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Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe as they cook up tender in the slow cooker. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs work just as well and add a different flavor.
Diced Tomatoes: I use canned tomatoes for convenience, and they add a nice chunkiness. If you’re fresh out, you could use fresh tomatoes (about 4-5 medium) diced, or even crushed tomatoes for a smoother texture.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, feel free to swap in half-and-half or coconut milk if you want a dairy-free substitute. I personally love the richness that heavy cream offers, but adjustments can cater to your needs!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan brings a nice salty depth to the dish. If you’re out, you could use Pecorino Romano or even a vegan cheese if you want to keep it plant-based.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor in the Slow Cooker?
Getting great flavor in a slow cooker takes some planning, but it’s worth it! Start by seasoning the chicken well with salt and pepper before adding it to the cooker. This helps build a base flavor.
- Mixing the tomato mixture well is key. Ensure the aromatics like garlic and basil are evenly distributed for consistent flavor.
- Cooking low and slow allows all the flavors to meld beautifully. Aim for the longer cooking time if you can!
- Finally, adding the Parmesan cheese at the end helps keep its flavor bright, so don’t skip that step.
How to Make Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Breasts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and then you’ll let your slow cooker do all the work! Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. So you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time, just set it and forget it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker. This is the base of your dish, so make sure they are laid out flat.
2. Mix the Tomato Sauce:
In a medium bowl, combine the undrained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, heavy cream, dried basil, minced garlic, onion powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed—this sauce is going to be creamy and flavorful!
3. Pour It Over the Chicken:
Now, pour the delicious tomato mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Make sure the chicken is nicely coated with that tasty sauce.
4. Cook It Up:
Place the lid on your slow cooker. Set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when it’s tender and fully cooked through—no pink inside!
5. Finish with Cheese:
When the chicken is cooked, take the lid off and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix it well until the cheese is melted and creamy. This will give your sauce a wonderful cheesy flavor.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Dish out the creamy tomato basil chicken over your favorite pasta, rice, or with some crusty bread on the side. Don’t forget to garnish each plate with fresh chopped basil for that lovely touch. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just make sure to increase the cooking time by about 1-2 hours on low (or 30-60 minutes on high). It’s important to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety. If you’re short on time, thawing them in the refrigerator overnight is ideal.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you need a lighter alternative to heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or a combination of milk and sour cream. For a dairy-free option, coconut cream or cashew cream works well, though it may alter the flavor slightly. Just mix it in when you would add the heavy cream!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to save it longer, you can freeze the cooked chicken in sauce for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini before cooking. Just make sure they’re chopped into smaller pieces to ensure even cooking. Add them in with the tomato mixture for a delicious and nutritious twist!
