Get ready to wow your taste buds with my Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Delight! This simple yet rich dish combines juicy chicken with a velvety tomato cream sauce, making it a meal the whole family will love. In just a few steps, you’ll create a comforting dinner that pairs perfectly with your favorite sides. Let’s dive into the ingredients and start cooking this delicious recipe!
Ingredients
List of Required Ingredients
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish
– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
To make Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken, you need simple and fresh ingredients. You will start with four boneless, skinless chicken breasts. These will be the base of your dish. A 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes adds rich flavor and texture. Heavy cream gives the sauce its creamy touch.
You will also need olive oil, minced garlic, and diced onion. These ingredients bring depth to the dish. Dried oregano and basil add a lovely herb taste. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. For the finishing touch, fresh basil leaves and grated Parmesan cheese are great options.
Equipment Needed
– Slow cooker
– Skillet
– Cutting board and knife
For this recipe, you will need a slow cooker. It cooks the chicken to tender perfection. A skillet is essential for sautéing the garlic and onion. A cutting board and knife help you prep ingredients. With these tools, you are ready to create a delicious meal. Check out the Full Recipe for all steps!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation of Ingredients
To start, we need to get our ingredients ready. First, heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add four cloves of minced garlic and one medium diced onion. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they turn soft and clear. This helps to bring out their flavor.
Next, we move on to seasoning the chicken. Take four boneless, skinless chicken breasts and sprinkle salt, pepper, one teaspoon of dried oregano, and one teaspoon of dried basil on both sides. This step adds great taste to the chicken.
Cooking Process
Now, it’s time to layer everything in the slow cooker. Place the seasoned chicken breasts at the bottom. Pour the sautéed onion and garlic mixture over the chicken. Then, add one can of crushed tomatoes on top without stirring. This layering keeps the chicken moist while cooking.
After layering, cover the slow cooker. You can set it to low heat for 6-7 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours. The chicken will cook slowly and become very tender.
Final Steps
Once the cooking time is up, carefully take the chicken out of the slow cooker and place it on a plate. Use two forks to shred the chicken or chop it into bite-sized pieces.
Now, let’s thicken the sauce. Stir in one cup of heavy cream into the tomato mixture left in the slow cooker. Mix it well, then return the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir everything together. Allow it to cook on low for an extra 15-20 minutes. This helps the flavors blend and the sauce to thicken.
For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Recipe
To ensure tender chicken, always choose fresh, high-quality chicken breasts. The slow cooker is great for making the chicken juicy. Cooking on low heat for 6-7 hours is best. If you are in a hurry, you can use high heat for 3-4 hours.
When it comes to adjusting seasoning, taste the sauce once it’s mixed. You can easily add more salt, pepper, or herbs to suit your taste. Fresh herbs add a bright flavor, so don’t skip the fresh basil at the end.
Serving Suggestions
For the best sides to accompany this dish, consider serving it with pasta or rice. Both soak up the creamy sauce well. A simple green salad or steamed vegetables also pairs nicely for balance.
For presentation tips, serve the creamy tomato basil chicken in a nice bowl. Add fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top. This makes the dish look even more inviting.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is overcooking chicken. Check for doneness at the lower end of the cooking time. If chicken is dry, it won’t taste good.
Another mistake is skipping the sautéing step. Sautéing the garlic and onion first brings out their flavors. This step adds depth to the sauce, making the dish richer and more delicious.
For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps above.
Variations
Ingredient Swaps
You can change the protein in this dish. Turkey works well if you want a leaner option. For a meatless meal, try using tofu. Just make sure to press the tofu first to remove excess water. You can also swap the heavy cream for coconut milk or cashew cream for a dairy-free option. Both keep the dish rich and creamy while meeting dietary needs.
Flavor Additions
Feel free to get creative with spices. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add some heat. You can also mix in fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for added flavor. If you want to sneak in some veggies, chop up spinach or bell peppers and toss them into the slow cooker. They will cook down and blend well with the sauce.
Serving Variations
The creamy tomato basil chicken is great over pasta or rice. Pasta gives a nice bite, while rice makes it comforting and filling. If you want a lighter option, serve it in a bowl as a soup. Just add more broth or water to thin out the sauce. Either way, it’s a delicious meal that fits your mood. Try the Full Recipe for all the tasty details!
Storage Info
Refrigeration Guidelines
After enjoying your Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken, store any leftovers in a sealed container. Let it cool down first to avoid steam buildup. Place the container in the fridge. It keeps well for about three to four days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This helps you track freshness.
Freezing Tips
If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Use an airtight container or freezer bag. Leave some space at the top, as the sauce may expand. It’s best to freeze the chicken and sauce together. For reheating, thaw the mixture in the fridge overnight. You can heat it on the stove or in the microwave. Stir well to ensure even heating.
Shelf Life
Your creamy tomato basil chicken can last in the fridge for three to four days. In the freezer, it can stay good for up to three months. Always check for any off smells or changes in texture before using it again. Keeping track of dates helps make sure your meals are fresh and tasty.
FAQs
How long to cook Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken?
You can cook this dish on low for 6-7 hours. If you’re short on time, use high heat for 3-4 hours. Cooking on low gives the chicken a tender texture. High heat works too but may not be as juicy.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes! For this recipe, you need about 2-3 pounds of fresh tomatoes. Peel and chop them before adding. Fresh tomatoes add a nice touch but may not be as rich as canned.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish is great for meal prep. You can cook it and store it in the fridge for up to four days. Portion it out into containers for easy lunches or dinners. Just reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave.
This recipe shows how to make Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken easily. You learned about the key ingredients, kitchen tools, and step-by-step methods. While cooking, remember to avoid common mistakes for a perfect dish. You can even swap ingredients to suit your taste or serve it in different ways. Lastly, store leftovers properly to enjoy this meal later. With these tips, you will create a dish your family will love. Happy cooking!
