Easy Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

Okay, let’s dive into the world of easy weeknight dinners, my friends! This Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is a lifesaver on those days when you’re juggling school pickups, soccer practice, and mountains of laundry. I’m talking about a meal that practically cooks itself, leaving you with more time for what truly matters: family. Honestly, this recipe is so good, my kids cheer when they see it on the menu!

I remember the first time I made this Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken. It was a Tuesday, naturally, and I was battling a serious case of the “5 PM panic.” The kids were starving, I had a work deadline looming, and the thought of ordering takeout AGAIN made me cringe. That’s when I remembered a recipe I’d seen for crockpot tomato basil chicken. I threw everything into the slow cooker, crossed my fingers, and hoped for the best. You know what? It was a HUGE hit! The house smelled amazing, the kids devoured it, and I actually got to relax for a few minutes. Since then, this Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken has become a staple in our house, and I’m so excited to share it with you! I think you’ll agree this creamy tomato chicken recipe slow cooker dish is a great addition to your dinner plans!

So, gather ’round, fellow kitchen warriors! Let’s ditch the dinnertime stress and embrace the delicious simplicity of this Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken. I promise, it’s easier than you think!

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this amazing dish. Don’t worry, the ingredient list is short and sweet because mama doesn’t have time for fancy!

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts: You can also use chicken thighs, but my kids prefer breasts.
• 1 (24 oz) jar of your favorite tomato sauce: I usually grab whatever’s on sale at Target!
• 1 (10 oz) can of diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel): Adds a little kick, but you can skip it if your family is spice-averse.
• 1 cup heavy cream: This is what makes it creamy and delicious!
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil: Fresh is best, but dried works in a pinch.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Because everything is better with garlic!
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a little extra flavor.
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For a touch of heat.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t forget to season!

Now, here’s a Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken ingredient trick that saved my sanity more than once: I always keep a jar of pre-made pesto in the fridge. A spoonful or two of pesto added to the slow cooker elevates the flavor of the slow cooker chicken in tomato cream sauce and is a total game-changer when I’m short on fresh basil. If you want to save some money on this creamy tomato chicken recipe slow cooker dish, you can use diced tomatoes with a pinch of sugar instead of using Rotel. Another great option for adding a kick is to include some harissa paste – just a teaspoon will do it!

And speaking of storage, any leftover creamy tomato chicken recipe slow cooker dinner can be kept in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Let’s Make it Happen!

Alright, let’s get cooking! This is the easiest part, I promise.

1. First, place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. You can use a liner for easy cleanup, but it’s not necessary.
2. Next, in a bowl, combine the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes and green chilies, heavy cream, basil, garlic powder, onion powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). This creamy tomato chicken recipe slow cooker is so simple!
3. Pour the sauce over the chicken, making sure to coat it evenly. This step is important because it ensures that the chicken stays moist and flavorful throughout the cooking process.
4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. In my chaotic kitchen, this Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken usually takes about 7 hours on low.
5. Once the chicken is cooked through, shred it with two forks right in the slow cooker. Don’t panic if your Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken looks a little watery at this point, it will thicken up as it sits.
6. Stir the shredded chicken back into the sauce and let it simmer for another 15-20 minutes to thicken. Perfect time to fold that laundry pile!
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Your Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken should smell amazing by now! Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. My family loves when I add extra basil.

Here’s where I used to mess up my Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken – I would overcook the chicken! Now, I check it after 6 hours on low and shred it as soon as it’s cooked through. While your Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is doing its thing, pour yourself that well-deserved coffee! Or, if you’re really feeling ambitious, you can prep a side dish to go with it. If you’re looking for a delicious variation, you could try this recipe for Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Breast [VIDEO] from The Recipe Rebel!

How We Love to Eat This!

So, the Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is ready – now what? Here’s how my family devours it:

• Over pasta: This is our go-to. I usually serve it over penne or rotini, but any pasta shape works. The kids devour this Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken when I serve it with a side of garlic bread!
• In sandwiches: Shredded chicken on toasted rolls with a little provolone cheese? Yes, please!
• With rice: A simple side of white or brown rice is a great way to soak up all that delicious sauce.
• As a pizza topping: Spread the shredded chicken and sauce over a pizza crust, add some mozzarella cheese, and bake until bubbly. It’s a fun and easy way to change things up!

This Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is perfect for those crazy weeknight dinners! We also love to have it on a chilly Sunday afternoon. For presentation, I like to garnish it with a sprinkle of fresh basil and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. And speaking of leftovers, you can use the leftover Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken to make quesadillas, enchiladas, or even a hearty soup. This Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken reminds me of another family favorite, my pretzel-crusted-chicken.

If you’re looking for even more ways to serve this delicious dish, check out this recipe for Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken – The Peasant’s Daughter!

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Okay, mamas, let’s tackle some of those burning questions you might have about this Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken.

• Can my picky eater handle this Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken? Absolutely! The creamy tomato sauce is usually a hit with kids. You can always leave out the red pepper flakes to make it milder. My kids love that the creamy tomato chicken recipe slow cooker meal is so versatile. If they are still not happy you can leave the shredded chicken plain for them!
• What if I burn my Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken? (Asking for a friend… okay, it was me!) Don’t worry, we’ve all been there! If it’s just a little burnt on the bottom, carefully scoop out the good stuff and discard the burnt bits. If it’s badly burnt, it’s probably best to start over. But hey, at least you tried!
• Can I make this Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken ahead for meal prep? Yes! This is a great meal prep option. Just cook it according to the instructions, let it cool completely, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Can I freeze this Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken? Yes, you can! Let it cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Can I use frozen chicken breasts? I don’t recommend it. Frozen chicken breasts tend to release a lot of water in the slow cooker, which can make the sauce watery.
• What if I don’t have fresh basil? Dried basil works in a pinch! Use about 1 tablespoon of dried basil in place of the 1/2 cup of fresh basil.
• Can I add vegetables to this Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken? Absolutely! Some great options include spinach, bell peppers, and onions. Add them to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients. If you want to add more veggie options, I would highly recommend Crockpot Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken – Hello Spoonful!

Final Thoughts:

This Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is more than just a recipe to me; it’s a symbol of sanity in the midst of our beautiful chaos. It’s a reminder that we can feed our families delicious, home-cooked meals without spending hours in the kitchen. For more sanity-saving dinner ideas, check out my white-chicken-chili recipe! You can also check out my crockpot-white-chicken-chili-recipe!

Here are my Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Mom Hacks:

• Pre-chop your veggies: Do this the night before to save even more time in the morning.
• Use a slow cooker liner: Trust me, it’s a game-changer for cleanup.
• Double the recipe: Freeze half for a future meal.

Here are a few family-tested Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken variations:

• Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
• Cheesy: Stir in some shredded mozzarella or parmesan cheese at the end.
• Veggie-packed: Add some chopped spinach, bell peppers, or onions.

My son loves the cheesy version, while my daughter prefers it with a little extra basil. Feel free to experiment and find what your family loves!

So, go ahead, kitchen warriors! Give this Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken a try. I hope it brings as much joy and ease to your dinner table as it has to mine. I have faith that you’ll be able to make this recipe for slow cooker creamy tomato basil chicken work for your family.

 

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