Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken (Printable)
Tender chicken slow-cooked in a rich tomato basil sauce with Italian herbs for an easy, comforting meal.
# What You Need:
→ Chicken
01 - 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (1.5–2 lbs)
02 - 1 teaspoon salt
03 - ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Sauce
04 - 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
05 - 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
06 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
07 - 4 garlic cloves, minced
08 - 1 tablespoon tomato paste
09 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
10 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
11 - 1 teaspoon sugar
12 - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
13 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
14 - ½ cup packed fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
15 - ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
→ To Serve
16 - Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
# How To Make It:
01 - Generously season both sides of each chicken breast with salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring even coverage for maximum flavor penetration.
02 - Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of your slow cooker, avoiding overlap to promote uniform cooking.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, combine crushed tomatoes, drained diced tomatoes, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried thyme, sugar, red pepper flakes, and olive oil. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
04 - Pour the tomato mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, ensuring each piece is well-covered with the aromatic sauce.
05 - Cover and cook on LOW setting for 6 hours or HIGH for 4 hours, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is tender enough to shred easily with a fork.
06 - During the final 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the chopped fresh basil and heavy cream if preparing the creamy version. Allow flavors to meld together.
07 - Taste the sauce and adjust salt or pepper as needed. Serve immediately, garnished with additional fresh basil and Parmesan cheese. Pairs excellently with pasta, rice, polenta, or crusty bread.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The sauce develops incredible depth after hours of slow cooking, tasting like it simmered all day
- Set it and forget it convenience that still delivers homemade Italian flavors
02 -
- The cream is completely optional—this dish is stunning as a bright, tomato-forward recipe without it
- Chicken thighs stay juicier than breasts during long cooking, so swap them if you prefer meat that holds its shape better
03 -
- Don't lift the lid during cooking—every peek releases heat and extends the cooking time
- If the sauce seems too thin at the end, remove the chicken and let the sauce simmer on the sauté setting until it thickens