If you’re looking for a straightforward, soul-satisfying dinner that fills your kitchen with amazing aromas and turns out perfectly every time, this Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is going to be your new go-to. The creamy tomato sauce gets a fragrant lift from basil, while the juicy chicken soaks up every drop of flavor as it slowly simmers to tender perfection. And the best part? With only a handful of easy-to-find ingredients, dinner practically cooks itself!

Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how a few pantry staples and some fresh touches are all it takes to make this dish sing. Each ingredient has a role to play: some for creaminess, others for vibrant color, and of course, a few classic flavors that bring the whole dish home.

Diced Tomatoes with Italian Herbs: Brings a chunky, tangy base to the sauce, packed with seasonal Italian flavors; use all the juices for extra depth.
Marinara Sauce: Adds a robust, silky foundation—choose your favorite, as it sets the tone for the whole meal.
Fresh Garlic: Infuses everything with a gentle kick and signature Italian aroma.
Salt: Simple, but it brings out the best in every ingredient and balances the sauce.
Italian Seasoning: This herb blend is an instant flavor booster—like a shortcut to classic tomato-basil bliss.
Dried Basil: Layers in extra herbal notes and makes the whole kitchen smell fantastic.
Black Pepper: Rounds out the flavors with a touch of warmth and spice.
Heavy Whipping Cream: Swirls the sauce into creamy, restaurant-quality territory—don’t skip this!
Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce just the right amount, making it beautifully glossy and clingy for the chicken.
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Cook up tender and juicy, soaking up all that luscious sauce.
Fresh Basil: Chopped and stirred in at the end for an irresistible hit of freshness and color.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: For sprinkling on top—salty, nutty, and absolutely essential to finish each serving!

How to Make Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

Step 1: Create the Flavor Base

Start by adding the diced tomatoes (with all their herby juices), marinara sauce, minced garlic, salt, Italian seasoning, dried basil, and pepper to your slow cooker. Stir everything together so the flavors start mingling and the garlic gets nestled right in—this is where the Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken starts building its cozy, crave-worthy character.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy whipping cream and cornstarch until smooth. This magic combo makes the sauce ultra-creamy and helps thicken it as it cooks. Pour the mixture into the slow cooker and stir until the tomato base turns a dreamy shade of pale orange—trust me, you’ll want to dip a spoon in right away!

Step 3: Add the Chicken

Nestle the chicken breasts gently into the sauce, pressing them down so they’re mostly submerged. This ensures each piece basks in the flavors as it cooks, keeping the chicken juicy and infusing it with basil-tomato goodness from edge to center.

Step 4: Let the Slow Cooker Work Its Magic

Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken is done when a meat thermometer in the thickest part reads 165°F, and the meat starts to look cloud-soft and pulls apart easily with a fork. Don’t be surprised if everyone comes wandering into the kitchen just to sneak a peek.

Step 5: Finish With Fresh Basil and Serve

Stir in the chopped fresh basil for a final pop of vibrant flavor and color. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed, then serve up the Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken hot, with plenty of grated Parmesan on top for that little extra spark.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

Garnishes

A generous shower of grated Parmesan is a must, but don’t be shy about adding more fresh basil—or even some freshly cracked black pepper—right before serving. Those fresh, bright notes make every bite of Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken totally irresistible.

Side Dishes

This saucy chicken begs for a cozy companion. Spoon it over tender pasta or fluffy rice, or pair with velvety mashed potatoes to soak up every drop. For a lighter meal, a crisp green salad or roasted veggies on the side works wonders.

Creative Ways to Present

Think outside the plate: shred leftover Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken and tuck it into toasted sandwich rolls with mozzarella for melty subs, or pile it onto garlic toast for an easy appetizer. It also works beautifully served family-style in a big dish, topped with extra basil and cheese for a showstopping centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, pop any leftover chicken and sauce into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. It tastes even better the next day, as those flavors continue to mingle!

Freezing

Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is freezer-friendly—just portion cooled chicken and sauce into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. It’s a lifesaver on busy nights.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of cream or a little chicken broth if the sauce thickens too much, and top it with fresh basil and parmesan to revive the flavors.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully and give the dish an even richer, more tender bite. Just keep an eye on the cooking time—thighs may cook slightly faster than breasts in the slow cooker.

What if I don’t like chunky tomatoes?

No problem at all. Simply swap out the can of diced tomatoes for more marinara sauce, or blend the sauce before adding the chicken for a smoother texture. It’s still delicious and just as flavorful!

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Definitely! Spinach, mushrooms, or chopped zucchini blend in seamlessly as the chicken cooks, making Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken a one-pot wonder packed with extra nutrition.

How spicy is this dish?

This recipe is quite mild as written, but you can always punch up the heat with a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne added with the seasonings, tailoring it to your family’s taste.

Is Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken gluten-free?

Yes! As long as you check your marinara sauce for hidden gluten ingredients, all the other items in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and satisfying option for those avoiding wheat.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a low-effort, high-reward dinner, it’s time to let Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken steal the show in your kitchen. With its comforting sauce, fresh basil, and tender chicken, you might just find yourself adding this to your weekly menu—friends and family will beg for seconds, I promise!

Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe