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Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is a delicious and easy meal shown in this featured image.

Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

This slow cooker recipe transforms simple ingredients into a flavorful and comforting meal. Chicken breasts are cooked in a creamy tomato and basil sauce, resulting in tender, juicy chicken perfect for serving over pasta, rice, or quinoa. With minimal effort, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality dish at home.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 7 hours
Total Time 7 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • 1/4 cup packed fresh basil leaves, chopped plus extra for garnish
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut cream
  • Cooked pasta, rice, or quinoa for serving

Equipment

  • Slow cooker
  • Large skillet (optional)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Fork
  • Spoon

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (optional).
  2. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
  3. Sear chicken for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly browned (optional).
  4. Place crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes and green chilies (if using), chopped onion, minced garlic, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using) in the slow cooker.
  5. Nestle the seared (or unseared) chicken breasts into the tomato sauce mixture. Make sure the chicken is mostly submerged.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
  7. Once the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks.
  8. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
  9. Stir in the heavy cream (or coconut cream) and chopped fresh basil.
  10. Let the mixture heat through for another 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is heated through.
  11. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  12. Serve over cooked pasta, rice, or quinoa.
  13. Garnish with extra fresh basil.

Notes

Searing the chicken adds depth of flavor and improves texture. Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level. Add sugar or honey to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Fresh basil should be added at the end of the cooking process to preserve its flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.