Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken (Printer-friendly)

Chicken breasts simmered in tomato and basil sauce in the slow cooker — tender, saucy, and ideal for weeknights.

# What You Need:

→ Meats

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
03 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced

→ Dairy

05 - 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for a creamier sauce)

→ Herbs & Seasonings

06 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
07 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
08 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
09 - 1/2 teaspoon dried basil (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
10 - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
11 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
12 - 10-12 fresh basil leaves, roughly torn (for garnish)

# How to Make It:

01 - Lightly coat the inside of the slow cooker insert with olive oil to prevent sticking.
02 - Place the chicken breasts in a single layer across the bottom of the slow cooker.
03 - In a mixing bowl, combine the diced tomatoes with their juices, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, dried basil, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Stir to blend evenly.
04 - Pour the tomato mixture over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well covered. Secure the lid and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 4 hours, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is fork-tender.
05 - For a richer, creamier sauce, stir in the heavy cream during the final 10 minutes of cooking and allow it to gently incorporate.
06 - Transfer the chicken breasts to serving plates and spoon the tomato basil sauce generously over the top. Garnish with freshly torn basil leaves and serve immediately.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It practically cooks itself while you go about your day, and the sauce tastes like you stood at the stove for hours.
  • The tomato basil combination is simple enough for picky eaters but feels special enough for company.
02 -
  • Resist the urge to lift the lid during cooking because every peek adds about 15 to 20 minutes to the total time.
  • If your chicken breasts are very thick, pound them slightly or slice them in half horizontally for more even results.
03 -
  • Pat the chicken dry before adding it to the slow cooker because excess moisture dilutes the sauce.
  • Use fire roasted diced tomatoes instead of regular ones for a smoky depth that makes people ask what your secret is.

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