetti squash are excellent low-carb alternatives.
• Bread: A slice of crusty garlic bread is non-negotiable for dipping.
• Roasted Vegetables: Simple roasted vegetables, like this Easy Roasted Delicata Squash, complement the rich flavors perfectly.

For those who love hearty, comforting meals, you might also enjoy our Easy Lasagna Recipe.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

This recipe is perfect for meal prep! Follow these tips for storing and enjoying leftovers.

• Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze this dish, but be aware that the creamy sauce may separate slightly upon reheating. To freeze, let it cool completely and store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the sauce’s consistency.

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Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, this recipe is very versatile. You can add vegetables like chopped carrots and celery at the beginning of the cooking process. For quicker-cooking vegetables like spinach or zucchini, stir them in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

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Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

Yes. You can make it in a Dutch oven on the stovetop. Sear the chicken and sauté the aromatics as directed, then add the remaining ingredients (except the cream and basil) and simmer on low for 1-1.5 hours, until the chicken is tender. Stir in the cream and basil at the end.

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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe. They contain more fat, which can make the dish even more moist and flavorful. The cooking time will be similar.

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How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut cream or a dairy-free cream alternative made from cashews. You can also use a dairy-free Parmesan cheese substitute or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

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What is the best way to store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce if needed. Avoid microwaving, as it can cause the cream sauce to separate.

More Delicious Recipes

We hope you love this Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken recipe! It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create an extraordinary meal with very little work. If you tried this dish, please leave a comment below and let us know how it turned out. We love hearing from you!

For more recipe inspiration, be sure to follow us on Pinterest. Happy cooking!

Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken (Easy & Flavorful!)

This Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is an easy, flavorful, and comforting weeknight dinner. Tender chicken breasts are simmered in a rich tomato basil sauce and finished with a luscious cream for a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Italian

Calories: 410

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 4 medium breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 medium yellow onion diced
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 28 oz can diced tomatoes undrained
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil drained and chopped
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup fresh basil chopped

Equipment

• 1 Slow Cooker (6-quart)
• 1 Large Skillet

Instructions

 

1. Pat chicken breasts dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
2. Add diced onion to the same skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
3. Place seared chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker. Top with onions and garlic. Pour in diced tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth, and sprinkle with Italian seasoning.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours, until chicken is tender and cooked through.
5. Remove chicken and shred with two forks. Return it to the slow cooker. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil.
6. Let the sauce warm through for 10 minutes, then serve immediately over your favorite pasta, rice, or vegetables.

Notes

Searing is Optional: Searing the chicken adds depth of flavor, but if you're short on time, you can skip this step and add the raw chicken directly to the slow cooker.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.