Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken

Introduction

Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken is a smart, flavor-packed dinner recipe that makes the most of ease and wholesome ingredients. Gentle slow-cooking melds ripe tomatoes, garlic, and fragrant basil into a beautiful sauce that bathes tender chicken for a comforting yet light main course.

Perfect for busy weeknights or effortless entertaining, this dish asks very little of the cook but rewards with restaurant-worthy results every time.

Irresistible Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken

What sets this recipe apart is its vibrant flavor and “set it and forget it” convenience. Tomatoes get lush and jammy, infusing each bite of chicken with summery freshness, while basil adds a bright herbal note. It’s elegantly simple but feels like a treat—ideal for meal prep or gathering around the table, particularly served over pasta, rice, or a crusty slice of bread.

Secrets for Rich Tomato Basil Flavor

The key to robust flavor? Starting with quality canned or fresh tomatoes and allowing them to break down slowly in the slow cooker. If you’re dicing fresh tomatoes or chopping onions, a Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper speeds up prep and delivers consistent results.

Don’t skimp on the garlic! A few smashed cloves deepen the sauce, and olive oil locks in richness. Stirring in fresh basil at the end ensures the herb’s flavor remains bright and punchy.

Step-by-Step Assembly Tips

Simply layer chicken breasts or thighs in your slow cooker, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and pour the tomato mixture over top. For hassle-free clean-up and even cooking, line your slow cooker with a sheet of Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll before adding ingredients.

After cooking, use a handy Chicken Shredder Tool Twist for Kitchen to easily shred the chicken right in the pot—making it ideal for spooning over grains or stuffing into sandwiches.

Serving and Storing Your Tomato Basil Chicken

To serve, spoon the chicken and bright tomato-basil sauce over rice, quinoa, or pasta. For meal prepping, portion leftovers into Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers—they keep the meal fresh and make grab-and-go lunches a breeze.

This dish also freezes beautifully: let the cooked chicken cool completely, divide it among airtight containers, and freeze for up to three months for future comfort meals.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe makes around 6 servings, with each generously portioned plate coming in at approximately 320 calories. Each serving offers a balance of lean protein, healthy fats from olive oil, and vitamins from tomatoes and herbs—a satisfying, guilt-free main you’ll reach for again and again.

Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken (Recap)

This is a go-to recipe for full, fresh flavor on autopilot. All the goodness of homemade Italian comfort food, minus the hours spent at the stove. Ideal for families, singles, and meal preppers alike—it’s sure to please.

Instructions

1. Line your slow cooker with a sheet of Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for easy cleanup.
2. If using fresh tomatoes or onion, dice them quickly with the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper.
3. Arrange chicken breasts or thighs in the slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Combine crushed tomatoes, diced onion, minced garlic, olive oil, Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes (if using) in a bowl. Pour over the chicken.
5. Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours or high for 2.5–3 hours, until the chicken is very tender.
6. Shred chicken using a Chicken Shredder Tool Twist for Kitchen or two forks. Stir in fresh basil and check seasoning, adding more salt or pepper if needed.
7. Serve hot over pasta, rice, quinoa, or with crusty bread. For meal prepping, cool and store in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 5–6 hours (low) or 2.5–3 hours (high)

Total Time: 5 hours 20 minutes (low) or 2 hours 40 minutes (high)

Enjoy the stress-free satisfaction and vibrant flavors of this Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken at your next family meal!