Best Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken in the Slow Cooker

The Ultimate Comfort Food That Practically Cooks Itself

Let’s be honest, some dinners just hit differently. This creamy tomato basil chicken is one of them. Picture juicy chicken breasts slow-simmered in a velvety tomato sauce that’s kissed with garlic, swirled with cream, and brightened by fresh basil. The flavors are rich and balanced, with just the right amount of comfort and elegance. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day, and it comes together with almost no effort at all.

I found this gem during one of those chaotic weeks where dinner had to make itself. The slow cooker did all the heavy lifting, while I handled carpool, emails, and everything else. What I love most is how the sauce transforms, starting with simple pantry staples and ending with something that tastes like it came out of a trattoria. The chicken turns unbelievably tender, soaking up every drop of that creamy tomato goodness. It’s just as perfect over a bed of buttery noodles as it is spooned onto crusty bread.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

Last month, I served this to my book club friends, and three of them texted me the next day asking for the recipe. That’s when I knew this slow cooker creamy tomato basil chicken was something special. The combination of convenience and incredible flavor makes it perfect for both busy weeknights and casual entertaining.

Here’s what makes this recipe absolutely irresistible:

• Minimal prep work – Just 5 minutes of chopping and stirring gets everything into the slow cooker
• Rich, restaurant-quality flavor – The slow cooking process melds Italian herbs with creamy tomato sauce beautifully
• Incredibly tender chicken – Low and slow cooking ensures juicy, fall-apart chicken every time
• Family-friendly appeal – Even kids love the mild, creamy sauce without overwhelming spices
• Versatile serving options – Perfect over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread for dipping
• Make-ahead friendly – Prep ingredients the night before for an even easier cooking day

KEY INGREDIENTS BREAKDOWN

Diced Tomatoes with Italian Herbs: These provide the flavor foundation and save you from measuring multiple seasonings. The herbs are already perfectly balanced, giving you consistent results every time. If you can’t find the Italian herb variety, regular diced tomatoes work fine, just add an extra half teaspoon of Italian seasoning.

Tomato Pasta Sauce: This creates the creamy base and adds depth beyond what diced tomatoes alone provide. Choose a good-quality marinara or tomato basil sauce. Avoid chunky varieties since we want a smooth, silky texture.

Evaporated Milk or Heavy Cream: The secret to that luxurious, creamy texture without curdling during the long cook time. Evaporated milk is my preferred choice because it’s lighter yet still creates richness, while heavy cream makes it extra indulgent.

Cornstarch: This thickening agent prevents the dairy from separating and creates that perfect sauce consistency. Always whisk it with the cream first to avoid lumps, this step makes all the difference.

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: These cook evenly and absorb the sauce flavors beautifully. Choose similar-sized pieces for consistent cooking, and don’t worry about trimming every bit of fat, it adds flavor and keeps the meat moist.

Fresh Basil: Added at the end to maintain its bright, aromatic quality. Fresh basil transforms this from good to absolutely amazing, so don’t skip this final touch.

VARIATIONS + SUBSTITUTIONS

For Different Proteins: Boneless chicken thighs work wonderfully and stay even more tender. You can also use turkey breast cutlets or even firm white fish fillets (reduce cooking time to 2-3 hours for fish).

Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the evaporated milk with full-fat coconut milk for richness, or use cashew cream for a neutral flavor that won’t overpower the tomatoes.

Extra Vegetables: Add sliced bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms in the last hour of cooking. Spinach can be stirred in during the final 15 minutes for added nutrition and color.

Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for heat. A splash of white wine in the sauce adds sophistication for dinner parties.

Gluten-Free Thickening: Replace cornstarch with arrowroot powder using the same amount, or skip it entirely if you prefer a thinner sauce consistency.

STEP BY STEP SUMMARY INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1: Build Your Flavor Base

Combine the diced tomatoes, pasta sauce, minced garlic, salt, Italian seasoning, dried basil, and black pepper directly in your slow cooker. Give everything a good stir to distribute the seasonings evenly. This creates the aromatic foundation that will infuse every bite of chicken.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Element

In a small bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk and cornstarch until completely smooth, no lumps allowed here! This mixture prevents curdling and ensures your sauce stays silky throughout the cooking process. Pour this into the slow cooker and stir well.

Step 3: Nestle the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts into the slow cooker and gently press them down so they’re mostly submerged in the sauce. Don’t worry if they’re not completely covered, they’ll release moisture as they cook and become fully immersed.

Step 4: Set and Forget

Cook on low for 3-5 hours, depending on your slow cooker’s power and the thickness of your chicken breasts. The internal temperature should reach 165°F when done. Resist the urge to lift the lid frequently, each peek releases heat and extends cooking time.

Step 5: Finish with Fresh Herbs

Once the chicken is cooked through, stir in the freshly chopped basil. This brightens the entire dish and adds that authentic Italian flavor that makes all the difference.

A FEW HELPFUL TIPS

Don’t overcook the chicken – Start checking at the 3-hour mark, especially if using a newer or more powerful slow cooker. Overcooked chicken becomes stringy, even in a creamy sauce.

Size matters for cooking time – Thicker chicken breasts take longer, while thinner cutlets cook faster. Pound thicker pieces to an even thickness for consistent results.

Let it rest before serving – Allow the dish to sit for 5-10 minutes after cooking. This helps the sauce thicken slightly and makes serving much easier.

Taste and adjust seasoning – Every brand of canned tomatoes and pasta sauce has different salt levels. Taste before serving and add more salt or Italian seasoning if needed.

Use a slow cooker liner – These make cleanup effortless and prevent any sticking, especially important with creamy sauces.

PERFECTING THE COOKING METHOD

The magic of slow cooker creamy tomato basil chicken lies in understanding how different slow cookers behave. Older models tend to run hotter, while newer ones cook more gently. Start checking your chicken at the 3-hour mark with a meat thermometer, you’re looking for 165°F in the thickest part.

If your sauce seems too thin after cooking, remove the chicken and keep it warm. Turn your slow cooker to high and cook the sauce uncovered for 15-20 minutes to reduce and thicken naturally. The cornstarch will continue working as the temperature rises.

For the creamiest results, some cooks prefer adding the dairy mixture during the last hour of cooking. While my method works perfectly, this variation prevents any possibility of separation if your slow cooker runs particularly hot.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS + PAIRINGS

This versatile chicken pairs beautifully with so many sides. Serve it over al dente penne or rigatoni, the tube shapes catch the sauce perfectly. For a lighter option, try it over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

My favorite pairing is with garlic bread for dipping into that incredible sauce. A simple Caesar salad adds freshness and crunch that balances the richness. For wine lovers, a medium-bodied Chianti or Pinot Grigio complements the tomato and herb flavors beautifully.

Consider offering grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves as garnishes. A drizzle of good olive oil right before serving adds an authentic Italian touch that elevates the entire dish.

STORAGE, REHEATING, AND FREEZING TIPS

Refrigerator Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in airtight containers. The flavors actually improve after a day, making this perfect for meal prep.

Reheating Methods: For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk if the sauce has thickened too much. Microwave reheating works but stir every 30 seconds to prevent hot spots.

Freezing Guidelines: This recipe freezes well for up to 3 months. However, cream-based sauces can sometimes separate when thawed. To prevent this, undercook slightly before freezing and finish cooking after thawing. The texture may be slightly different but still delicious.

Thawing Instructions: Move frozen portions to the refrigerator 24 hours before reheating. Never refreeze previously frozen chicken for food safety reasons.

FAQ

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs stay even more tender and juicy. Use the same cooking time, but thighs are more forgiving if accidentally overcooked.

My sauce seems thin. How can I thicken it?

Remove the chicken and cook the sauce on high, uncovered, for 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir into the hot sauce.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Yes! Combine all ingredients except the fresh basil in your slow cooker insert the night before. Refrigerate overnight, then cook as directed. Add an extra 30 minutes to cooking time if starting from cold.

What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?

Make your own by mixing equal parts dried basil, oregano, and thyme, with a pinch of garlic powder and rosemary.

Enjoying This Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

There’s something truly magical about a dish that feels both effortless and indulgent, and this creamy tomato basil chicken delivers exactly that. It’s a weeknight dinner with weekend-level flavor, and once it hits your table, it’s sure to become a go-to in your rotation. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just trying to keep things easy, this one never disappoints.

We’d love to hear how you made it your own! Did you toss in a few sun-dried tomatoes? Add a sprinkle of chili flakes for heat? Leave a comment after you try it, your tweaks and tips help make this community even tastier.

Best Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken in the Slow Cooker

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Picture juicy chicken breasts slow-simmered in a velvety tomato sauce that’s kissed with garlic, swirled with cream, and brightened by fresh basil. The flavors are rich and balanced, with just the right amount of comfort and elegance.

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

Ingredients

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14 oz (398 ml) can diced tomatoes with Italian herbs, undrained

1 cup smooth tomato pasta sauce

2 teaspoons finely minced garlic

1 teaspoon fine sea salt

1 teaspoon fragrant Italian seasoning blend

1/2 teaspoon dried sweet basil

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/2 cup evaporated milk or heavy cream, for richness

2 tablespoons corn starch, for thickening

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed

2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil leaves, for garnish and flavor boost

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Instructions

1. Pour the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato pasta sauce, garlic, salt, Italian seasoning, dried basil, and black pepper into a 3 to 6-quart slow cooker. Stir gently to combine everything into a fragrant, flavorful base.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the cream and cornstarch until smooth, then pour it into the slow cooker and stir to blend.
3. Nestle the chicken breasts into the sauce, pressing them down slightly so they’re mostly covered.
4. Cover and cook on low for 3 to 5 hours, or until the chicken is tender and a meat thermometer inserted in the thickest part reads 165°F. Keep in mind, cook time can vary based on the size of your slow cooker, a fuller pot may take longer, while a larger one might cook more quickly.
5. Just before serving, stir in the fresh basil to brighten the dish. Spoon over pasta, serve with rice, or enjoy it alongside a crisp salad and steamed vegetables.

Equipment

Ninja – Crockpot

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Wooden Cooking Spoons

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Notes

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs make a lovely substitute if you prefer dark meat, extra tender and just as flavorful. Want to switch things up? Try it with chicken meatballs, cooked sausage, or another cut you love. This sauce welcomes creativity.
• Tomato pasta sauce: Use your favorite marinara-style sauce here. A rich, well-seasoned sauce will add even more depth to the dish, so go with one that already has great flavor.
• Diced tomatoes: Not a fan of chunky tomatoes? No problem. Simply swap the diced tomatoes for more pasta sauce to keep that silky texture.
• Cream or evaporated milk: Stick with heavy cream or evaporated milk, both hold up beautifully in the slow cooker without curdling. Regular milk or light cream just won’t deliver the same luscious result.
• Herbs & seasonings: This dish is very forgiving, taste and tweak as you like. For a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes.
• Fresh basil: We make this recipe all year long, but in the colder months, fresh basil can be tricky to find. A spoonful of basil pesto adds a lovely, herbaceous note that mimics fresh basil perfectly.

• Author: Jennifer West
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Crockpot
• Cuisine: Italian

Jennifer West Senior Recipe Editor

As a Senior Recipe Editor, Jennifer West shares flavorful and easy meal recipes with a creative twist,. Perfect for busy families and everyday home cooks.

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