Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken
This easy comfort dish uses just a few ingredients and the slow cooker does all the work. The chicken cooks slowly in a rich tomato-basil cream sauce until it becomes tender and flavorful. It’s perfect for serving over pasta, rice, or creamy polenta.
Servings
4 servings
Ingredients
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 4 medium)
1 carton (32 oz / about 900 g) creamy tomato basil soup
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1. Prepare the chicken
Place the raw chicken breasts in an even layer on the bottom of a 5–7 quart slow cooker.
If some pieces are thicker, place those toward the edges where the heat is slightly stronger.
2. Season the chicken
Sprinkle the chicken evenly with:
salt
black pepper
Italian seasoning
3. Mix the sauce
In a bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together:
creamy tomato basil soup
heavy cream
Mix until smooth. This helps the cream blend properly with the soup during cooking.
4. Add sauce to the slow cooker
Pour the tomato-cream mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.
Make sure the chicken is mostly covered in the sauce. Use a spoon or spatula to gently move the chicken so the sauce flows underneath.
5. Slow cook
Cover and cook:
LOW: 4–5 hours
or
HIGH: 2–3 hours
The chicken is ready when it becomes very tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Add the cheese
About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the chicken.
Cover again and allow the cheese to melt into the sauce.
7. Finish the dish
If you like, shred the chicken slightly with two forks so it absorbs more sauce.
Taste the sauce and adjust salt or pepper if needed.
To Serve
Serve the creamy tomato basil chicken over:
buttered pasta
steamed rice
creamy polenta
mashed potatoes
Top with fresh basil or parsley.
Great Side Dishes
This rich dish pairs well with:
crisp green salad with vinaigrette
roasted broccoli or green beans
garlic bread or crusty bread
Perfect for soaking up the extra sauce.
Tips
For extra flavor, add 2 minced garlic cloves to the sauce.
For a thicker sauce, leave the lid slightly open for the last 20 minutes.
Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for even juicier results.
