If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful meal that basically makes itself, you’re going to love this Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe. Tender chicken breasts bathed in a rich blend of creamy Alfredo sauce, tangy marinara, and diced tomatoes come together with fragrant garlic and fresh basil to create a sauce that’s nothing short of magical. The slow cooker does all the hard work, letting the flavors meld and the chicken become irresistibly juicy, making this dish a perfect weeknight winner or a cozy weekend treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe plays a key role, combining simple pantry staples and fresh touches to build a dish bursting with flavor and appealing texture. From the creamy richness of Alfredo sauce to the brightness of fresh basil, each element makes this recipe truly special.
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that absorbs all the wonderful sauce flavors while staying juicy and tender.
- 1 Tbsp olive oil: Helps to sear the chicken for a flavorful crust before slow cooking.
- ¼ tsp garlic powder: Adds a subtle depth to season the chicken perfectly.
- ¼ tsp onion powder: Enhances the savory profile with a gentle sweetness.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to bring out the natural flavors of chicken and sauce.
- 1 (15-oz) jar Alfredo sauce: Creamy, luscious base that makes the sauce silky and rich.
- 1½ cups marinara/pasta sauce: Provides a tomatoey tang and vibrant red color to balance the cream.
- 1 (15-oz) can diced tomatoes, drained: Adds fresh tomato texture and brightness without watering down the sauce.
- 3 tsp minced garlic: Packs in that unmistakable garlic punch everyone loves.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses the dish with classic Mediterranean flavor.
- Chopped fresh basil: The finishing touch for fresh herbal aroma and a burst of color.
How to Make Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This simple seasoning step primes the meat for maximum flavor. Then, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. This step locks in the juices and adds a lovely golden crust that makes the final texture so much more enjoyable.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce Mixture
In a small bowl, combine the creamy Alfredo sauce, marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Stir these together well to create a perfectly balanced sauce that’s creamy, tangy, and herbaceous all at once.
Step 3: Assemble in the Slow Cooker
Place the seared chicken breasts in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken, making sure each piece is generously coated. This will allow the chicken to absorb the rich flavors as it cooks.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your slow cooker and set it to LOW heat. Let it cook for 5 to 6 hours, giving the chicken plenty of time to become tender and soak up all the wonderful tomato basil flavors. The slow cooking process melds the creamy Alfredo and zesty marinara into a luscious sauce that transforms this simple chicken into something truly heartwarming.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once cooked, sprinkle generously with chopped fresh basil. The bright herbal notes complement the rich sauce beautifully and add a lovely fresh pop of color. Serve this Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe over pasta, rice, or your favorite sides for a meal that feels both special and effortlessly satisfying.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped basil is the go-to garnish here, adding a burst of color and aroma that instantly lifts the dish. For an extra touch, you can also add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil right before serving to deepen the flavors and add richness.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple pasta like fettuccine or penne, which soaks up the creamy tomato basil sauce beautifully. For a lighter option, steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette offer fresh contrast. Garlic bread is also a fantastic choice to mop up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a unique presentation, serve the Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe over creamy polenta, mashed potatoes, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb meal. Plating the sauce to drizzle over roasted veggies and topping it with fresh basil leaves makes for an elegant yet homey presentation that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen with time, making the next-day meal equally delicious!
Freezing
This recipe freezes really well. Allow the chicken and sauce to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce smooth and the chicken moist. Adding a splash of water or broth can help loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe and stay super tender and juicy. Just adjust the cooking time if needed and enjoy the richer flavor thighs bring.
Do I need to drain the diced tomatoes?
Yes, draining the diced tomatoes helps prevent the sauce from becoming too watery while still adding fresh tomato chunks and flavor.
Can I make this recipe in an instant pot instead of a slow cooker?
While this recipe is designed for slow cooking, you can adapt it to an Instant Pot using the slow cooker function or pressure cook it for a shorter time but be sure to watch cooking times closely to avoid overcooking.
What’s the best way to serve leftovers?
Leftovers are fabulous over pasta or rice, but they also work well layered in a casserole or turned into a hearty sandwich with melted cheese.
Can I add other vegetables to the slow cooker?
Definitely! Adding sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach in the last hour of cooking can add extra flavor and nutrition without overpowering the dish.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s effortless to make but impressive to serve, and the combination of creamy tomato sauce with tender chicken is pure comfort food perfection. I promise once you try it, it will quickly become a favorite to turn to whenever you want a cozy, delicious meal with minimal fuss. Go ahead and give it a go—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a creamy tomato and basil sauce slow-cooked to perfection. This easy recipe uses a mix of Alfredo and marinara sauces, canned tomatoes, and fresh herbs to create a rich, savory meal that pairs wonderfully with pasta or rice.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 1 (15-oz) jar Alfredo sauce
- 1½ cups marinara/pasta sauce
- 1 (15-oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 3 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Garnish
- Chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle the boneless skinless chicken breasts evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until lightly browned. This step locks in flavor and improves texture. Transfer the seared chicken to a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine Alfredo sauce, marinara sauce, drained diced tomatoes, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Mix well to blend the flavors thoroughly.
- Cook in Slow Cooker: Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Cover with the lid and cook on LOW heat for 5 to 6 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and infused with the rich sauce.
- Finish and Serve: Before serving, garnish the dish with freshly chopped basil for a vibrant aroma and flavor. Serve the tomato basil chicken over your favorite pasta or rice for a complete meal.
Notes
- Searing the chicken before slow cooking adds flavor and improves texture but can be skipped to save time.
- You can substitute fresh tomatoes for canned diced tomatoes if preferred.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt, depending on the saltiness of the sauces used.
- This dish pairs well with fettuccine, penne, or even a side of steamed vegetables for a low-carb option.
