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Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe

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3.9 from 61 reviews

  • Author: Patricia
  • Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a savory tomato sauce infused with fresh and dried basil, garlic, and spices. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, this recipe requires minimal prep and uses a slow cooker for hands-off cooking, resulting in juicy chicken that pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread.

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Tomato Basil Sauce

  • 2 cups crushed tomatoes (canned or fresh)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For Serving (Optional)

  • Grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. For enhanced flavor, sear them in olive oil in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly browned, then set aside.
  2. Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker: Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the slow cooker. Layer on the diced onion, minced garlic, crushed tomatoes, and chicken broth evenly over the chicken.
  3. Mix Seasonings: Sprinkle dried basil and red pepper flakes (if using) evenly over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
  4. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender enough to shred easily.
  5. Shred the Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir well to combine with the sauce.
  6. Add Fresh Basil: Just before serving, stir in the chopped fresh basil leaves to add brightness and fresh flavor to the dish.
  7. Serve: Spoon the tomato basil chicken along with the sauce over your choice of cooked pasta, rice, or crusty bread. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

  • Searing the chicken before slow cooking is optional but adds a deeper flavor and richer color to the dish.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes according to your desired level of heat or omit for a milder version.
  • Use fresh crushed tomatoes if possible for a fresher taste, otherwise canned work perfectly.
  • Serve immediately after adding fresh basil to retain its vibrant flavor and aroma.
  • This dish freezes well; store in airtight containers for up to 3 months and thaw before reheating gently.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Find it online: https://patriciarecipes.com/slow-cooker-tomato-basil-chicken-recipe/