![To create your hearty slow cooker creamy tomato basil chicken, gather these simple items: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 medium onion, chopped - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon dried basil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon sugar - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh basil leaves for garnish You may want to swap some ingredients based on what you have. Here are a few ideas: - Chicken: Use thighs for more flavor or even turkey. - Cream: Substitute half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter dish. - Tomatoes: Use diced tomatoes if you prefer chunkier sauce. - Herbs: Fresh basil and oregano can replace dried herbs for a bolder taste. To keep your dish fresh and flavorful, follow these tips: - Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil adds a bright flavor. Add it at the end for the best taste. - Quality Chicken: Choose high-quality chicken for better texture and flavor. - Check Expiry Dates: Make sure your canned tomatoes and cream are fresh. - Store Properly: Keep your ingredients in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to cook. Using these tips will ensure your meal shines. For the full recipe, check the detailed instructions to create this delightful dish. To make Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken, start by gathering your ingredients. You need: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 medium onion, chopped - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon dried basil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon sugar - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh basil leaves for garnish First, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion to the pan. Cook the onion until it turns soft and clear, about 5 minutes. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook it for one more minute. This mix of onion and garlic adds depth to your sauce. Now, it’s time to use the slow cooker. Transfer the cooked onion and garlic to the slow cooker. Add the crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, dried basil, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir everything until well mixed. This mixture will create a rich, creamy sauce. Next, place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Make sure each breast is fully covered by the sauce. Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat for 6-8 hours. If you're in a hurry, you can set it to high for 3-4 hours. The chicken will become tender and soak up all the flavors. Once the cooking time is up, carefully take the chicken out of the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. To finish, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Let it melt into the sauce for extra creaminess. Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve it hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves. This adds a lovely touch and bright flavor. You can find the full recipe [here]. To boost flavor, use fresh herbs when possible. Fresh basil adds a bright taste. You can also add a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth. Just a tablespoon can make a big difference. For a little heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes. This will kick up the flavor without overpowering it. Cooking chicken in a slow cooker makes it very tender. Keep the chicken submerged in the sauce. This helps to keep it moist. Be sure not to overcook it. Cooking for 6-8 hours on low is best. If you use high heat, check for doneness at the 3-hour mark. Prep your ingredients the night before. Chop your onions and garlic ahead of time. Store them in the fridge to save time. You can also measure out your spices and cream. This way, everything is ready to go in the morning. Use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup. It makes washing up a breeze after enjoying your meal. For the full recipe, check out the Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken. {{image_2}} You can switch chicken for other proteins. Try using turkey breast for a lean option. Pork tenderloin also works well, giving a new taste. If you prefer fish, try salmon. Just adjust cooking time to keep it tender. For a vegetarian twist, replace chicken with hearty veggies. Use chickpeas or lentils for protein. Eggplant or mushrooms add great texture. Don’t forget to keep the creamy aspect. You can add coconut milk or cashew cream for richness. Want to spice things up? Add red pepper flakes for heat. A splash of balsamic vinegar can deepen the flavor. Consider adding spinach or kale for more nutrients. For a fresh touch, stir in lemon juice or zest before serving. The Full Recipe allows you to explore different flavors. After enjoying your meal, let the leftovers cool to room temperature. Place the chicken and sauce in an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors fresh. Store it in the refrigerator for up to four days. Make sure to label the container with the date. When you're ready to eat the leftovers, you have a few options. You can reheat them in the microwave. Place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat it for 1-2 minutes, checking every 30 seconds to avoid overcooking. You can also reheat it on the stove. Just put the chicken and sauce in a pan over low heat until warm, stirring often. If you want to save the dish for later, freezing is a great option. First, allow the chicken to cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it thoroughly before serving. For the best taste, add fresh basil when you serve it again. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. It takes about 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. The chicken cooks slowly, soaking up all the rich flavors. Slow cooking makes the chicken tender and juicy. This method also helps the sauce become creamy and delicious. Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just add an extra hour to the cooking time. This way, the chicken will cook through properly. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked before serving. The sauce will still be flavorful and creamy. You can serve this dish over pasta or rice. Both pair well with the creamy sauce. I also like to add a side salad or steamed veggies for balance. Garlic bread is another great option to soak up the sauce. For more options, check the Full Recipe. We explored the key ingredients and their substitutes for perfecting your dish. I shared step-by-step cooking instructions and tips for flavor and tenderness. You also learned about meal prep tricks and variations, from alternative proteins to vegetarian options. Remember, how you store and reheat leftovers impacts taste. Use the storage tips to keep meals fresh. With these insights, you can create a delicious meal that suits everyone. Enjoy your cooking journey!](https://savorystride.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/110f680c-0279-4071-9846-2159c0c308fc-768x768.webp)
Welcome to my kitchen! Today, I’m excited to share a warm and comforting recipe: Hearty Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Delight. This dish is simple to make and perfect for busy days. With just a few ingredients, you’ll create a meal that fills hearts and bellies. Get ready for a creamy, rich flavor that will impress your family. Let’s dive in and get cooking!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
To create your hearty slow cooker creamy tomato basil chicken, gather these simple items:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Ingredient Substitutions
You may want to swap some ingredients based on what you have. Here are a few ideas:
- Chicken: Use thighs for more flavor or even turkey.
- Cream: Substitute half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter dish.
- Tomatoes: Use diced tomatoes if you prefer chunkier sauce.
- Herbs: Fresh basil and oregano can replace dried herbs for a bolder taste.
Tips for Freshness and Quality
To keep your dish fresh and flavorful, follow these tips:
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil adds a bright flavor. Add it at the end for the best taste.
- Quality Chicken: Choose high-quality chicken for better texture and flavor.
- Check Expiry Dates: Make sure your canned tomatoes and cream are fresh.
- Store Properly: Keep your ingredients in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to cook.
Using these tips will ensure your meal shines. For the full recipe, check the detailed instructions to create this delightful dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
To make Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken, start by gathering your ingredients. You need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
First, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion to the pan. Cook the onion until it turns soft and clear, about 5 minutes. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook it for one more minute. This mix of onion and garlic adds depth to your sauce.
Cooking Instructions
Now, it’s time to use the slow cooker. Transfer the cooked onion and garlic to the slow cooker. Add the crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, dried basil, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir everything until well mixed. This mixture will create a rich, creamy sauce.
Next, place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Make sure each breast is fully covered by the sauce. Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat for 6-8 hours. If you’re in a hurry, you can set it to high for 3-4 hours. The chicken will become tender and soak up all the flavors.
Shredding and Final Touches
Once the cooking time is up, carefully take the chicken out of the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
To finish, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Let it melt into the sauce for extra creaminess. Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve it hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves. This adds a lovely touch and bright flavor. You can find the full recipe [here].
Tips & Tricks
Best Practices for Flavor Enhancement
To boost flavor, use fresh herbs when possible. Fresh basil adds a bright taste. You can also add a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth. Just a tablespoon can make a big difference. For a little heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes. This will kick up the flavor without overpowering it.
How to Achieve Perfectly Tender Chicken
Cooking chicken in a slow cooker makes it very tender. Keep the chicken submerged in the sauce. This helps to keep it moist. Be sure not to overcook it. Cooking for 6-8 hours on low is best. If you use high heat, check for doneness at the 3-hour mark.
Time-Saving Tips for Meal Prep
Prep your ingredients the night before. Chop your onions and garlic ahead of time. Store them in the fridge to save time. You can also measure out your spices and cream. This way, everything is ready to go in the morning. Use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup. It makes washing up a breeze after enjoying your meal.
For the full recipe, check out the Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken.
Variations
Alternative Proteins
You can switch chicken for other proteins. Try using turkey breast for a lean option. Pork tenderloin also works well, giving a new taste. If you prefer fish, try salmon. Just adjust cooking time to keep it tender.
Vegetarian Options
For a vegetarian twist, replace chicken with hearty veggies. Use chickpeas or lentils for protein. Eggplant or mushrooms add great texture. Don’t forget to keep the creamy aspect. You can add coconut milk or cashew cream for richness.
Flavor Twists and Additions
Want to spice things up? Add red pepper flakes for heat. A splash of balsamic vinegar can deepen the flavor. Consider adding spinach or kale for more nutrients. For a fresh touch, stir in lemon juice or zest before serving. The Full Recipe allows you to explore different flavors.
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, let the leftovers cool to room temperature. Place the chicken and sauce in an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors fresh. Store it in the refrigerator for up to four days. Make sure to label the container with the date.
Reheating Instructions
When you’re ready to eat the leftovers, you have a few options. You can reheat them in the microwave. Place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat it for 1-2 minutes, checking every 30 seconds to avoid overcooking. You can also reheat it on the stove. Just put the chicken and sauce in a pan over low heat until warm, stirring often.
Freezing Tips for Long-Term Storage
If you want to save the dish for later, freezing is a great option. First, allow the chicken to cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it thoroughly before serving. For the best taste, add fresh basil when you serve it again.
For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section.
FAQs
How long does it take to cook Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken?
It takes about 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. The chicken cooks slowly, soaking up all the rich flavors. Slow cooking makes the chicken tender and juicy. This method also helps the sauce become creamy and delicious.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just add an extra hour to the cooking time. This way, the chicken will cook through properly. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked before serving. The sauce will still be flavorful and creamy.
What can I serve with this dish?
You can serve this dish over pasta or rice. Both pair well with the creamy sauce. I also like to add a side salad or steamed veggies for balance. Garlic bread is another great option to soak up the sauce. For more options, check the Full Recipe.
We explored the key ingredients and their substitutes for perfecting your dish. I shared step-by-step cooking instructions and tips for flavor and tenderness. You also learned about meal prep tricks and variations, from alternative proteins to vegetarian options.
Remember, how you store and reheat leftovers impacts taste. Use the storage tips to keep meals fresh. With these insights, you can create a delicious meal that suits everyone. Enjoy your cooking journey!
![To create your hearty slow cooker creamy tomato basil chicken, gather these simple items: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 medium onion, chopped - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon dried basil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon sugar - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh basil leaves for garnish You may want to swap some ingredients based on what you have. Here are a few ideas: - Chicken: Use thighs for more flavor or even turkey. - Cream: Substitute half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter dish. - Tomatoes: Use diced tomatoes if you prefer chunkier sauce. - Herbs: Fresh basil and oregano can replace dried herbs for a bolder taste. To keep your dish fresh and flavorful, follow these tips: - Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil adds a bright flavor. Add it at the end for the best taste. - Quality Chicken: Choose high-quality chicken for better texture and flavor. - Check Expiry Dates: Make sure your canned tomatoes and cream are fresh. - Store Properly: Keep your ingredients in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to cook. Using these tips will ensure your meal shines. For the full recipe, check the detailed instructions to create this delightful dish. To make Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken, start by gathering your ingredients. You need: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 medium onion, chopped - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon dried basil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon sugar - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh basil leaves for garnish First, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion to the pan. Cook the onion until it turns soft and clear, about 5 minutes. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook it for one more minute. This mix of onion and garlic adds depth to your sauce. Now, it’s time to use the slow cooker. Transfer the cooked onion and garlic to the slow cooker. Add the crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, dried basil, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir everything until well mixed. This mixture will create a rich, creamy sauce. Next, place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Make sure each breast is fully covered by the sauce. Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat for 6-8 hours. If you're in a hurry, you can set it to high for 3-4 hours. The chicken will become tender and soak up all the flavors. Once the cooking time is up, carefully take the chicken out of the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. To finish, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Let it melt into the sauce for extra creaminess. Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve it hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves. This adds a lovely touch and bright flavor. You can find the full recipe [here]. To boost flavor, use fresh herbs when possible. Fresh basil adds a bright taste. You can also add a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth. Just a tablespoon can make a big difference. For a little heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes. This will kick up the flavor without overpowering it. Cooking chicken in a slow cooker makes it very tender. Keep the chicken submerged in the sauce. This helps to keep it moist. Be sure not to overcook it. Cooking for 6-8 hours on low is best. If you use high heat, check for doneness at the 3-hour mark. Prep your ingredients the night before. Chop your onions and garlic ahead of time. Store them in the fridge to save time. You can also measure out your spices and cream. This way, everything is ready to go in the morning. Use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup. It makes washing up a breeze after enjoying your meal. For the full recipe, check out the Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken. {{image_2}} You can switch chicken for other proteins. Try using turkey breast for a lean option. Pork tenderloin also works well, giving a new taste. If you prefer fish, try salmon. Just adjust cooking time to keep it tender. For a vegetarian twist, replace chicken with hearty veggies. Use chickpeas or lentils for protein. Eggplant or mushrooms add great texture. Don’t forget to keep the creamy aspect. You can add coconut milk or cashew cream for richness. Want to spice things up? Add red pepper flakes for heat. A splash of balsamic vinegar can deepen the flavor. Consider adding spinach or kale for more nutrients. For a fresh touch, stir in lemon juice or zest before serving. The Full Recipe allows you to explore different flavors. After enjoying your meal, let the leftovers cool to room temperature. Place the chicken and sauce in an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors fresh. Store it in the refrigerator for up to four days. Make sure to label the container with the date. When you're ready to eat the leftovers, you have a few options. You can reheat them in the microwave. Place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat it for 1-2 minutes, checking every 30 seconds to avoid overcooking. You can also reheat it on the stove. Just put the chicken and sauce in a pan over low heat until warm, stirring often. If you want to save the dish for later, freezing is a great option. First, allow the chicken to cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it thoroughly before serving. For the best taste, add fresh basil when you serve it again. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. It takes about 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. The chicken cooks slowly, soaking up all the rich flavors. Slow cooking makes the chicken tender and juicy. This method also helps the sauce become creamy and delicious. Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just add an extra hour to the cooking time. This way, the chicken will cook through properly. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked before serving. The sauce will still be flavorful and creamy. You can serve this dish over pasta or rice. Both pair well with the creamy sauce. I also like to add a side salad or steamed veggies for balance. Garlic bread is another great option to soak up the sauce. For more options, check the Full Recipe. We explored the key ingredients and their substitutes for perfecting your dish. I shared step-by-step cooking instructions and tips for flavor and tenderness. You also learned about meal prep tricks and variations, from alternative proteins to vegetarian options. Remember, how you store and reheat leftovers impacts taste. Use the storage tips to keep meals fresh. With these insights, you can create a delicious meal that suits everyone. Enjoy your cooking journey!](https://savorystride.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/110f680c-0279-4071-9846-2159c0c308fc-250x250.webp)
