Description

This Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is an easy, flavorful meal perfect for busy days. Tender chicken breasts are slow-cooked in a rich and creamy tomato basil sauce made from diced tomatoes, marinara, garlic, and fresh herbs. The sauce is thickened with heavy cream and cornstarch, resulting in a luscious, comforting dish that pairs perfectly with Parmesan cheese and your choice of sides.

Ingredients

Chicken

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs)

Tomato Sauce Base

1 can diced tomatoes with Italian herbs, with juice (14 oz or 398 ml)
1 cup marinara sauce
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon dried basil
¼ teaspoon pepper

Cream Mixture

½ cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons cornstarch

Finishing Touches

2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil
Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)

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Instructions

Prepare the Sauce: Add the diced tomatoes with Italian herbs (including the juice), marinara sauce, minced garlic, salt, Italian seasoning, dried basil, and pepper into a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker. Stir well to combine all ingredients into a cohesive sauce base.
Mix Cream and Cornstarch: In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy whipping cream and cornstarch until smooth. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker with the tomato sauce and stir gently to incorporate.
Add Chicken: Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts into the slow cooker, pressing them down gently into the sauce so they are well coated and partially submerged.
Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low heat setting for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken is done when a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165°F, ensuring it is fully cooked and tender.
Finish and Serve: Once cooked, stir in the finely chopped fresh basil into the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve the creamy tomato basil chicken hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.

Notes

You can serve this dish over pasta, rice, or alongside steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
For thicker sauce, you can cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes to reduce the liquid slightly.
Fresh basil can be substituted with more dried basil if fresh is unavailable, though fresh provides a brighter flavor.
If you prefer lower fat, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lighter cream, though the sauce may be less rich.
Ensure not to overcook chicken in the slow cooker to avoid drying it out; use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness.