If you love comfort food with a fresh, vibrant twist, you’re going to adore this Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe. It’s one of those effortless meals that manages to be both cozy and fancy with hardly any hands-on time. When I first tried this, I was amazed at how the slow cooker transforms simple ingredients into a luscious, flavorful dish that melts in your mouth. Stick around—I’m about to share everything you need to make it a new favorite in your dinner rotation.

❤️

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hands-Off Cooking: You just toss the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it do all the hard work while you relax or tackle other tasks.
Rich, Creamy Flavor: The combo of tomatoes and heavy cream creates a silky sauce that feels indulgent without being overwhelming.
Fresh Yet Homestyle: The basil and garlic bring a bright freshness, balancing out the comforting creaminess perfectly.
Family-Friendly: My family goes crazy for this dish — it’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekends alike.

A white oval dish holds a creamy orange sauce with three pieces of smooth white chicken submerged in it. The sauce is thick and has small bits of green herbs sprinkled on top. Around the dish, on a white marbled surface, there are two small white bowls, one filled with green leaves and the other with fresh cilantro. A white cloth with black stripes is under the dish, and a plain brown plate is placed nearby. The overall setting looks clean and fresh. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken, easy chicken dinner, healthy tomato basil chicken, comforting slow cooker chicken, creamy tomato chicken recipes

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple but they complement each other really well to create a sauce that’s creamy, tangy, and herbaceous. When shopping, look for ripe cherry tomatoes if you want that fresh burst, or canned will work if you’re short on time.

Flat lay of boneless skinless chicken breasts, a small bowl of thick heavy cream, vibrant red cherry tomatoes sliced in half, a rich dollop of deep red tomato paste, bright fresh basil leaves, whole garlic cloves, and a small pile of dried basil and thyme herbs artfully scattered, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken, easy chicken dinner, healthy tomato basil chicken, comforting slow cooker chicken, creamy tomato chicken recipes

Chicken breasts or thighs: I usually use breasts for a leaner option, but thighs add extra juiciness and richness.
Heavy cream: This is key for that luscious, creamy texture you’ll love.
Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce so it clings beautifully to the chicken.
Tomato paste: Adds concentrated tomato flavor and a bit of sweetness.
Canned diced tomatoes: Bring classic tomato flavor and texture to the sauce; fresh can work but I find canned adds consistency.
Cherry tomatoes: These pop with sweetness and soften just right during cooking.
Garlic: I never skimp on garlic — it infuses the whole dish with warmth and depth.
Dried basil (or fresh): Fresh is my favorite for garnish and finishing touch, but dried works perfectly in the slow cooker too.
Dried thyme: Adds an earthy, subtle herby note that plays nicely with the basil.
Salt and black pepper: Simple seasoning that brings out all the flavors.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love making this Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe as is, but sometimes I switch things up based on what I have on hand or my mood. Feel free to make it yours by experimenting with these tweaks.

Use chicken thighs: For juicier, more flavorful meat, thighs work beautifully, especially if you like a bit more richness.
Add red pepper flakes: I discovered this trick when I wanted a little kick—the subtle heat complements the creaminess perfectly.
Swap heavy cream for coconut milk: For a dairy-free twist, coconut milk adds creaminess with a slight tropical note.
Throw in mushrooms or bell peppers: For extra veggies and texture, these additions soak up the sauce wonderfully.

How to Make Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Together the Cream Base

Start by adding the heavy cream and cornstarch right into your slow cooker. Whisk them together until the cornstarch is fully dissolved—this step is key because it prevents any clumps from forming and ensures your sauce will thicken up just right by the end. Trust me, I used to skip this and ended up with a lumpy sauce, so take the extra minute!

Step 2: Add Tomatoes, Garlic, and Herbs

Next, stir in the tomato paste, diced canned tomatoes, and cherry tomatoes. Toss in the whole garlic cloves (I like to leave them whole so they mellow and infuse gently without becoming overpowering). Sprinkle the dried basil, thyme, salt, and pepper on top, then give everything a good stir so the flavors blend.

Step 3: Add the Chicken and Cook

Nestle your chicken breasts (or thighs) into the sauce, pressing them down just a little so they’re mostly covered. Pop on the lid and set your slow cooker to HIGH for 3 hours if you’re short on time, or LOW for 10 hours if you want to set it and forget it overnight. The chicken will come out incredibly tender, soaking up all those tomato and basil flavors.

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe

Cornstarch Whisking: Always whisk the cornstarch into the cream before adding other ingredients to prevent sauce clumps—it makes a world of difference.
Garlic Whole Cloves: Leaving garlic whole gives a subtle, gentle flavor instead of sharp bursts, which I personally prefer for slow-cooked dishes.
Cherry Tomatoes vs. Canned: If you want fresh bursts of sweetness, use cherry tomatoes, but canned diced tomatoes help maintain a nice saucy consistency.
Don’t Skip Seasoning: Slow cooking can dull flavors slightly, so be generous with your basil, thyme, salt, and pepper to keep the dish lively.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe

A white round plate holds two light brown chicken pieces covered in a smooth orange sauce sprinkled with green herbs. To the right of the chicken are a few small green and orange cherry tomatoes and a small bunch of fresh basil leaves. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface with a few chopped green herbs scattered above it. A white cloth with black stripes is partly visible on the bottom left corner. Two bowls filled with green leafy herbs sit at the top right corner of the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken, easy chicken dinner, healthy tomato basil chicken, comforting slow cooker chicken, creamy tomato chicken recipes

Garnishes

I always top this creamy tomato basil chicken with fresh basil leaves right before serving—it adds a gorgeous pop of green and bright fresh flavor that lifts the entire dish. Sometimes, I sprinkle a little parmesan cheese on top for added richness and a slightly nutty note.

Side Dishes

You’ll find this recipe pairs beautifully with fluffy mashed potatoes, creamy polenta, or even simple buttery noodles to soak up that delicious sauce. For something lighter, a crisp green salad or roasted veggies complement the richness of the chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to plate the chicken over a bed of vibrant spinach or arugula tossed with lemon, then drizzle the sauce around artfully. It always gets compliments and feels so much fancy-er than it actually is!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover creamy tomato basil chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it completely before sealing to keep the sauce fresh and creamy.

Freezing

This recipe freezes surprisingly well. I portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When I thaw it overnight in the fridge, the sauce sometimes thickens—just stir in a splash of water or cream when reheating.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat to avoid splitting the cream sauce. Stir often and add a little extra cream or broth if needed to bring back the silky texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great option because they stay moist and tender even after slow cooking. The flavors meld beautifully with the creamy tomato sauce, giving you a richer dish. Just expect a slightly different texture and a bit more fat, which many find delicious.
How do I prevent the cream sauce from curdling in the slow cooker?

Great question! To avoid curdling, I always mix the cornstarch well into the heavy cream before adding other ingredients. Also, cooking on low rather than high heat, or adding the cream mixture early helps stabilize the sauce. Avoid cooking too long once cream is added.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble all the ingredients the night before, keep the slow cooker insert covered and refrigerated, then cook in the morning or whenever you’re ready. It’s a great way to save time on busy days.
What can I serve with Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken?

This dish tastes amazing over mashed potatoes, pasta, polenta, or with roasted veggies on the side. It’s versatile enough to match whatever carbs or vegetables you prefer!

Final Thoughts

I’m seriously smitten with this Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken Recipe because it feels so special without requiring fancy skills or tons of effort. Every time I make it, my kitchen fills with that irresistible aroma of herbs and garlic, and my family can’t wait to dig in. I hope you enjoy it just as much—it’s one of those easy recipes that quickly earns a permanent spot on your go-to list. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out in your kitchen!