Try This Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe Tonight

Creamy tomato basil chicken refines ordinary weeknight dinners into something extraordinary.

Rich, velvety sauces envelop tender meat with Mediterranean-inspired elegance.

Home cooks adore this recipe for its vibrant flavor profile and simple preparation technique.

Robust ingredients merge seamlessly, creating a comforting dish that feels simultaneously sophisticated and approachable.

Each bite promises a harmonious blend of tangy tomatoes, fragrant herbs, and smooth, luxurious cream.

Fresh basil provides an aromatic lift that elevates the entire culinary experience.

You’ll appreciate how quickly this meal comes together without sacrificing depth or complexity.

The Appeal of Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

• Effortless One-Pot Wonder: This slow cooker recipe transforms ordinary chicken into a restaurant-quality meal with minimal preparation, letting busy home cooks enjoy a delicious dinner without hours of kitchen work.
• Creamy Flavor Explosion: The combination of tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and fresh basil creates a rich, aromatic sauce that perfectly coats tender chicken, delivering a burst of Mediterranean-inspired flavors in every bite.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Whether served over pasta, rice, or alongside a crisp salad, this dish adapts to your preference, making it ideal for family dinners, meal prep, or casual entertaining with minimal fuss and maximum satisfaction.
• Healthy Comfort Food: Packed with protein and vibrant herbs, this recipe offers a nutritious alternative to heavy, complicated meals while still providing the comforting, satisfying experience of a home-cooked classic.

Ingredients for Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

Main Ingredients:

• Chicken Breasts: Tender, lean protein that becomes succulent when slow-cooked with rich sauce.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the chicken and helps season the dish.
• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and depth to the chicken's taste.

• Tomatoes: Provide a bright, tangy foundation for the creamy sauce.
• Pasta Sauce: Adds depth and richness to the overall flavor profile.
• Garlic: Brings a pungent, aromatic quality that complements the chicken.
• Italian Seasoning: Offers a blend of herbs that adds complexity to the sauce.

• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, smooth texture for the sauce.
• Corn Starch: Helps thicken the sauce and gives it a silky consistency.
• Fresh Basil: Provides a fresh, herbal note that brightens the entire dish.

How to Prepare Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

Step 1: Create The Sauce Base

Toss all the ingredients into the slow cooker and give everything a good stir. The sauce will start looking deliciously promising right away.

Step 2: Whip Up The Creamy Connector

In a separate bowl, blend cream and corn starch until smooth. This magical mixture will transform your sauce into a velvety dream.

Step 3: Nestle The Chicken

Gently place chicken breasts into the sauce, making sure they’re comfortably surrounded by all those incredible flavors.

Step 4: Slow Cook To Perfection

Set your slow cooker to low and let it work its wonder for 3-5 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 5: Final Fresh Touch

Just before serving, sprinkle some fresh basil on top to add a burst of brightness. Serve over pasta, rice, or alongside a crisp salad for a complete meal that’ll make everyone smile.

Pro Tip: The longer it cooks, the more the flavors will mingle and dance together!

Cooking Pointers for Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

• Prevent Dry Chicken: Cover the chicken completely in sauce to lock in moisture and ensure tender, juicy meat.
• Control Thickness Wisely: Adjust corn starch and cream ratio for desired sauce consistency, adding more slowly if needed.
• Herb Freshness Matters: Use fresh basil at the end of cooking to preserve its bright, aromatic flavor and vibrant green color.
• Temperature Check: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches exactly 165°F for safe, perfectly cooked protein.
• Flavor Boost Technique: Let chicken rest in the sauce for 10-15 minutes after cooking to help it absorb more delicious seasonings.

Storage Info for Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

• Refrigeration: Transfer leftover chicken to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the dish will maintain its delicious flavor and texture for 3-4 days.
• Freezing: Carefully pack the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible. Frozen meals stay fresh for up to 2 months, ensuring you can enjoy this creamy delight another day.
• Reheating: Gently warm the chicken in a microwave at 50% power, stirring occasionally to distribute heat evenly. Alternatively, reheat in a covered skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth to prevent drying out and maintain the sauce's creamy consistency.

Pairing Ideas for Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

• Pair with Bright Chardonnay: A crisp, unoaked Chardonnay complements the creamy tomato sauce, balancing its richness with subtle citrus notes and refreshing acidity.
• Serve with Crusty Garlic Bread: Toasted artisan bread rubbed with garlic perfectly soaks up the luscious sauce, adding a delightful crunch and extra flavor dimension to the dish.
• Match with Simple Arugula Salad: A light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the creamy chicken, providing a peppery, fresh contrast that enhances the overall meal experience.
• Create Herbed Parmesan Risotto: Creamy parmesan risotto infused with fresh herbs makes an elegant base that catches the tomato sauce beautifully, elevating the entire dining experience.

Easy Twists on Tomato Basil Chicken

• Spicy Southwest Chicken: Replace Italian seasoning with chili powder, cumin, and paprika. Add diced green chilies and jalapeños for extra heat. Serve over cilantro-lime rice for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Swap basil with oregano and thyme. Include kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil before serving and pair with roasted Mediterranean vegetables.
• Coconut Curry Chicken: Substitute cream with coconut milk and add curry powder, ginger, and turmeric. Include diced bell peppers for color and crunch. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve over jasmine rice for an aromatic Asian-inspired meal.
• Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken: Mix in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and roasted red peppers. Replace fresh basil with dried basil and add a splash of white wine. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese before serving for a rich, tangy version.

Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy tomato basil chicken delivers Italian-inspired comfort straight to dinner tables. Succulent chicken nestles in a luxurious sauce with fresh basil, promising a restaurant-quality meal that makes weeknight dinners feel extraordinary.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

Tomato Base:

• 14 oz (398 ml) can diced tomatoes with Italian herbs
• 1 cup tomato pasta sauce
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Additional Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• ½ cup evaporated milk or heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons corn starch

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Instructions

1. In a 3-6 quart (2.8-5.7 liters) slow cooker, combine diced tomatoes, pasta sauce, minced garlic, salt, Italian seasoning, dried basil, and ground black pepper, stirring until ingredients are evenly distributed.
2. Create a smooth slurry by whisking heavy cream with cornstarch until no lumps remain, then gently pour the mixture into the slow cooker and blend thoroughly.
3. Carefully place whole chicken breasts into the sauce, ensuring they are partially submerged and evenly coated.
4. Cover the slow cooker and set to low temperature, allowing the chicken to simmer and cook for 3-5 hours until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.
5. Once cooking is complete, carefully remove the chicken breasts and let them rest for 3-5 minutes.
6. Chop or tear fresh basil leaves and sprinkle over the sauce, gently stirring to incorporate the herb’s aromatic flavor.
7. Slice the chicken breasts and return them to the sauce, or serve whole alongside pasta, steamed rice, or a crisp garden salad.

Notes

• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the most tender and juicy result.
• Cornstarch helps thicken the sauce and creates a luxurious, velvety texture without lumps.
• Fresh basil added at the end preserves its bright, aromatic flavor and vibrant green color.
• Low and slow cooking ensures the chicken remains incredibly moist and absorbs all the rich, tangy sauce.
• Versatile dish that pairs perfectly with pasta, rice, or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, making it great for meal prep.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg