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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 medium onion, diced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - Salt and black pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Grated Parmesan cheese (optional) When I make Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken, I start with fresh, high-quality ingredients. The chicken breasts are the star of the dish, so I choose ones that are plump and tender. I find that using crushed tomatoes adds rich flavor and a great texture. You can also use diced tomatoes for a chunkier sauce, but crushed tomatoes blend well with the cream. For seasonings, I always add fresh garlic and onions. They give the dish a wonderful aroma and depth of flavor. The olive oil helps to sauté the onions and garlic before they go into the slow cooker. This step enhances the taste. Herbs are crucial too. Dried oregano and basil bring warmth and earthiness to the dish. You can adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. I love to finish the meal with fresh basil leaves. They add a bright touch. If you want to elevate your dish, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top. For the full recipe, make sure to check the details. Each ingredient plays a role in creating this creamy and comforting meal. Enjoy the process as you gather these simple yet delicious components! Sautéing Aromatics - Heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. - Add 1 medium diced onion and 4 cloves of minced garlic. - Sauté for 3-4 minutes. Stir frequently until they turn soft and fragrant. Preparing the Chicken - Season 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and spices. - Use 1 teaspoon of dried oregano and 1 teaspoon of dried basil. - Layer the seasoned chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker. Cooking the Mixture - Pour the sautéed onion and garlic over the chicken in the slow cooker. - Then add 1 can (28 oz) of crushed tomatoes on top without stirring. Slow Cooking Process - Cover the slow cooker with its lid. - Set cooking time to low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. - Cook until the chicken is tender and fully cooked. Finishing Touches - Once the chicken is cooked, take it out and place it on a plate. - Shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces. - Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream into the sauce in the slow cooker. Final Combine - Return the shredded chicken back to the slow cooker. - Stir everything well to combine. - Let it cook for an extra 15-20 minutes to thicken the sauce. For the full recipe, check out the main section! To make a rich sauce, use quality ingredients. Heavy cream adds thickness and flavor. For an extra boost, try adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce. It enhances the overall taste. Adjust flavors by tasting as you go. You can add more salt or herbs to suit your palate. If you like it spicy, a pinch of red pepper flakes works well. Meal prep makes life easier. Cook a large batch of creamy tomato basil chicken. Store it in airtight containers in the fridge. It stays fresh for about three days. To reheat, use the microwave or stovetop. Add a splash of water if the sauce thickens too much. This keeps the dish creamy and delicious. Serving this dish over pasta or rice makes it satisfying. Freshly cooked fettuccine works great with the sauce. You can also use fluffy white rice for a comforting meal. For garnishes, fresh basil leaves add color and flavor. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese adds richness. These small touches make your meal look and taste gourmet. For more ideas, check the Full Recipe for inspiration. {{image_4}} If you want a low-carb meal, try serving this dish with cauliflower rice. It gives a great texture and absorbs the flavors. Just steam or sauté the cauliflower rice before serving. For a keto-friendly version, skip the heavy cream. Use coconut cream instead. It adds a nice flavor and keeps it creamy. You can easily make this dish vegetarian. Use firm tofu or chickpeas instead of chicken. Cut the tofu into cubes and add it to the slow cooker. If you use chickpeas, rinse and drain a can before adding. Adjust the cooking times to about 4-5 hours on low. This way, everything cooks evenly. Feel free to get creative with flavors. Add spices like red pepper flakes for some heat. You can also toss in spinach or bell peppers for extra veggies. Experiment with different herbs like thyme or parsley for a fresh twist. Each change can make the dish feel new and exciting. After you enjoy your creamy tomato basil chicken, store leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure to cool the dish first. This helps keep it fresh. You can safely store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep flavors strong, avoid opening the container too often. Always check for signs of spoilage before enjoying leftovers. To freeze your creamy tomato basil chicken, let it cool completely. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. This helps to prevent freezer burn. It can freeze well for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat, transfer it to the fridge to thaw overnight. This keeps the taste and texture nice. To reheat, avoid sogginess by using the stovetop or microwave. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir between bursts to ensure even heating. On the stovetop, heat in a pan over low heat, stirring often. This helps keep the sauce creamy and delicious. Enjoy your meal just like fresh! You can add heat in a few ways. Try using: - Red pepper flakes - Fresh jalapeños, diced - Hot sauce, like Sriracha Start with a small amount. Taste and adjust as needed. This way, you control the spice level. Yes! You can cook with frozen chicken. Just follow these steps: - Increase the cooking time to about 8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high. - Ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving. This method will keep the chicken juicy and tender. If you want a lighter option, try these substitutes: - Half-and-half for a creamy texture - Coconut milk for a dairy-free choice - Greek yogurt, but add it last to avoid curdling Each option will change the flavor slightly, but they work well. Cooking times vary: - On low: 6-7 hours - On high: 3-4 hours Low heat often gives a richer flavor. High heat cooks faster but may not be as tender. Yes, this recipe is gluten-free! Here’s how to keep it that way: - Use gluten-free broth if you ever add it. - Check your canned tomatoes for any added ingredients. Enjoy this dish worry-free if you follow these tips! You can find the full recipe for Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken in the earlier sections. This recipe for Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is simple and packed with flavor. You learned how to sauté aromatics, cook chicken, and create a rich sauce. I shared tips for meal prep and variations, ensuring something for everyone. In the end, you can enjoy a delicious meal even on a busy day. With these steps, you can make cooking easy and fun. Try it out, and enjoy your tasty dish!

Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

Indulge in a deliciously easy Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken dish that will wow your taste buds! With just a few simple ingredients, including tender chicken, crushed tomatoes, and rich heavy cream, you can create a comforting meal perfect for any night of the week. Discover how to make this flavorful recipe and elevate your dinner routine. Click through for the full recipe and enjoy a homemade culinary delight!
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Ingredients
  

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

1 cup heavy cream

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

4 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 medium onion, diced into small pieces

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried basil

Salt and black pepper to taste

Fresh basil leaves for a garnish

Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions
 

Begin by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for approximately 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until they become translucent and aromatic.

    While the onions and garlic are cooking, season the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, dried oregano, and dried basil, ensuring all sides are well coated. Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker.

      Once the onion and garlic are ready, pour them over the chicken in the slow cooker. Next, add the can of crushed tomatoes on top of the mixture without stirring, allowing the flavors to meld during cooking.

        Cover the slow cooker with its lid and choose your cooking time: set it to low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Cook until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.

          After the cooking time has elapsed, gently remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and transfer them to a plate. Allow them to cool slightly.

            Stir the heavy cream into the tomato mixture inside the slow cooker, mixing until it is fully integrated into the sauce.

              Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces or chop it into cubes, then return the shredded or chopped chicken back into the slow cooker. Stir everything together until well combined.

                Let the mixture cook for an additional 15-20 minutes on low heat to warm through and allow the sauce to thicken slightly.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 6-7 hours | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the creamy tomato basil chicken over a bed of freshly cooked pasta or rice. For an elegant touch, garnish your dish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese just before serving. Enjoy!