Name: Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-485793H59M22S
Total time: PT-485793H59M22S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried basil (or 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped); 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

I love how this slow cooker creamy tomato basil chicken turns out tender and full of flavor every time. The chicken breasts soak up the rich, creamy tomato basil sauce, making for a comforting dinner that feels fancy but requires very little effort. It’s perfect when I want a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried basil (or 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped)

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 tablespoon olive oil

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Lightly brown the chicken breasts on both sides, about 2 minutes per side. Then transfer the chicken to the slow cooker.

In a bowl, mix together the diced tomatoes (with their juices), garlic, dried basil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.

Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Let the slow cooker cook uncovered to slightly thicken the sauce.

Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 4 to 6 hours (slow cooker on low)

Total time: Approximately 4 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes

Variations

I sometimes swap out the heavy cream for coconut milk to make it dairy-free, which adds a subtle sweetness. Adding mushrooms or spinach to the slow cooker along with the tomatoes gives extra texture and nutrition. If I want a little heat, I sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes with the seasonings. For a lower-carb version, I serve it over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I gently warm the chicken and sauce on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cream from separating. This recipe also freezes well—just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly on the stove or in the microwave.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work great in this recipe and tend to stay even more tender and juicy after slow cooking. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.

Can I prepare this recipe without browning the chicken first?

You can skip browning, but I find that browning the chicken adds extra flavor and a nicer texture to the dish.

What can I serve this dish with?

I like to serve this creamy tomato basil chicken over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. It’s also delicious alongside roasted vegetables.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free seasoning blends and check your Parmesan cheese label.

Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

Absolutely! Use the sauté function to brown the chicken, then cook on the slow cook setting or use the pressure cooker setting for about 12 minutes, followed by a natural release. Add the cream and Parmesan after cooking.

Conclusion

This slow cooker creamy tomato basil chicken is one of my go-to recipes when I want a comforting, flavorful meal with minimal effort. The combination of tender chicken and rich, creamy tomato basil sauce makes it feel like a special dinner any day of the week. I’m confident you’ll find it as satisfying and easy as I do.

Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken