Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with the irresistible aroma of tender, juicy chicken swimming in a rich, herb-infused tomato sauce that practically melts in your mouth. This Crockpot Tomato Basil Chicken isn't just a meal—it's a culinary experience that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dinner that will have your family begging for seconds. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this Italian-inspired dish proves that delicious, home-cooked meals can be both simple and spectacular.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken breasts by patting them dry with paper towels and seasoning generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Mince the garlic cloves finely and chop the fresh basil leaves, setting them aside for later use.
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot, creating a single layer without overlapping.
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and half of the chopped fresh basil. Stir the mixture until well combined.
- Pour the tomato mixture evenly over the chicken breasts in the crockpot, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
- Cover the crockpot with the lid and set to low heat for 6 hours, allowing the chicken to cook slowly and absorb the flavors.
- After 6 hours, check the internal temperature of the chicken using a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F (74°C) to ensure it's fully cooked.
- Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot and transfer to a serving platter.
- Spoon the remaining sauce from the crockpot over the chicken and garnish with the remaining fresh chopped basil.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Tips
- Choose high-quality chicken breasts and pat them completely dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect sear and flavor absorption.
- Don't rush the cooking process—the 6-hour slow cook is crucial for developing deep, rich flavors and keeping the chicken incredibly tender.
- Use fresh basil if possible, as it provides a brighter, more vibrant taste compared to dried herbs.
- For extra depth, consider searing the chicken breasts in a hot pan for 2-3 minutes per side before placing them in the crockpot.
- If the sauce seems too thin after cooking, you can thicken it by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and stirring it into the sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days and taste even better the next day.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 258kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
