Easy and Flavorful Crockpot Chicken
Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is one of those recipes that makes you wonder how something so simple can taste so good.
It’s creamy, rich, and bursting with the comforting flavors of tomato and basil—yet it takes just a few ingredients and minimal effort to prepare.
If you’re looking for an easy crockpot chicken recipe that works for busy weeknights, this one delivers every time.
Perfect for serving over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, this dish will quickly become a staple in your slow cooker rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken
- Few ingredients, big flavor: It’s creamy and herby with almost no prep.
- Hands-off cooking: Let the crockpot do the work while you go about your day.
- Versatile: Serve it over anything from noodles to veggies.
- Family-approved: Even picky eaters love this creamy chicken breast recipe.
- Perfect for weeknights: Just dump it in the slow cooker and go.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy tomato basil chicken in your slow cooker:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 teaspoons dried basil (or ¼ cup fresh, chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Optional: 1 tablespoon olive oil for extra richness
How to Make Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken
1. Prep the Ingredients
Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and minced garlic.
2. Add the Tomato Mixture
Pour the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and tomato sauce over the chicken. Add the dried basil and olive oil if using.
3. Slow Cook Until Tender
Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours or on high for 2.5–3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and fork-tender.
4. Add Cream and Cheese
Once the chicken is done, stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Let it cook for another 10–15 minutes on low, uncovered, to thicken slightly.
5. Shred or Serve Whole
You can shred the chicken into the sauce or serve each breast whole with sauce spooned over the top.
Tips for Best Results
- Use fresh basil for an extra pop of flavor when serving.
- Don’t overcook the cream: Add it at the end to keep it from curdling.
- Prefer thighs? Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work just as well in this recipe.
- Make it richer: Add a tablespoon of butter with the cream for extra silkiness.
What to Serve with Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken
This slow cooker creamy chicken pairs beautifully with:
- Buttered noodles or fettuccine
- Steamed rice or cauliflower rice
- Mashed potatoes or creamy polenta
- Roasted zucchini or sautéed spinach
- Garlic bread for dipping into that luscious sauce
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each. Add a splash of cream or broth if the sauce thickens too much.
This creamy tomato basil chicken also freezes well—just cool it completely, store in freezer-safe bags or containers, and reheat when needed.