If you’re craving a comforting dish that balances bright, fresh flavors with rich, hearty goodness, you are going to fall in love with this Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe. It perfectly combines tender chicken breasts, slow-cooked in a luscious bed of crushed tomatoes and fragrant basil, creating a meal that feels both indulgent and wholesome. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and depth, with every ingredient playing a vital role in delivering that vibrant, home-cooked warmth you can enjoy any day of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential—their simplicity allows each flavor to shine and come together in a harmony that’s truly special. From fresh basil to the savory garlic and tender chicken breasts, every item brings its own magic to the dish, ensuring a perfect balance of taste, texture, and color.
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: Choose about 2 pounds for tender, juicy protein that soaks up all the flavors.
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes: This provides the rich, saucy base with just the right amount of acidity and sweetness.
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves (roughly chopped): Adds that unmistakable fresh herbaceous note that brightens the entire dish.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Garlic brings aromatic warmth and depth that infuses every bite.
- 1 medium onion (diced): Sweetness and texture come from this simple but vital ingredient.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For that golden sear on the chicken and to sauté the aromatics.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Lends an earthy, Italian-inspired aroma that complements the tomatoes beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): A subtle kick if you want just a touch of heat.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste: The seasonings that bring everything into perfect balance.
How to Make Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by trimming any excess fat from your chicken breasts to keep the dish clean and light. Then, season them generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper—this is your foundation for flavor that will develop over the slow cooking process.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken for Extra Flavor
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then quickly sear the chicken breasts until golden brown on both sides—about 2 to 3 minutes per side. This step is completely optional, but trust me, it adds an amazing depth of flavor that makes the whole dish sing. Once seared, transfer the chicken to your slow cooker.
Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic
In the same skillet, toss in the diced onions and minced garlic. Cook them for about 3 to 4 minutes until they become fragrant and translucent—this gentle sauté develops sweetness and richness that will blend beautifully with the tomatoes. Add this mixture on top of the chicken in the slow cooker.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings
Pour the crushed tomatoes over the chicken and onion mixture. Sprinkle in the dried oregano and red pepper flakes if you’re using them, then season with additional salt and pepper as needed. This layer builds the heart of the dish with bright tomato flavor and a touch of spice that balances perfectly with the herbs.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. You’ll know the chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), resulting in succulent and tender meat that practically falls apart.
Step 6: Stir in Fresh Basil
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the fresh basil leaves. This final step infuses the dish with a burst of fresh, aromatic flavor and beautiful green color, making every bite lively and bright.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
I love adding a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil on top before serving—both add a lovely richness and a little extra something that makes this dish feel extra special. A handful of fresh basil leaves as garnish is also stunning and reinforces those herby notes in every bite.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs beautifully with virtually anything you love—creamy mashed potatoes for comfort, a bed of fluffy rice to soak up the sauce, or crusty garlic bread for dipping. For a lighter touch, serve alongside a crisp green salad or steamed veggies to balance the rich tomato sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to get a bit creative, try serving the Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe over polenta for a southern Italian vibe, or toss the saucy chicken with your favorite pasta to transform it into an easy, impressive weeknight dinner. You can even shred the chicken and use it in sandwiches or wraps for flavorful leftovers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors meld beautifully, so often the next day’s meal tastes even better!
Freezing
This dish freezes wonderfully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a quick and comforting meal later.
Reheating
Reheat slowly on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. If the sauce seems thick, stir in a splash of water or broth to loosen it up and restore that fresh, saucy texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great in this Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe and can even add a bit more flavor due to their higher fat content. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed and enjoy the juicy results.
What if I don’t have fresh basil?
If fresh basil isn’t available, you can substitute with 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried basil, but add it earlier in the cooking process for better infusion. Fresh basil really brightens the dish at the end, so fresh is preferred if possible.
Can I skip searing the chicken?
Yes, searing is optional but highly recommended. It adds a wonderful caramelized flavor and beautiful color that enhances the final dish, but if you’re short on time, you can simply place the seasoned chicken directly in the slow cooker.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! The Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe is perfect for meal prepping because it reheats beautifully and the flavors deepen over time. Make it ahead, portion it out, and enjoy easy lunches or dinners all week long.
How spicy is the dish with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth and subtle kick, but it’s very mild and can be easily adjusted to your heat preference. Feel free to omit them entirely if you prefer no heat at all.
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel inspired to give this Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe a try—it truly is a heartwarming, fuss-free dish that brings fresh, vibrant flavors and cozy satisfaction to your table. Whether you’re cooking for your family or a casual dinner with friends, this recipe guarantees a delicious experience everyone will love. Happy cooking!
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Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken is a flavorful and hearty dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich tomato sauce infused with fresh basil, garlic, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for an easy, set-it-and-forget-it meal that delivers vibrant Italian-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs)
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
Seasonings and Oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts and season them generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper for enhanced flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and quickly sear the chicken breasts on both sides until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. This step adds depth of flavor but is optional.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Place the seared chicken breasts into your slow cooker as the base of the dish.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, sauté the diced onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes. Then, add this fragrant mixture to the slow cooker on top of the chicken.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Pour the crushed tomatoes over the chicken and onion mixture. Sprinkle in the dried oregano and red pepper flakes if desired, distributing seasoning evenly.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken is fully cooked and tender when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Add Fresh Basil: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the fresh chopped basil leaves to infuse fresh herbal aroma and finish the sauce.
Notes
- Searing the chicken is optional but recommended for deeper flavor.
- Red pepper flakes can be omitted or adjusted to taste depending on spice preference.
- This dish pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
