Description
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.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 3-5 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 95mg