Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe

I adore this Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken because it unites delicious flavors effortlessly. Tender chicken meets vibrant tomatoes in a luscious cream sauce finished with fresh basil. Every bite is comforting and packed with rich, savory notes. It is my go-to meal when I crave heartwarming, simple goodness.

I love how simple this dish is and its nutritional benefits are pretty solid too. I think using only a few ingredients makes it easy to control what goes into my meal.

It all starts with 4 chicken breasts without skin or bones; they provide a good amount of protein. I add in a can of diced tomatoes with juices which is full of vitamins and antioxidants.

I like to throw in a bit of flavor with 3 garlic cloves and a handful of roughly chopped fresh basil leaves. My recipe also calls for 8 ounces of softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup heavy cream that give it that creamy texture while keeping the fat content moderate.

A 1/2 cup of chicken broth helps the flavors meld together nicely. I always season with salt, pepper, and sometimes a dash of 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes if I want a little extra heat.

This slow cooker tomato basil chicken is a great summertime meal option.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really like this recipe because it’s super simple to put together and doesn’t require a ton of ingredients. I mean, who wants to spend hours in the kitchen when you can just toss everything in a slow cooker?

I also love the creamy texture that comes from mixing the cream cheese and heavy cream with the chicken broth. It makes the sauce so rich and comforting, which is perfect for a nice dinner after a long day.

Another thing is the burst of flavor from the diced tomatoes and garlic. They blend in perfectly with the basil and even a little kick of red pepper flakes, giving it that awesome, balanced taste I’m always lookin for.

Finally, I really appreciate how versatile it is. I like to serve it over pasta or rice, and sometimes even with bread on the side. It’s so easy to customize based on what I’m in the mood for.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts: Good protein, low fat, helps build muscle and stays healthy.
• Diced tomatoes: Full of vitamins, fiber and natural tang for flavor and nutrition.
• Garlic: Adds a kick of flavor and boosts the dish with health benefits too.
• Cream cheese: Provides creamy texture and smooth richness though it’s a bit fatty.
• Heavy cream: Adds luscious richness and extra smooth flavor to the sauce.
• Chicken broth: Brings a savory base that deepens taste overall.
• Basil: A fresh herb that lifts flavor and adds a healthy aroma.

Ingredient Quantities

• 4 chicken breasts without skin or bones
• 1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes with juices
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• A handful of fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped

How to Make this

1. First, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper and place them in the slow cooker.

2. Next, add the entire can of diced tomatoes with its juices along with the minced garlic and red pepper flakes if you’re using them.

3. In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, heavy cream and chicken broth until smooth, then pour it evenly over the chicken and tomatoes.

4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for about 6 hours or on high for roughly 3 hours, until the chicken is totally tender.

5. Once the cooking time is up, give the sauce a good stir so all the flavors mix together well.

6. Sprinkle in the roughly chopped fresh basil leaves and stir again gently.

7. Taste the sauce and add extra salt and pepper if needed.

8. Serve your creamy tomato basil chicken hot over pasta, rice, or with some crusty bread on the side. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Slow cooker with a lid
2. Can opener
3. Cutting board and knife for mincing garlic and chopping basil
4. Small bowl for mixing the cream cheese sauce
5. Measuring cups and spoons for the heavy cream and chicken broth
6. Whisk or spoon to mix the cream cheese, heavy cream and broth together
7. Stirring spoon for mixing the sauce in the slow cooker
8. Plates and serving utensils for dishing out the finished meal

FAQ

• Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
  A: Sure, you can use thighs if you prefer more flavor. Just note that the cooking time might change a bit.
• Q: Do I need to preheat the slow cooker?
  A: Nah, you don’t need to preheat it. Just put all the ingredients in and let it cook on low for about 4 to 6 hours.
• Q: Can I swap fresh tomatoes for canned ones?
  A: Yup, but use about the same amount by volume and expect a bit less liquid. You might need to add a splash of extra chicken broth.
• Q: What if I don’t have cream cheese on hand?
  A: You can substitute it with mascarpone or even a mix of ricotta and a bit of butter to keep it creamy.
• Q: How do I store the leftovers?
  A: Let it cool a bit and then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently when you’re ready to eat.

Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Chicken breasts: You could use boneless chicken thighs instead. They tend to stay juicy and hold up well in the slow cooker.
• Cream cheese: If you’re not a fan of cream cheese, try using full-fat Greek yogurt. It gives a tangy twist but works pretty well in the sauce.
• Heavy cream: For a lighter version, you could substitute heavy cream with half and half. Just be aware the sauce might be a bit thinner.
• Chicken broth: If you don’t have chicken broth or need a gluten free option, veggie broth works fine as a replacement.
• Red pepper flakes: If you find it too spicy, you can either leave them out completely or use a pinch of cayenne pepper instead.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure your chicken is evenly seasoned before it hits the slow cooker – taking a few extra minutes to rub salt and pepper in can really up the flavor game.
2. I’ve found that warming up the cream cheese, heavy cream, and broth mix a bit before adding it to the tomatoes really helps it blend smooth and stops clumps from forming.
3. If you like some extra heat, don’t be afraid to bump up the red pepper flakes a tad more than the recipe calls for to suit your taste.
4. Try stirring the sauce a couple of times during cooking if you can sneak a peek, this helps keep all the flavors minglin well together and avoids any burning on the bottom.