Description
This Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken recipe is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich tomato sauce infused with fresh basil, garlic, and oregano. Perfect for a hearty and comforting meal with minimal hands-on cooking, this dish allows you to prepare a delicious dinner with the convenience of slow cooking.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs)
Tomato Basil Sauce
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts, then season them generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts on both sides until golden brown, approximately 2-3 minutes per side. This step is optional but adds depth and richness to the final dish.
- Transfer to slow cooker: Place the seared chicken breasts into your slow cooker, arranging them evenly.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic over medium heat until they become fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. This helps to develop the sauce’s flavor.
- Add aromatics to slow cooker: Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic mixture into the slow cooker on top of the chicken.
- Add tomatoes and seasonings: Pour the crushed tomatoes over the chicken and onions. Sprinkle in the dried oregano and red pepper flakes if using. Stir gently to combine the ingredients without displacing the chicken too much.
- Cook slowly: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is tender.
- Add fresh basil: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the freshly chopped basil leaves to infuse the dish with bright herbal notes.
Notes
- Searing the chicken before slow cooking is optional but highly recommended for enhanced flavor and better texture.
- You can adjust the red pepper flakes to control the spiciness or omit them for a milder dish.
- Serve this dish over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the delicious tomato basil sauce.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
