Dinner

Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe

Bylina Carter January 18, 2026January 18, 2026

Introduction

This Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breasts simmer slowly in a rich tomato and cream sauce infused with Italian herbs and fresh basil. It’s an easy recipe that lets you come home to a delicious, hearty meal.

The dish shows a serving of flat, yellow pasta placed on a white speckled plate. On top of the pasta, there is a layer of thick, creamy orange sauce with visible pieces of tomato and herbs mixed in. The top layer has several slices of cooked chicken breast, covered in the same orange sauce, and sprinkled with grated cheese and small bits of chopped green herbs. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a bowl of grated cheese in the background and some green herbs partly visible on the side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 can diced tomatoes with Italian herbs, with juice (14 oz or 398 ml)
1 cup marinara sauce

3 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon dried basil

¼ teaspoon pepper
½ cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons cornstarch

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs)
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil
Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Add the diced tomatoes with juice, marinara sauce, garlic, salt, Italian seasoning, dried basil, and pepper to a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker. Stir to combine.
Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy whipping cream and cornstarch until smooth, then add this mixture to the slow cooker and stir gently.
Step 3: Place the chicken breasts into the slow cooker, pressing them down into the sauce so they are mostly covered.

Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 3 to 4 hours, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer.
Step 5: Stir in the chopped fresh basil, taste the sauce and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve the chicken topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, sear the chicken breasts in a pan for 2-3 minutes per side before adding to the slow cooker.

Serve over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the creamy tomato sauce.
Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it may be less thick.
Add red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.

Use fresh garlic instead of dried for a more vibrant flavor.

Storage

Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. If the sauce thickens too much after chilling, stir in a splash of milk or cream when reheating to loosen it.

How to Serve

A white pot filled with several pieces of ravioli covered in a thick, creamy orange tomato sauce with visible herbs and small chunks of tomato. The ravioli are soft and have a slightly uneven, homemade look, partially submerged in the sauce. The dish is topped with a light sprinkle of grated cheese and chopped green herbs scattered on top for color and texture. The setting features a white marbled surface beneath the pot. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?

For best results, use thawed chicken breasts. Cooking from frozen in a slow cooker can lead to uneven cooking and may require additional time.

What can I serve with creamy tomato basil chicken?

This dish pairs well with pasta, mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a simple side salad to balance the rich sauce.

lina Carter