If you’re looking for a hands-off dinner that’s both comforting and bursting with flavor, then you’re going to absolutely love my Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe. This dish has become a go-to for busy weeknights because it combines tender chicken with a rich, creamy tomato sauce that’s infused with fresh herbs—without any fuss. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to make it again and again.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Slow Cooker Convenience: Set it and forget it—perfect for busy days when you want a homemade meal without the stress.
Creamy, Flavorful Sauce: The blend of creamy tomato and fresh basil creates a sauce that’s both comforting and fresh.
Simple, Familiar Ingredients: No weird or hard-to-find items here—just pantry staples and fresh herbs you can find anywhere.
Family-Friendly Appeal: My family goes crazy for this one, and I bet yours will too!

The image shows a white crockpot filled with three pieces of chicken covered in a thick orange creamy sauce with bits of red tomatoes. The sauce is smooth and rich, spreading evenly around the chicken. The chicken pieces are sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs and some grated cheese, adding texture and color contrast. The crockpot is set on a white marbled surface with some green leafy herbs blurred in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe plays its part to create that perfect balance of flavors and creaminess. I usually keep these on hand, but if you want the tastiest results, fresh basil and good-quality marinara sauce will make all the difference.

Diced tomatoes with Italian herbs: The Italian herbs in the canned tomatoes add extra depth without needing extra seasoning.
Marinara sauce: Choose one with a smooth texture and robust flavor for the best sauce base.
Garlic: Finely minced garlic releases so much aroma and flavor during the slow cooking.
Salt: Important for enhancing all the flavors, so don’t skip it!
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that keeps this dish tasting classic and comforting.
Dried basil: Adds a gentle herbal note throughout the sauce.
Pepper: Just a pinch to balance the flavors with a subtle kick.
Heavy whipping cream: This is what makes the tomato sauce irresistibly creamy and luscious.
Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce without making it gluey—just whisked in smoothly with the cream.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts: They cook up tender and juicy in the slow cooker, soaking up all the sauce.
Fresh basil: Chopped and stirred in at the end for a bright, fresh flavor pop.
Grated Parmesan cheese: The perfect finishing touch for a little salty richness right before serving.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the best parts of this Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe is how adaptable it is. I’ve played around with a few tweaks depending on my mood or what I have in the fridge, and you should too! Personalizing this dish makes it feel even more special.

Variation: I like swapping chicken breasts for thighs sometimes—they stay extra juicy and tender after slow cooking.
Variation: For a lighter version, try swapping the heavy cream for half-and-half, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich.
Variation: If you love a bit of heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes right before cooking for a subtle spicy kick.
Variation: For extra veggies, stir in some fresh spinach or chopped mushrooms during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

How to Make Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Combine the Sauce Ingredients

This is super easy! Just dump the diced tomatoes (with their juices), marinara sauce, minced garlic, salt, Italian seasoning, dried basil, and pepper in your slow cooker. Give everything a good stir so all those flavors get cozy together. This mix is the base that’ll become creamy and luscious—so don’t skip any ingredient here.

Step 2: Mix the Cream and Cornstarch

I used to add cream straight in and ended up with a sauce that was too thin. Then I discovered whisking the cornstarch into the heavy cream first—this little trick helps the sauce thicken up beautifully during slow cooking without clumps. Pour this mix into the slow cooker and stir gently to combine.

Step 3: Add the Chicken and Cook

Place your chicken breasts right on top of the sauce and press them down a little so they get coated and start soaking up the sauce’s flavor. Pop the lid on and set your slow cooker to low for 3 to 4 hours—you’re aiming for that perfect 165°F internal temperature for juicy, safe-to-eat chicken.

Step 4: Finish with Fresh Basil and Parmesan

When the chicken is cooked through, stir in the freshly chopped basil—this fresh herb really brightens things up. Taste the sauce and add a little extra salt or pepper if you like. Then dish it out and sprinkle on as much Parmesan cheese as your heart desires. It melts right into the sauce for that irresistible finish.

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Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe

Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye on the clock—slow cookers vary, and overcooked chicken can dry out. Use a meat thermometer to hit 165°F for juicy perfection.
Fresh Basil at the End: Adding fresh basil after cooking preserves its bright flavor instead of cooking it away.
Cornstarch Trick: Mixing cornstarch with cream before adding thickens the sauce nicely without lumps or gumminess.
Press Down Chicken: Gently pressing the chicken into the sauce helps it absorb those amazing tomato basil flavors more deeply.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe

A white plate holds a bed of light yellow pasta noodles, arranged in a loose nest shape. On top, there are several slices of cooked white chicken, covered with a creamy orange-red sauce that has small bits of tomato. The sauce looks smooth and is spread evenly over the chicken and pasta. The dish is sprinkled with small green herb pieces and light shreds of white cheese. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a bowl of grated cheese slightly blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I always love topping this dish with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a few torn basil leaves for garnish. It adds that little something extra—both visually and flavor-wise. Sometimes, a drizzle of good olive oil right before serving brings everything together beautifully.

Side Dishes

This creamy tomato basil chicken pairs perfectly with simple sides like garlic butter pasta, creamy mashed potatoes, or even a fluffy pile of rice to soak up all that sauce. If you want to keep it light, steamed broccoli or a fresh green salad works wonderfully too.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this dish in shallow bowls with a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for crunch and a small side of crusty garlic bread. It turns the whole meal into a cozy, restaurant-style experience that always impresses my guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and usually enjoy them within 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the second-day meal even better if you can wait that long!

Freezing

This recipe freezes really well! After cooking and cooling, I portion it into freezer-safe containers. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then gently reheat on the stovetop to keep the sauce creamy without breaking.

Reheating

Reheating in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of cream or water helps maintain that silky sauce texture. Avoid the microwave if possible, because it can make the sauce separate or dry out the chicken.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great and tend to stay even juicier during slow cooking. Just keep the same cooking time and check for doneness with a meat thermometer.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! You can swap heavy cream with coconut cream or a creamy dairy-free alternative, but keep in mind the sauce’s flavor and texture will be a bit different. Adding a thickener like cornstarch still helps keep the sauce luscious.
How thick does the sauce get during cooking?

The combination of cornstarch and cream thickens the tomato sauce nicely while the chicken cooks. It should be creamy and smooth but still easy to spoon over sides. If you want it thicker, you can remove the chicken and cook the sauce a bit longer on high.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance and refrigerate before cooking?

Yes, you can assemble everything in the slow cooker insert a few hours before cooking, but for best texture and flavor, I recommend cooking it soon after assembling.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe has become one of my all-time favorites because it’s incredibly simple but feels so luxurious and homemade. I love how the slow cooker makes the chicken tender and juicy while filling the kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just a cozy night in, this recipe is a winner every time. Give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did!