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Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken Flavorful Dinner Idea

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For this Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken, you will need: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with basil, garlic, and oregano - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper To kick up the flavor, consider adding: - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes for heat - 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese for serving - Fresh basil leaves for garnish You will need some basic tools: - Slow cooker - Large skillet - Cutting board - Knife - Mixing spoon - Two forks for shredding chicken This simple list of ingredients and tools makes cooking easy and fun. With everything ready, you can focus on creating a delicious meal. Enjoy the process! First, gather your ingredients. You will need: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with basil, garlic, and oregano - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a kick) - 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for serving) - Fresh basil leaves (for garnish) Now, chop the fresh basil, onion, and mince the garlic. This step adds a great flavor base. Next, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it turns clear, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until it smells great. Remove the skillet from the heat. In the slow cooker, place the chicken breasts at the bottom. Season them with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want some spice. Pour the can of diced tomatoes with their juices over the chicken. Add the sautéed onion and garlic mixture on top. Finally, sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over everything. Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours. The chicken should be tender and fully cooked. Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred it directly in the slow cooker. Mix the chicken well with the tomato sauce. This helps the flavors blend together. Before serving, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken mixture. Let it melt for about 5 minutes. Serve the Tomato Basil Chicken hot, and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Enjoy this tasty meal with pasta or crusty bread for a full experience! To boost the flavor of your Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken, use fresh herbs. Fresh basil gives a bright taste. You can also add a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth. If you want heat, add more red pepper flakes. For a savory touch, sprinkle in some Italian seasoning. This blend adds warmth and aroma. Don't forget to taste the sauce before serving. Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. The cooking time can vary based on your slow cooker. If you use a larger cut of chicken, increase the time slightly. For smaller pieces, reduce the cooking time a bit. On low, cook for 6 hours; on high, cook for 3 hours. Always check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This ensures it's safe to eat and tender. Serve your Tomato Basil Chicken over pasta for a hearty meal. The sauce clings to the noodles and makes each bite delicious. You can also pair it with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. For a fresh side, try a simple green salad. A drizzle of olive oil adds extra flavor. Another option is to serve it with steamed vegetables for a balanced plate. Don't forget to top it with fresh basil leaves for a pretty finish. {{image_2}} You can swap out the chicken for turkey. Turkey thighs work well here. If you want a richer flavor, try adding some sun-dried tomatoes. They add a nice tang. You can also use different herbs like oregano or thyme. This gives a fresh twist to the dish. If you like cheese, try adding Parmesan with the mozzarella. It adds depth and creaminess. To make this dish vegetarian, use portobello mushrooms instead of chicken. They soak up the flavors well. For a vegan option, try chickpeas or lentils. Both options are protein-rich and hearty. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it vegan. You can also add extra veggies like zucchini or bell peppers for more texture. If you want it spicy, add more red pepper flakes. Start with one teaspoon and adjust to your taste. You can also add a dash of cayenne pepper for extra heat. If you prefer mild flavors, skip the red pepper flakes. Instead, add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of tomatoes. Taste as you go to find your perfect spice level. To store leftovers, let the chicken cool down first. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure to include the sauce. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. To reheat, you can use the microwave or stovetop. If using the microwave, start with one to two minutes. Stir it halfway through to ensure even heating. On the stovetop, heat in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Freezing is a great way to save time. Place the cooled chicken mixture in a freezer-safe container. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it gently before serving. This way, you can enjoy your delicious meal later! Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just add an extra hour to the cooking time. The slow cooker will work well to cook them through safely. Just remember to check that they reach 165°F for safe eating. Some great sides include: - Cooked pasta - Crusty bread - Steamed vegetables - Rice These sides pair well with the rich flavors of the chicken. They help soak up the sauce, too! To make this dish gluten-free, ensure your diced tomatoes do not have added gluten. Most brands are gluten-free, but it’s always best to check. You can serve it with rice or gluten-free pasta for a complete meal. Leftovers will last about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you want to save them longer, consider freezing the leftovers instead. In this article, we explored slow cooker tomato basil chicken, covering everything from key ingredients to cooking instructions. You learned how to prepare, cook, and serve delicious meals with helpful tips. Remember, you can customize flavors, adjust cooking times, and even substitute ingredients. Storage tips help you save leftovers for later. Keep experimenting with new ideas, and enjoy your cooking adventures! Your slow cooker is a powerful tool for easy, tasty meals.

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Looking for a delicious, hassle-free dinner? Try my Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken! It’s packed with flavor but takes only a few minutes to prep. With juicy chicken, fresh basil, and ripe tomatoes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite spices or sides. Let’s dive into the simple steps for making this tasty meal that your whole family will love!

Ingredients

List of Main Ingredients

For this Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken, you will need:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with basil, garlic, and oregano
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavor

To kick up the flavor, consider adding:

  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes for heat
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese for serving
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Equipment Needed for Cooking

You will need some basic tools:

  • Slow cooker
  • Large skillet
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Mixing spoon
  • Two forks for shredding chicken

This simple list of ingredients and tools makes cooking easy and fun. With everything ready, you can focus on creating a delicious meal. Enjoy the process!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation of Ingredients

First, gather your ingredients. You will need:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with basil, garlic, and oregano
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a kick)
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for serving)
  • Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

Now, chop the fresh basil, onion, and mince the garlic. This step adds a great flavor base.

Cooking Process in the Slow Cooker

Next, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it turns clear, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until it smells great. Remove the skillet from the heat.

In the slow cooker, place the chicken breasts at the bottom. Season them with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want some spice. Pour the can of diced tomatoes with their juices over the chicken. Add the sautéed onion and garlic mixture on top. Finally, sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over everything.

Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours. The chicken should be tender and fully cooked.

How to Shred Chicken and Serve

Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred it directly in the slow cooker. Mix the chicken well with the tomato sauce. This helps the flavors blend together.

Before serving, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken mixture. Let it melt for about 5 minutes. Serve the Tomato Basil Chicken hot, and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Enjoy this tasty meal with pasta or crusty bread for a full experience!

Tips & Tricks

How to Enhance Flavor Profile

To boost the flavor of your Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken, use fresh herbs. Fresh basil gives a bright taste. You can also add a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth. If you want heat, add more red pepper flakes. For a savory touch, sprinkle in some Italian seasoning. This blend adds warmth and aroma. Don’t forget to taste the sauce before serving. Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking.

Cooking Time Adjustments

The cooking time can vary based on your slow cooker. If you use a larger cut of chicken, increase the time slightly. For smaller pieces, reduce the cooking time a bit. On low, cook for 6 hours; on high, cook for 3 hours. Always check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This ensures it’s safe to eat and tender.

Recommended Pairings and Serving Suggestions

Serve your Tomato Basil Chicken over pasta for a hearty meal. The sauce clings to the noodles and makes each bite delicious. You can also pair it with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. For a fresh side, try a simple green salad. A drizzle of olive oil adds extra flavor. Another option is to serve it with steamed vegetables for a balanced plate. Don’t forget to top it with fresh basil leaves for a pretty finish.

Variations

Alternative Ingredients for Different Flavors

You can swap out the chicken for turkey. Turkey thighs work well here. If you want a richer flavor, try adding some sun-dried tomatoes. They add a nice tang. You can also use different herbs like oregano or thyme. This gives a fresh twist to the dish. If you like cheese, try adding Parmesan with the mozzarella. It adds depth and creaminess.

Vegetarian or Vegan Substitutes

To make this dish vegetarian, use portobello mushrooms instead of chicken. They soak up the flavors well. For a vegan option, try chickpeas or lentils. Both options are protein-rich and hearty. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it vegan. You can also add extra veggies like zucchini or bell peppers for more texture.

How to Customize Spice Levels

If you want it spicy, add more red pepper flakes. Start with one teaspoon and adjust to your taste. You can also add a dash of cayenne pepper for extra heat. If you prefer mild flavors, skip the red pepper flakes. Instead, add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of tomatoes. Taste as you go to find your perfect spice level.

Storage Info

How to Store Leftovers

To store leftovers, let the chicken cool down first. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure to include the sauce. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it.

Reheating Tips

To reheat, you can use the microwave or stovetop. If using the microwave, start with one to two minutes. Stir it halfway through to ensure even heating. On the stovetop, heat in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.

Freezing for Future Meals

Freezing is a great way to save time. Place the cooled chicken mixture in a freezer-safe container. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it gently before serving. This way, you can enjoy your delicious meal later!

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just add an extra hour to the cooking time. The slow cooker will work well to cook them through safely. Just remember to check that they reach 165°F for safe eating.

What are the best sides to serve with Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken?

Some great sides include:

  • Cooked pasta
  • Crusty bread
  • Steamed vegetables
  • Rice

These sides pair well with the rich flavors of the chicken. They help soak up the sauce, too!

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, ensure your diced tomatoes do not have added gluten. Most brands are gluten-free, but it’s always best to check. You can serve it with rice or gluten-free pasta for a complete meal.

How long will leftovers last in the fridge?

Leftovers will last about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you want to save them longer, consider freezing the leftovers instead.

In this article, we explored slow cooker tomato basil chicken, covering everything from key ingredients to cooking instructions. You learned how to prepare, cook, and serve delicious meals with helpful tips. Remember, you can customize flavors, adjust cooking times, and even substitute ingredients. Storage tips help you save leftovers for later. Keep experimenting with new ideas, and enjoy your cooking adventures! Your slow cooker is a powerful tool for easy, tasty meals.

For this Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken, you will need: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with basil, garlic, and oregano - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper To kick up the flavor, consider adding: - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes for heat - 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese for serving - Fresh basil leaves for garnish You will need some basic tools: - Slow cooker - Large skillet - Cutting board - Knife - Mixing spoon - Two forks for shredding chicken This simple list of ingredients and tools makes cooking easy and fun. With everything ready, you can focus on creating a delicious meal. Enjoy the process! First, gather your ingredients. You will need: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with basil, garlic, and oregano - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a kick) - 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for serving) - Fresh basil leaves (for garnish) Now, chop the fresh basil, onion, and mince the garlic. This step adds a great flavor base. Next, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it turns clear, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until it smells great. Remove the skillet from the heat. In the slow cooker, place the chicken breasts at the bottom. Season them with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want some spice. Pour the can of diced tomatoes with their juices over the chicken. Add the sautéed onion and garlic mixture on top. Finally, sprinkle the chopped fresh basil over everything. Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours. The chicken should be tender and fully cooked. Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred it directly in the slow cooker. Mix the chicken well with the tomato sauce. This helps the flavors blend together. Before serving, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken mixture. Let it melt for about 5 minutes. Serve the Tomato Basil Chicken hot, and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Enjoy this tasty meal with pasta or crusty bread for a full experience! To boost the flavor of your Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken, use fresh herbs. Fresh basil gives a bright taste. You can also add a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth. If you want heat, add more red pepper flakes. For a savory touch, sprinkle in some Italian seasoning. This blend adds warmth and aroma. Don't forget to taste the sauce before serving. Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. The cooking time can vary based on your slow cooker. If you use a larger cut of chicken, increase the time slightly. For smaller pieces, reduce the cooking time a bit. On low, cook for 6 hours; on high, cook for 3 hours. Always check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This ensures it's safe to eat and tender. Serve your Tomato Basil Chicken over pasta for a hearty meal. The sauce clings to the noodles and makes each bite delicious. You can also pair it with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. For a fresh side, try a simple green salad. A drizzle of olive oil adds extra flavor. Another option is to serve it with steamed vegetables for a balanced plate. Don't forget to top it with fresh basil leaves for a pretty finish. {{image_2}} You can swap out the chicken for turkey. Turkey thighs work well here. If you want a richer flavor, try adding some sun-dried tomatoes. They add a nice tang. You can also use different herbs like oregano or thyme. This gives a fresh twist to the dish. If you like cheese, try adding Parmesan with the mozzarella. It adds depth and creaminess. To make this dish vegetarian, use portobello mushrooms instead of chicken. They soak up the flavors well. For a vegan option, try chickpeas or lentils. Both options are protein-rich and hearty. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it vegan. You can also add extra veggies like zucchini or bell peppers for more texture. If you want it spicy, add more red pepper flakes. Start with one teaspoon and adjust to your taste. You can also add a dash of cayenne pepper for extra heat. If you prefer mild flavors, skip the red pepper flakes. Instead, add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of tomatoes. Taste as you go to find your perfect spice level. To store leftovers, let the chicken cool down first. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure to include the sauce. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. To reheat, you can use the microwave or stovetop. If using the microwave, start with one to two minutes. Stir it halfway through to ensure even heating. On the stovetop, heat in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Freezing is a great way to save time. Place the cooled chicken mixture in a freezer-safe container. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it gently before serving. This way, you can enjoy your delicious meal later! Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just add an extra hour to the cooking time. The slow cooker will work well to cook them through safely. Just remember to check that they reach 165°F for safe eating. Some great sides include: - Cooked pasta - Crusty bread - Steamed vegetables - Rice These sides pair well with the rich flavors of the chicken. They help soak up the sauce, too! To make this dish gluten-free, ensure your diced tomatoes do not have added gluten. Most brands are gluten-free, but it’s always best to check. You can serve it with rice or gluten-free pasta for a complete meal. Leftovers will last about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you want to save them longer, consider freezing the leftovers instead. In this article, we explored slow cooker tomato basil chicken, covering everything from key ingredients to cooking instructions. You learned how to prepare, cook, and serve delicious meals with helpful tips. Remember, you can customize flavors, adjust cooking times, and even substitute ingredients. Storage tips help you save leftovers for later. Keep experimenting with new ideas, and enjoy your cooking adventures! Your slow cooker is a powerful tool for easy, tasty meals.

Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken

Savor the deliciousness of Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken with this easy recipe! Juicy chicken breasts simmer in a flavorful blend of diced tomatoes, fresh basil, and garlic for a mouthwatering dish. Perfect for busy nights, just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work. Click through to explore this simple recipe and make a delightful meal that your family will love! Enjoy every bite!
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Ingredients
  

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with basil, garlic, and oregano

1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a kick)

1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for serving)

Fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Begin by preparing the ingredients. Chop the fresh basil, onion, and mince the garlic.

    Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

      Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant. Remove from heat.

        In the slow cooker, place the chicken breasts at the bottom. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).

          Pour the can of diced tomatoes (with juices) over the chicken, followed by the sautéed onion and garlic mixture.

            Sprinkle chopped fresh basil on top of the chicken and sauce mixture.

              Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

                Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks, mixing it well with the tomato sauce.

                  Before serving, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the chicken mixture and let it melt for about 5 minutes.

                    Serve the Tomato Basil Chicken hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves.

                      Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 6-7 hours | Servings: 4

                        - Presentation Tips: Serve over a bed of freshly cooked pasta or alongside crusty bread for a complete meal. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil for added flavor.

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