This Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is the ultimate weeknight dinner—simple, comforting, and bursting with flavor. With just a handful of pantry-friendly ingredients, you can have tender, juicy chicken simmered in a rich tomato-basil cream sauce that tastes like it came from a cozy Italian kitchen.
Whether you serve it over spaghetti, rice, or with a fresh green salad, this crockpot chicken recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Minimal prep – Just toss everything in the slow cooker.
✔️ Family-approved flavor – Creamy tomato basil is always a hit.
✔️ Hands-off cooking – Perfect for busy weeknights.
✔️ Versatile – Serve over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread for dipping.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs)
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with herbs (with juice)
- 1 cup marinara sauce (choose your favorite brand)
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp dried basil
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup heavy cream (or evaporated milk)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (for thickening)
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
How to Make Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken
- Make the sauce
In your slow cooker, stir together the diced tomatoes, marinara, garlic, salt, Italian seasoning, dried basil, and pepper. - Whisk the cream
In a small bowl, whisk together the cream and cornstarch until smooth. Stir into the slow cooker. - Add the chicken
Place the chicken breasts into the sauce, pressing them down so they’re fully coated. - Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 3–4 hours (or until chicken reaches an internal temp of 165°F). - Finish and serve
Stir in fresh basil, adjust seasoning if needed, and top with Parmesan cheese before serving.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook – Check chicken at 2.5–3 hours. Slow cookers vary, and chicken breasts dry out if left too long.
- Use liners – Makes cleanup a breeze!
- Make it spicy – Add red pepper flakes for a kick.
- Try thighs – Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work just as well (increase cook time slightly).
Serving Ideas
- Over pasta (classic choice)
- With rice or mashed potatoes
- Alongside a crisp green salad
- With warm, crusty bread to soak up the sauce
Storage
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Cool completely, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
More Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes
- [Crockpot Creamy Garlic Chicken]
- [Italian Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes]
- [Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken]
⭐️ This Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is creamy, comforting, and ready with minimal effort—perfect for weeknight dinners when you need something simple and delicious.