Description
This Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken is rich, comforting, and full of classic Italian flavors. Tender chicken simmers slowly in a savory tomato basil sauce, creating an easy, family-friendly meal that’s perfect for busy days. Serve it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread for a cozy dinner everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless (skinless chicken breasts or 6 chicken thighs)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- 1 can (14–15 oz / 400 g crushed tomatoes)
- 1 can (14–15 oz / 400 g diced tomatoes, drained)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried basil (or ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp sugar (optional)
- ¼ cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional for creamy version)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh basil leaves
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Place them evenly in the slow cooker.
- Build the Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a small pan over medium heat.
- Add onion and cook 3–4 minutes until soft.
- Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients
- Add the onion mixture to the slow cooker.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and chicken broth.
- Add basil, oregano, paprika, and sugar (if using).
- Stir gently to combine.
- Slow Cook
- Cover and cook:
- LOW for 5–6 hours, or
- HIGH for 2½–3 hours
- Chicken should be tender and fully cooked.
- Optional Creamy Finish
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese during the last 20 minutes of cooking.
- Mix gently until the sauce becomes smooth and rich.
- Serve
- Spoon sauce over the chicken.
- Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 300 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Slow Cooker, Tomato Basil Chicken, Italian Recipe