Description
Succulent slow cooker creamy tomato basil chicken breast delivers Italian-inspired comfort right to kitchen tables. Creamy, herbal sauce mingles with tender chicken, promising a delightful meal you’ll savor with each satisfying bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Tomato-Based Ingredients:
- 1 (14 ounces / 398 milliliters) can diced tomatoes with Italian herbs
- 1 cup tomato pasta sauce
Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup evaporated milk or heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons corn starch
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Combine diced tomatoes, pasta sauce, garlic, salt, Italian seasoning, dried basil, and black pepper in a 3-6 quart slow cooker, creating a robust tomato base with aromatic herbs.
- Whisk evaporated milk with cornstarch in a separate bowl until completely smooth, then gently incorporate into the tomato mixture, ensuring a uniform, creamy consistency.
- Carefully nestle chicken breasts into the sauce, pressing lightly to ensure they are fully submerged and coated with the flavorful liquid.
- Cover slow cooker and cook on low heat for 3-5 hours, monitoring until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), keeping in mind that cooking duration depends on slow cooker size and capacity.
- After cooking, delicately fold in fresh basil leaves, releasing their vibrant aroma and adding a final layer of herbaceous brightness to the dish.
- Plate the creamy tomato basil chicken over your preferred accompaniment such as pasta, rice, or alongside a crisp salad and seasonal vegetables for a complete, satisfying meal.
Notes
- Prevent Curdling: Whisk the evaporated milk or cream with cornstarch before adding to prevent separation and ensure a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Customize Protein Options: Substitute chicken breasts with boneless chicken thighs for richer flavor or use turkey breast for a leaner alternative.
- Control Sauce Thickness: Adjust cornstarch amount based on desired sauce consistency – less for a thinner sauce, more for a thicker coating.
- Boost Flavor Variations: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese or add red pepper flakes before serving to enhance the dish’s taste profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours (or 5 hours)
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 247 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg