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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Trim any excess fat from chicken breasts and season thoroughly with salt and pepper.
- 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.
- Transfer browned chicken to slow cooker, preserving the caramelized exterior.
- In the same skillet, sweat onions and garlic until aromatic and translucent, roughly 3-4 minutes, then add to slow cooker.
- Cascade crushed tomatoes over chicken and onion mixture, incorporating dried oregano and optional red pepper flakes for depth.
- 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.
- Approximately 30 minutes prior to serving, gently fold fresh basil leaves into the sauce, allowing herbs to release their vibrant essence.
- 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