Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Breast | Easy Crockpot Dinner

Introduction

Looking for a weeknight dinner that’s effortless, comforting, and packed with flavor? This Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Breast is your new go-to. Tender chicken breasts simmer in a rich, creamy tomato sauce infused with fresh basil and garlic — all cooked low and slow in your crockpot. Perfect served over pasta, rice, or alongside roasted veggies, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that feels indulgent but requires minimal effort.

Whether you’re cooking for the family, meal-prepping for the week, or just want a stress-free dinner, this recipe is simple, flavorful, and satisfying.

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Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Sauce:

• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for mild heat)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

Optional for Serving:

• Cooked pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes
• Extra basil for garnish

✨ Tips/Substitutions:

• Use half-and-half or Greek yogurt instead of cream for a lighter version.
• Chicken thighs can be swapped for breasts if you prefer dark meat.
• Fresh herbs elevate flavor but dried basil works in a pinch.

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Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 3–4 hours on low (or 2 hours on high)
• Total Time: 3–4 hours 10 minutes

This recipe is ideal for slow mornings or busy afternoons — just prep, set it, and let your crockpot do the work.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. If you like, sear them quickly in a skillet with olive oil for 2 minutes per side to lock in flavor (optional, but adds depth).

Step 2: Combine Sauce Ingredients

In your slow cooker, combine diced tomatoes, heavy cream, chicken broth, minced garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Stir to mix well.

Step 3: Add the Chicken

Nestle the seasoned chicken breasts into the sauce. Cover and cook on low for 3–4 hours or high for 2 hours, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 4: Add Cheese and Basil

Once the chicken is cooked, stir in mozzarella, Parmesan, and fresh basil. Cover and let it sit for 5–10 minutes so the cheese melts and the flavors meld.

Step 5: Serve

Serve the creamy tomato basil chicken over cooked pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. Garnish with extra basil or a sprinkle of Parmesan for an elegant finish.

💡 Pro Tip: For a thicker sauce, remove the chicken, stir the sauce, and cook uncovered on high for 10–15 minutes before serving.

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Nutritional Information (per serving, serves 4)

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g

This dish is rich in protein and flavor, and you can easily lighten it by reducing cream or cheese.

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Healthier Alternatives

• Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for lower calories.
• Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness without overcooking.
• Serve with zoodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
• Reduce cheese or use part-skim mozzarella for lighter options.

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Serving Suggestions

• Over pasta: Toss fettuccine or penne with the sauce for a classic comfort meal.
• With rice: Jasmine or basmati rice absorbs the creamy sauce beautifully.
• Alongside roasted veggies: Broccoli, zucchini, or asparagus balance the richness.
• For meal prep: Store chicken and sauce in airtight containers for up to 4 days.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking chicken: Even in a slow cooker, check doneness to prevent dryness.
• Skipping the cheese and basil at the end: Adds creaminess and fresh flavor.
• Not stirring sauce: Make sure everything is combined before serving.
• Cooking on high too long: Can cause cream to separate — low heat is more forgiving.

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Storing Tips

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze sauce (without pasta) for up to 3 months. Add fresh chicken when reheating for best texture.
• Reheat gently on the stove or microwave with a splash of chicken broth to loosen sauce.

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Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Breast is your ultimate easy weeknight dinner: rich, flavorful, and fuss-free. With tender chicken in a creamy, tomato-basil sauce, it’s guaranteed to become a family favorite. Try it tonight, leave your feedback in the comments, and don’t forget to subscribe for more slow cooker favorites!

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FAQs

Q1: Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but increase the cooking time slightly and check the internal temperature.

Q2: Can I make this dairy-free?
Use coconut milk or a non-dairy cream substitute, and skip the cheese or use vegan cheese.

Q3: Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to cook evenly.

Q4: What pasta works best?
Short pasta like penne, rotini, or farfalle holds the sauce beautifully.

Q5: Can I prep it ahead of time?
Yes! Combine sauce and chicken in the slow cooker insert and refrigerate overnight, then cook the next day.