Weeknight dinners demand something special that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or time, and this creamy tomato basil chicken slow cooker recipe delivers pure comfort on a plate.
Tender chicken simmered in a velvety sauce captures the essence of homestyle cooking with minimal effort.
Rich tomato notes dance with fragrant basil, creating a meal that feels both elegant and effortless.
The slow cooker works its magic, melding ingredients into a harmonious blend that promises pure deliciousness.
Each bite promises a symphony of robust Italian-inspired flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Hearty and satisfying, this dish turns an ordinary evening into a memorable dining experience.
You’ll want to savor every single spoonful of this incredible meal that comes together with practically zero hands-on cooking time.
Cooking Steps for Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken
Culinary Comfort Slow Cooker Chicken
Flavor Foundation Combine tomatoes, pasta sauce, and seasonings in your slow cooker, creating a vibrant base that will transform ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering meal.
Creamy Blend Whisk milk and cornstarch together until silky smooth, ensuring a luxurious sauce that will coat every morsel of chicken with rich, velvety goodness.
Chicken Nestling Gently place chicken breasts into the sauce, allowing them to sink and absorb the incredible medley of flavors surrounding them.
Slow Magic Cook on low heat, letting the ingredients meld and transform into a tender, aromatic dish that fills your kitchen with irresistible scents.
Fresh Finale Sprinkle fresh basil over the completed dish, adding a bright burst of herb freshness that elevates the entire meal from delicious to extraordinary.
Serving Suggestions Plate over your favorite carbohydrate companion – whether pasta, rice, or alongside crisp vegetables – and prepare for a dining experience that feels like a warm culinary hug.
Flavor Tips for Tomato Basil Sauce
Replace chicken breasts with boneless chicken thighs for richer, more tender meat that absorbs sauce beautifully.
Substitute evaporated milk with coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk for a lighter, allergy-friendly version that maintains creamy texture.
Experiment with fresh herbs like oregano, thyme, or parsley to create unique flavor profiles that complement the tomato base.
Add red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or a dash of cayenne for those craving a spicier kick to the classic recipe.
Transform leftovers into a delicious pasta bake by mixing shredded chicken with additional cheese and baking until golden and bubbly.
How to Serve This Slow Cooker Chicken
Pasta Paradise: Ladle the creamy tomato basil chicken over al dente spaghetti or fettuccine for a classic Italian-inspired comfort meal that hugs your taste buds.
Rustic Risotto Companion: Nestle the tender chicken atop a bed of creamy parmesan risotto, letting the rich sauce mingle with the velvety rice grains for a luxurious dining experience.
Salad and Protein Duo: Slice the chicken and arrange it over a crisp mixed green salad with cherry tomatoes, creating a light yet satisfying meal that balances creamy and fresh flavors.
Garlic Bread Delight: Serve alongside warm, buttery garlic bread to soak up every last drop of the luscious tomato basil sauce, transforming your dinner into a true culinary celebration.
Storage Tips for Leftover Chicken
Smart Batch Cooking: Prepare double the recipe and portion out extra servings for quick weeknight meals. Separate into individual containers for grab-and-go lunches or dinners during busy weeks.
Refrigerator Freshness Window: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days. Keep the chicken and sauce together to maintain maximum flavor and moisture.
Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Freeze portions in sealed freezer bags or containers for up to 2 months. Pro tip: Label containers with date and contents for easy meal tracking.
Reheating Magic: Warm refrigerated or thawed chicken gently in microwave or stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and maintain creamy sauce consistency.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 3-5 hours
Total Time: 3-5 hours 10 min
Calories: 320 kcal
Servings: 5
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken
For Base Sauce and Seasoning:
Diced Tomatoes: Provides a chunky, fresh base that adds natural sweetness and depth to the sauce.
Tomato Pasta Sauce: Creates a rich, robust foundation with concentrated tomato flavor.
Minced Garlic: Introduces a pungent, aromatic kick that elevates the entire dish.
Salt: Enhances and balances all the other flavors in the recipe.
Italian Seasoning: Brings a classic herb blend that adds complexity and traditional Mediterranean notes.
Dried Basil: Delivers an earthy, slightly peppery undertone that complements the tomato base.
Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and warm spiciness to round out the seasoning profile.
For Creaminess and Thickening:
Evaporated Milk, Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, silky texture that makes the sauce incredibly smooth.
Corn Starch: Acts as a perfect thickening agent to give the sauce a velvety consistency.
For Protein:
Chicken Breasts: Serves as the main protein, absorbing the rich, flavorful sauce while providing a lean and tender centerpiece.
For Finishing Touch:
Fresh Basil: Introduces a bright, fresh herbal note that lifts the entire dish with its vibrant green flavor.
Tools for Slow Cooking
Slow cooker (3-6 quart): Essential for creating this hands-off, tender chicken dish.
Whisk: Perfect for smoothly blending evaporated milk and corn starch.
Small mixing bowl: Ideal for preparing the milk and corn starch mixture.
Measuring spoons: Helps accurately add salt, Italian seasoning, and dried basil.
Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring ingredients and combining sauce.
Sharp knife: Needed for chopping fresh basil and mincing garlic.
Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for ingredient preparation.
Mediterranean-inspired slow cooker creamy tomato basil chicken blends rich Italian flavors with comforting slow-cooked techniques. Succulent chicken nestles in a creamy tomato sauce infused with fresh basil, offering home cooks an effortless dinner solution you can easily savor.
Ingredients
Scale
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
14 oz (398 mL) diced tomatoes with Italian herbs
1 cup tomato pasta sauce
2 tsp minced garlic
1 tsp salt
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp dried basil
¼ tsp black pepper
½ cup evaporated milk or heavy cream
2 tbsps corn starch
2 tbsps finely chopped fresh basil
Instructions
Flavor Foundation: Combine diced tomatoes, tomato pasta sauce, minced garlic, salt, Italian seasoning, dried basil, and black pepper in a 3-6 quart slow cooker, whisking ingredients to create a harmonious base.
Thickening Preparation: Whisk evaporated milk (or heavy cream) with corn starch in a separate bowl until smooth and lump-free, creating a silky binding agent for the sauce.
Sauce Assembly: Integrate the milk mixture into the slow cooker, gently stirring to ensure even distribution, then delicately nestle chicken breasts into the sauce, fully submerging them in the flavorful liquid.
Slow Cooking Process: Cover and set slow cooker to low temperature, allowing chicken to simmer and tenderize for 3-5 hours until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), periodically checking sauce consistency and chicken doneness.
Finishing Touches: In the final cooking moments, fold in freshly chopped basil leaves to infuse the dish with a vibrant, herbaceous aroma, then carefully plate the succulent chicken and creamy sauce over pasta, rice, or alongside a crisp salad for a complete culinary experience.
Notes
Optimize Slow Cooker Size: Use a 3-6 quart slow cooker to ensure proper heat distribution and sauce consistency.
Prevent Lumpy Sauce: Whisk evaporated milk and cornstarch thoroughly to create a smooth thickening agent without clumps.
Monitor Chicken Doneness: Check internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe, perfectly cooked chicken.
Enhance Fresh Flavor: Add chopped basil leaves in the final cooking moments to preserve their vibrant taste and aroma.
Degree: Certificate in Food and Beverage Management
Focus: Essential knowledge of recipe development, ingredient sourcing, and food business basics.
Mia Reynolds fell in love with baking as a teenager experimenting in her family kitchen. Her passion took her to New England Culinary Institute, where she learned practical pastry techniques, and later to Community College of Vermont to deepen her understanding of food management.
Mia combines clear, simple baking instructions with heartwarming stories, making home baking approachable for everyone.
Mia Reynolds
Food Writer & Home Cooking Specialist
Expertise
Easy Home Baking, Recipe Writing and Storytelling, Local and Seasonal Ingredients, Baking for Beginners
Education
New England Culinary Institute (NECI), Montpelier, Vermont
Community College of Vermont, Winooski, Vermont
Mia Reynolds fell in love with baking as a teenager experimenting in her family kitchen. Her passion took her to New England Culinary Institute, where she learned practical pastry techniques, and later to Community College of Vermont to deepen her understanding of food management.
Mia combines clear, simple baking instructions with heartwarming stories, making home baking approachable for everyone.