Tomato Basil Chicken Slow Cooker (Print Version)
Tender chicken in a rustic tomato basil sauce with Italian herbs, slowly simmered to perfection.
# What You'll Need:
→ Chicken
01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5–2 lbs)
02 - 1 teaspoon salt
03 - ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Sauce
04 - 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
05 - 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
06 - 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
07 - 4 garlic cloves, minced
08 - 1 tablespoon tomato paste
09 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
10 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
11 - 1 teaspoon sugar
12 - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
13 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
14 - ½ cup packed fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
15 - ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
→ To Serve
16 - Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
# Directions:
01 - Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides, ensuring even coverage for maximum flavor penetration.
02 - Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker.
03 - Combine crushed tomatoes, drained diced tomatoes, chopped onion, minced garlic, tomato paste, oregano, thyme, sugar, red pepper flakes, and olive oil in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
04 - Pour the tomato mixture evenly over the chicken, ensuring the breasts are completely covered by the sauce.
05 - Cover and cook on LOW setting for 6 hours or HIGH setting for 4 hours, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is tender throughout.
06 - During the final 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the chopped fresh basil. If making a creamy version, add the heavy cream or half-and-half at this time and stir well to combine.
07 - Taste the sauce and adjust salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes as needed to suit your preference.
08 - Serve hot over rice, pasta, or with crusty bread. Garnish with additional fresh basil and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The sauce develops this incredible depth while you are literally doing anything else with your day
- The chicken becomes so tender you can shred it with just a fork
02 -
- The cream is entirely optional and the sauce is absolutely delicious without it
- Resist the urge to lift the lid too often as it lets heat escape and extends cooking time
03 -
- A pinch of sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes without making the sauce taste sweet
- Fresh basil really does make a difference so do not skip it or substitute with dried