Crockpot Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken
A delicious and fuss-free Crockpot Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken recipe that combines tender chicken breasts slow-cooked in a rich, creamy tomato sauce infused with fresh basil, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Perfect for busy weeknights, this comforting and flavorful meal requires minimal preparation and delivers restaurant-quality taste with ease.
- Author: Sarah
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 to 6 hours (low) or 3 hours (high)
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes (low) or 3 hours 10 minutes (high)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American/Italian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chicken and Base Ingredients
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, plus extra for garnish
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Finishing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Prepare the Chicken: Lightly season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to set a flavorful base.
- Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot: Place the seasoned chicken into the crockpot. Add diced tomatoes, minced garlic, chicken broth, and fresh basil leaves on top to infuse the chicken with flavor as it cooks.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for about 3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked, allowing flavors to meld.
- Finish with Cream and Parmesan: About 20 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream (or half-and-half) and grated Parmesan cheese to thicken the sauce and add creaminess.
- Serve Warm: Once the sauce is heated through and smooth, serve the creamy tomato basil chicken over pasta, rice, or your favorite grain.
Notes
- Use fresh basil leaves at the end of cooking for a bright, aromatic finish.
- Do not lift the crockpot lid frequently to maintain moisture and temperature.
- If sauce is too thin, stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water during the last 15 minutes on high heat to thicken.
- Adjust the amount of cream to your desired richness.
- Optionally sear the chicken breasts before adding to the crockpot for deeper flavor.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months and thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheat gently on stovetop or in microwave, stirring occasionally to prevent curdling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: crockpot chicken, creamy tomato basil chicken, slow cooker recipes, easy dinner, comfort food, chicken recipe, basil chicken, creamy tomato sauce