Crockpot Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe
Introduction
This Crockpot Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breasts simmer in a rich tomato and cream sauce, infused with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese. Serve it over pasta or rice for a satisfying meal everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot and season them with salt and pepper evenly.
- Step 2: Pour the crushed tomatoes over the chicken and sprinkle the Parmesan cheese on top.
- Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Step 4: About 10 minutes before serving, stir the heavy cream into the crockpot and let it heat through.
- Step 5: Stir in the chopped fresh basil just before serving. Enjoy the creamy tomato basil chicken over your favorite pasta or rice.
Tips & Variations
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
- Fresh basil can be replaced with 1 teaspoon dried basil if needed—add it earlier in the cooking.
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful dish.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave to avoid curdling the cream. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned crushed tomatoes?
Yes, you can use about 2 cups of fresh tomatoes, peeled and crushed, but canned crushed tomatoes provide a consistent texture and flavor that works best for this recipe.
Is it necessary to add the cream at the end?
Adding the cream near the end helps maintain its richness and prevents it from curdling during the slow cooking process. Stirring it in the last 10 minutes ensures a smooth, creamy sauce.
PrintCrockpot Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe
This Crockpot Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is an easy and comforting slow-cooked dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich and creamy tomato sauce with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese, perfect served over pasta or rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the crockpot, then season them generously with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Add Sauce Ingredients: Pour the can of crushed tomatoes and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken evenly.
- Cook: Set the crockpot to low heat and cook the chicken for 3 to 4 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and tender.
- Add Cream: About 10 minutes before the end of the cooking time, stir in the cup of heavy cream thoroughly to create a rich, creamy sauce.
- Finish and Serve: Just before serving, mix in the freshly chopped basil leaves to infuse the dish with fresh herbal flavor. Serve the creamy tomato basil chicken over your choice of pasta or rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to confirm it’s fully cooked.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt, adding it at the end to prevent curdling.
- Fresh basil can be substituted with dried basil, but reduce the quantity to about 1 tablespoon to avoid overpowering the dish.
- This recipe can be doubled, but adjust cooking time slightly if crockpot is very full.
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Keywords: crockpot chicken, creamy tomato chicken, basil chicken, slow cooker recipes, easy chicken dinner, creamy tomato basil chicken
