Go Back
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes - 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 medium onion, diced - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar - 1 tablespoon dried oregano - Fresh basil leaves - Salt and pepper to taste For this Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken, you will need some key ingredients. The chicken breasts provide a great base. The crushed tomatoes add rich flavor and moisture. Broth helps create a tasty sauce. Next, the minced garlic and diced onion bring depth to the dish. Don't forget the dried oregano! It adds that classic Italian taste. You can spice things up with optional red pepper flakes. If you want extra flavor, olive oil and balsamic vinegar work wonders too. Finally, fresh basil leaves make everything pop. Use salt and pepper to tune the taste just right. All these ingredients come together to create a flavorful delight in your slow cooker. - Seasoning the Chicken Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Make sure to coat both sides well. This simple step adds great flavor to your dish. - Sautéing Onion and Garlic In a skillet, heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add one diced onion and cook until it turns translucent, about five minutes. Then, add three minced garlic cloves and cook for one more minute. This mix will create a fragrant base for your dish. - Listing all ingredients in slow cooker In the slow cooker, place the seasoned chicken breasts. Add the sautéed onion and garlic, one can of crushed tomatoes, and one cup of vegetable or chicken broth. Sprinkle in one tablespoon of dried oregano. If you like a kick, add half a teaspoon of red pepper flakes. - Adding the basil and balsamic vinegar Tear one cup of fresh basil leaves and toss them into the slow cooker. Drizzle one tablespoon of balsamic vinegar over the ingredients. This will enhance the flavors and make the dish more vibrant. - Slow cooking durations (low and high settings) Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook. If you choose low, let it cook for six to eight hours. On high, it will take about three to four hours. The chicken should be tender and fully cooked when done. - Shredding and final seasoning of chicken Once the cooking time is over, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred the chicken. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to mix it with the sauce. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. To get the best flavor, adjust your salt and pepper as needed. Start with a pinch of each. Taste the sauce before serving. If it needs more seasoning, add a bit more salt and pepper. This step can make a big difference. To ensure the chicken is tender, cook it for the right time. If you use a slow cooker on low, cook for 6 to 8 hours. If you're in a hurry, use the high setting for 3 to 4 hours. Always check that the chicken is fully cooked. It should shred easily. This dish pairs well with rice, quinoa, or pasta. Each option soaks up the sauce nicely. I love serving it over fluffy rice. The texture matches the chicken perfectly. For garnish, use fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. This adds color and flavor. Tear the basil leaves right before serving for the best taste. Choosing the right slow cooker is key. A 4 to 6-quart slow cooker works well for this recipe. Make sure it can hold all the ingredients without overflowing. Adjust cooking times for different chicken sizes. Larger chicken breasts may need a bit more time. Keep an eye on the clock, and check the chicken's doneness. It should reach 165°F to be safe to eat. {{image_2}} To make your Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken even better, you can add some veggies. Bell peppers and carrots are great choices. They add color and crunch. You can toss them in before you slow cook. You can also try different herbs. Parsley and thyme add nice flavors. Just sprinkle them in with the basil. This gives your dish a unique twist. If you need a gluten-free option, this recipe works well. Just make sure the broth you use is gluten-free. Most chicken and vegetable broths are safe, but always check labels. For a low-carb meal, skip the rice or pasta. Serve it with a salad instead. You can also add extra veggies to keep it filling. You can turn this dish into a hearty soup. Add more broth and some diced potatoes. Cook until the potatoes are soft. This makes a warm, comforting meal. Another fun way to serve it is in tacos or wraps. Just shred the chicken and pile it into a tortilla. Top it with fresh veggies or cheese for extra flavor. This adds a fun twist to your meal! To keep your Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure they seal tightly to keep air out. For chilled storage, place the leftovers in the fridge within two hours. The chicken stays fresh for about three to four days. If you want to store it longer, freeze it. Use freezer bags or containers, and remove as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. When it’s time to enjoy leftovers, you can reheat them easily. The microwave is quick and simple. Place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a lid or microwave-safe wrap. Heat at medium power for one to two minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating. You can also reheat on the stovetop. Just add a bit of broth in a pan and warm it over low heat. This keeps the flavors intact and moist. In the fridge, your Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken lasts about three to four days. If you freeze it, it can last up to three months. Mark the date on the container to track how long it has been stored. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. If it smells off or looks strange, it’s best to throw it away. Can I use frozen chicken breasts? Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just add an extra hour of cooking time. Ensure they reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked? Check the chicken with a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F. The chicken should also shred easily with a fork. Can I substitute fresh tomatoes for crushed? Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. Just chop them finely and add more broth to keep the liquid ratio right. What can I add if I don’t have basil on hand? If you lack basil, try oregano or parsley. Both add great flavor and work well with tomatoes. What is the best way to shred chicken after cooking? Use two forks to pull the chicken apart. It should come apart easily when cooked well. Can I use a slow cooker to make this recipe faster? Slow cookers are designed for longer cooking. For speed, use a pressure cooker instead. This method cooks chicken quickly and keeps it moist. This blog post covered key ingredients for a tasty slow cooker chicken dish. I shared preparation steps, cooking times, and tips to ensure tender meat. You learned about storage, variations for dietary needs, and answers to common questions. Remember, cooking should be fun and easy. Don't be afraid to tweak this recipe to suit your tastes. With these tips, you can create a meal that everyone will love. Enjoy your cooking!

Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken

Discover the delicious and easy recipe for Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken that will become your new family favorite! With tender chicken breasts simmered in a flavorful sauce made with crushed tomatoes, fresh basil, and a hint of garlic, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights. Ready to savor a meal full of flavor? Click through to explore the full recipe and enjoy a comforting dinner tonight!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

1 cup vegetable or chicken broth

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 medium onion, diced

1 tablespoon dried oregano

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly torn

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Instructions
 

Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.

    Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

      Combine Ingredients: In the slow cooker, place the seasoned chicken breasts, sautéed onion and garlic, crushed tomatoes, vegetable or chicken broth, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using).

        Add Basil: Tear the fresh basil leaves and add them to the slow cooker. Drizzle the balsamic vinegar over the ingredients to enhance flavor.

          Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.

            Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts and shred them with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the sauce.

              Final Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary.

                Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the chicken over a bed of rice, quinoa, or pasta, and garnish with extra fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an added touch of flavor.