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Easy & Irresistible Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken

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This Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken is a hassle-free weeknight meal that fills your home with incredible aromas. Enjoy tender chicken in a rich tomato sauce, brightened with fresh basil and made wonderfully creamy.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 28 ounces crushed tomatoes
  • 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes (optional)
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • Several cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil, loosely packed, chopped
  • 1/2 to 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, cut into cubes (optional)
  • 1/2 to 1 cup full-fat canned coconut milk (dairy-free option)
  • 1/2 to 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by chopping the onion finely and mincing the garlic. If using chicken breasts, cut them into 2-inch chunks.
  2. Layer the Slow Cooker: Place the chicken at the bottom of the slow cooker.
  3. Add the Sauce Base: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and diced tomatoes if using. Add the tomato paste on top, then sprinkle over the chopped onion and minced garlic.
  4. Pour in the Broth and Season: Pour the chicken broth over everything. Sprinkle in the dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and any red pepper flakes. Stir gently to combine the top layer of ingredients.
  5. Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is tender.
  6. Shred the Chicken (Optional): Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
  7. Make it Creamy: Pour in the heavy cream or stir in the cream cheese cubes or coconut milk. Add the fresh chopped basil and stir until well combined.
  8. Final Simmer and Serve: Replace the lid and cook for another 15 to 30 minutes on HIGH until the sauce is heated through and thickened slightly.

Nutrition

Keywords: For extra flavor, consider browning the chicken in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker. You can also stir in fresh spinach or kale during the last 30 minutes of cooking for added nutrition.

Find it online: https://crumella.com/easy-irresistible-slow-cooker-creamy-tomato-basil-chicken/