Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is not just another chicken dish; it’s an experience. Here are some reasons why you are guaranteed to fall in love with it:

1. Effortless Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can prepare a delightful meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

2. Flavor Explosion: The combination of cream, tomatoes, and basil creates an incredible flavor profile that will leave you wanting more.

3. Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish freezes exceptionally well, making it great for meal prep or last-minute dinners.

4. Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit dietary preferences, such as using gluten-free pasta or dairy-free cream.

5. Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike will adore this dish, making it an excellent choice for family gatherings or potlucks.

6. Minimal Clean-Up: Cooking in a slow cooker means fewer dishes, which is always a win in my book!

Ingredients

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

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes

• 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free version)

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

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

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

• Cooked pasta or rice, for serving (optional)

Directions

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Start by gathering all the ingredients and chopping the onion and garlic.

2. Layer the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Season them with salt and pepper.

3. Add Vegetables: Sprinkle the diced onions and minced garlic over the chicken, ensuring even coverage.

4. Pour Tomatoes: Add the crushed tomatoes on top of the chicken and vegetables.

5. Season: Sprinkle dried basil and oregano over the mixture. You can use fresh herbs in place of dried for an added kick!

6. Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid, and set it to low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours.

7. Check Doneness: Once the cooking time is up, check that the chicken is cooked through and tender. It should easily shred with a fork.

8. Add Cream: Stir in the heavy cream (or coconut cream) until well combined. Allow to simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes to heat through.

9. Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve over cooked pasta or rice, if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes

• Cooking Time: 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high

• Total Time: 6 to 8 hours and 15 minutes (or 3 to 4 hours and 15 minutes depending on the cooking setting)

Variations

• Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free version.

• Herb Variations: Use fresh herbs instead of dried for a more vibrant flavor.

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy twist.

• Vegetable Additions: Incorporate vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

• Reheating: Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave in a microwave-safe dish.

FAQs

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream to make this recipe dairy-free.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used as a substitute for chicken breasts.

What can I serve with Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken?

This dish pairs well with cooked pasta, rice, or even crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken?

Yes, this dish freezes well. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

How do I reheat leftovers?

Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave in a microwave-safe dish.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added nutrition.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The main ingredients are gluten-free, but ensure that any pasta or rice served with the dish is also gluten-free.

Can I cook this recipe on high heat?

Yes, you can cook on high for 3 to 4 hours, but cooking on low for 6 to 8 hours may result in more tender chicken.

Conclusion

Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is a delightful, comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to please the whole family. With its rich flavors and simple preparation, it’s a perfect addition to your weeknight dinner rotation. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of this delicious dish!

Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

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• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6–8 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
• Total Time: : 6–8 hours and 15 minutes (or 3–4 hours and 15 minutes)
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is the ultimate slow cooker comfort meal! Tender chicken breasts simmer in a rich, creamy tomato basil sauce, perfect for serving over pasta or rice. Easy to prepare, dairy-free adaptable, and bursting with flavor—ideal for busy weeknights or meal prepping.

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Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)

1 medium onion, diced

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp dried basil (or 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped)

1 tsp dried oregano

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Cooked pasta or rice, for serving (optional)

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Instructions

• Prepare Ingredients: Dice onion and mince garlic.

• Layer Chicken: Place chicken in slow cooker and season with salt and pepper.

• Add Aromatics: Sprinkle onions and garlic over the chicken.

• Pour Tomatoes: Add crushed tomatoes on top.

• Season: Add basil and oregano.

• Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.

• Shred & Cream: Check if chicken is cooked and tender. Stir in cream and simmer for 10–15 minutes.

• Serve: Garnish with fresh basil and serve over rice or pasta.

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Notes

For dairy-free, use coconut cream.

Add spinach or bell peppers for extra veggies.

Red pepper flakes add a spicy kick.

Freezes well for up to 3 months.

Use gluten-free pasta to make it fully gluten-free.