Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken (Print Version)
Slow-cooked chicken breasts simmered in tomato and basil, ready for rice, pasta, or zucchini noodles.
# What You Need:
→ Meats
01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each)
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
03 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
→ Dairy
05 - 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for a creamier sauce)
→ Herbs & Seasonings
06 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
07 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
08 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
09 - 1/2 teaspoon dried basil (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
10 - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
11 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
12 - 10-12 fresh basil leaves, roughly torn (for garnish)
# Preparation Steps:
01 - Lightly coat the inside of the slow cooker insert with olive oil to prevent sticking.
02 - Place the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker.
03 - In a mixing bowl, combine the diced tomatoes with their juices, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes if using. Pour the sauce evenly over the chicken breasts.
04 - Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
05 - For a richer, creamier sauce, stir in the heavy cream during the last 10 minutes of cooking and allow it to warm through.
06 - Transfer the chicken breasts to plates and spoon the tomato basil sauce generously over the top. Garnish with torn fresh basil leaves.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The sauce practically builds itself while you go about your day, and the chicken turns out so tender it falls apart with a fork.
- It uses pantry staples you probably already have, which means no emergency grocery runs.
02 -
- Resist the urge to lift the lid and check on it because every peek adds cooking time and lets moisture escape.
- If your chicken breasts are very thick, pound them slightly first so the centers cook through without the edges turning tough.
03 -
- Pat the chicken dry before placing it in the slow cooker because excess moisture dilutes the sauce.
- Add the fresh basil at the very end rather than during cooking because heat destroys its delicate flavor quickly.