Sizzling Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe for Cozy Nights

Nestled in your kitchen, a delightful slow cooker tomato basil chicken promises comfort and flavor in every bite.

Aromas of ripe tomatoes and fragrant herbs will soon dance through your home.

Tender chicken transforms into a mouthwatering meal with minimal effort.

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet satisfying solutions that don’t compromise on taste.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients blend seamlessly to create a dish everyone craves.

Minimal prep means maximum enjoyment, allowing you to relax while your slow cooker works its magic.

Savor this incredibly easy recipe that brings restaurant-quality meals directly to your dinner table.

Reasons to Try Tomato Basil Chicken

• Searing chicken before slow cooking creates a rich, deep taste that elevates this simple dish to restaurant-quality deliciousness.
• With just a few quick steps of seasoning and searing, you'll have a hearty meal that practically cooks itself while you go about your day.
• This recipe adapts perfectly for picky eaters, serving up tender chicken in a vibrant tomato sauce that pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
• Packed with protein from chicken, lycopene from tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, this dish delivers a wholesome meal that's both satisfying and health-conscious.

Tomato Basil Chicken Ingredients

• Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender meat for the main protein.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing overall flavor.
• Onions, Garlic: Provide depth and aromatic base.
• Dried Oregano, Red Pepper Flakes: Add herbaceous and spicy notes.

• Crushed Tomatoes: Create rich and tangy sauce base.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: Add bright, fresh herbal finish.
• Olive Oil: Used for searing and adding richness.

How to Cook Tomato Basil Chicken

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Breasts

Carefully trim any unwanted fat from chicken breasts.

Generously sprinkle salt and pepper across entire surface to enhance flavor profile.

Step 2: Sear Chicken for Extra Depth

Heat olive oil in skillet over medium-high heat.

Quickly brown chicken breasts on both sides until golden, creating a beautiful caramelized exterior (approximately 2-3 minutes per side).

Step 3: Transfer Chicken to Slow Cooker

Gently place seared chicken into slow cooker, preserving those delicious browned bits.

Step 4: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

• Onions
• Garlic

Sauté until softened and fragrant, releasing incredible flavor compounds.

Step 5: Build Flavor Base

Pour crushed tomatoes over chicken.

• Dried oregano
• Red pepper flakes

Distribute ingredients evenly across chicken.

Step 6: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover slow cooker.

Cook on low setting for 6-8 hours or high setting for 3-4 hours.

Chicken is ready when internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 7: Finish with Fresh Basil

Thirty minutes before serving, fold fresh basil leaves into dish.

Allow herbs to gently infuse their bright, aromatic essence throughout the meal.

Cooking Tips for Tomato Basil Chicken

• Browning chicken before slow cooking creates a rich, caramelized exterior that enhances the overall taste and depth of the dish.
• Control heat by varying red pepper flakes – use less for mild flavor or add more for a spicier kick that tingles your taste buds.
• Add basil leaves toward the end of cooking to preserve their bright, aromatic quality and prevent wilting or losing delicate flavor notes.
• Always verify chicken's doneness with a meat thermometer to ensure safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for perfect, juicy results.
• Portion and freeze leftovers in airtight containers for quick, delicious meals later – this recipe maintains great taste after thawing.

Store and Reheat Tomato Basil Chicken

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and preserve flavor.
• Carefully transfer chicken to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen chicken maintains quality for up to 3 months.
• Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in a baking dish, add a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture. Cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated completely through.

What Goes Well with Tomato Basil Chicken

• Perfectly Paired Wine Selection: Choose a crisp, medium-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the tomato and herb flavors, cutting through the richness of the chicken while enhancing the dish's brightness.
• Elevate with Crusty Bread: Serve alongside a rustic Italian ciabatta or focaccia to soak up the delicious tomato sauce, adding texture and allowing guests to enjoy every last drop of the flavorful liquid.
• Fresh Side Salad Pairing: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the warm, hearty chicken dish, providing a crisp and tangy contrast that refreshes the palate between bites.
• Herb-Infused Garnish: Sprinkle additional fresh basil or add a dollop of creamy burrata cheese on top to intensify the herbal notes and add a luxurious, smooth element to the final presentation.

Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe Twists

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace any potential wheat-based ingredients with gluten-free alternatives. Use corn starch for thickening if needed, and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free Option: Omit any dairy components and use coconut cream or plant-based alternatives for added richness. Verify all ingredients are dairy-free certified.
• Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Reduce tomato quantity to lower carbohydrate content. Add extra herbs and spices to enhance flavor profile. Consider using chicken thighs for higher fat content and increased satiety.
• Mediterranean Herb Variation: Swap dried oregano with fresh rosemary and thyme. Add kalamata olives and extra virgin olive oil for authentic Mediterranean flavors. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top before serving for additional taste complexity.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just add an extra 1-2 hours to the cooking time and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.

• Is searing the chicken really necessary?

While optional, searing creates a deeper flavor and helps seal in moisture. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step without significantly impacting the dish’s taste.

• Can I substitute dried basil for fresh basil?

Fresh basil provides the best flavor, but if unavailable, use 1 tablespoon of dried basil instead. Add it at the beginning of cooking with the other dried herbs.

• How can I make this recipe less spicy?

Simply omit the red pepper flakes or reduce the amount used. The recipe is adaptable to your personal spice preference.

Easy Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Slow cooker tomato basil chicken brings Mediterranean comfort right to dinner tables with minimal effort. Juicy chicken breasts simmered in rich tomato sauce and fresh basil create a delightful meal you can savor without hours of kitchen work.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds / 907 grams)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup fresh basil leaves (roughly chopped)

Canned and Dry Ingredients:

• 1 can (28 ounces / 794 grams) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt (to taste)
• Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Trim any excess fat from chicken breasts and season thoroughly with salt and pepper.
2. Sear chicken in a hot skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat until golden brown, approximately 2-3 minutes per side to enhance flavor profile.
3. Transfer browned chicken to slow cooker, preserving the caramelized exterior.
4. In the same skillet, sweat onions and garlic until aromatic and translucent, roughly 3-4 minutes, then add to slow cooker.
5. Cascade crushed tomatoes over chicken and onion mixture, incorporating dried oregano and optional red pepper flakes for depth.
6. Secure slow cooker lid and simmer on low temperature for 6-8 hours, or high temperature for 3-4 hours, ensuring chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internal temperature.
7. Approximately 30 minutes prior to serving, gently fold fresh basil leaves into the sauce, allowing herbs to release their vibrant essence.
8. Once cooking completes, shred chicken with two forks or slice, allowing it to absorb remaining sauce and maximize flavor integration.

Notes

• Searing chicken beforehand intensifies the depth of flavor, creating a more complex and rich taste profile.
• Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for leaner protein, or swap with chicken thighs for a juicier, more tender result.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes – start with a pinch for mild warmth or increase for spicier kick.
• Fresh basil added at the end preserves its bright, aromatic qualities and prevents wilting during long cooking times.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours (low) or 4 hours (high)
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 230
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg