🎉 Introduction
Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is the kind of recipe that makes busy days feel effortless. With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, you get fork-tender chicken simmered in a luxurious tomato cream sauce infused with garlic and fragrant basil. It’s cozy, family-friendly, and perfect for weeknights when you want something comforting without hovering over the stove.
The slow cooker gently melds flavors over time, creating a sauce that’s velvety and balanced—tomato-forward with a creamy finish and herbal freshness. Serve it over rice, pasta, or vegetables for a meal that feels special but is incredibly easy to make.
Perfect for:
- Busy weeknights
- Meal prep and leftovers
- Comfort food lovers
- Slow cooker dinners
🧰 Equipment Needed
- Slow cooker (4–6 quart)
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
🛒 Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken breasts or thighs, boneless and skinless
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (28-oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (or use fresh at the end)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
These ingredients create a sauce that’s creamy, savory, gently herbed, and deeply comforting.
👩🍳 Directions
Step 1:
Lightly coat the slow cooker with nonstick spray or a small amount of oil.
Step 2:
Place the chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker in an even layer.
Step 3:
Heat the olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4:
Transfer the onion and garlic mixture to the slow cooker.
Step 5:
Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, dried basil, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir gently to combine.
Step 6:
Cover and cook:
- Low: 6–7 hours
- High: 3–4 hours
until the chicken is very tender.
Step 7:
Remove the lid and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until smooth.
Step 8:
Cover again and cook on Low for 20–30 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
Step 9:
Stir in the fresh basil just before serving.
Step 10:
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm.
🍽️ Servings & Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3–7 hours (slow cooker)
- Total Time: Mostly hands-off
Perfect for set-and-forget dinners.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Storage:
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
Freezing:
- Freeze for up to 2 months (add cream after thawing for best texture)
Reheating:
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave
- Add a splash of cream or water if needed
🥄 Variations
- Extra creamy: Add an additional ¼ cup cream
- Herb-forward: Add fresh thyme with the basil
- Veggie boost: Add spinach in the last 10 minutes
- Cheesy finish: Sprinkle extra Parmesan on top
- Low-carb: Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice
Each variation keeps the dish rich, adaptable, and comforting.
❓ 10 FAQs
- Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes, they’re extra juicy and work perfectly. - Does the sauce thicken enough?
Yes, especially after adding Parmesan. - Is this dish spicy?
No, it’s mild and family-friendly. - Can kids eat this?
Absolutely. - Can I cook it all on low?
Yes, low heat gives the best texture. - Can I add vegetables?
Yes, add hearty veggies early or greens at the end. - Is browning the chicken required?
No, but sautéing onions boosts flavor. - Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use a larger slow cooker. - What pairs well with it?
Rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or vegetables. - Does it taste better the next day?
Yes—flavors deepen overnight.
🏁 Conclusion
Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is comfort cooking at its easiest. With tender chicken, a rich tomato-cream sauce, and fragrant basil, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. It’s the kind of meal that earns a permanent place in your slow cooker rotation.
Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken – Tender Chicken in a Rich, Comforting Tomato Cream Sauce
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Lightly coat the slow cooker with nonstick spray or a small amount of oil.
- Place the chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker in an even layer.
- Heat the olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Transfer the onion and garlic mixture to the slow cooker.
- Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, dried basil, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir gently to combine.
- Cover and cook:
- Low: 6–7 hours
- High: 3–4 hours
- until the chicken is very tender.
- Remove the lid and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until smooth.
- Cover again and cook on Low for 20–30 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
- Stir in the fresh basil just before serving.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm.
Notes
Yes, they’re extra juicy and work perfectly. Does the sauce thicken enough?
Yes, especially after adding Parmesan. Is this dish spicy?
No, it’s mild and family-friendly. Can kids eat this?
Absolutely. Can I cook it all on low?
Yes, low heat gives the best texture. Can I add vegetables?
Yes, add hearty veggies early or greens at the end. Is browning the chicken required?
No, but sautéing onions boosts flavor. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, use a larger slow cooker. What pairs well with it?
Rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or vegetables. Does it taste better the next day?
Yes—flavors deepen overnight. 🏁 Conclusion Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is comfort cooking at its easiest. With tender chicken, a rich tomato-cream sauce, and fragrant basil, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. It’s the kind of meal that earns a permanent place in your slow cooker rotation.
