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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped Chicken serves as the heart of this dish. I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for their tenderness. They soak up flavors well and cook evenly in the slow cooker. The crushed tomatoes bring a rich, tangy taste. I prefer using San Marzano tomatoes for their sweetness and depth. Fresh basil adds a bright, herbal note. It transforms this meal into something special. - 1 small onion, finely diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend - 1 teaspoon sea salt - ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Onion and garlic form a strong base for flavor. I sauté them until soft and fragrant. This step makes a huge difference. The Italian seasoning blend ties everything together, adding warmth and earthiness. I love the balance of salt and pepper. They enhance the dish without overpowering it. - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded - Cooked pasta, such as fettuccine or penne, or fluffy rice Olive oil coats the chicken and helps the spices stick. It also adds a rich flavor. The mozzarella cheese melts beautifully, creating a creamy topping. I recommend serving this dish over pasta or rice. Both options soak up the sauce well. Enjoy each bite of this comforting meal! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by rubbing olive oil on each chicken breast. This helps keep the chicken moist. Next, season both sides with sea salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. This adds great flavor to your dish. In a medium skillet, heat over medium flame. Add the finely diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onions are soft and clear, about 3-4 minutes. This step is key because it brings out the best flavors in your meal. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the slow cooker in a single layer. Pour the crushed tomatoes over the chicken. Then, add the sautéed onions and garlic. Stir in the chopped basil, but save a few leaves for later. This layering helps the flavors mix well. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Check that the chicken is fully cooked. It should be tender and easy to shred with a fork. This ensures a delicious meal. About 30 minutes before serving, use two forks to shred the chicken in the slow cooker. Stir it well to coat the chicken with the rich tomato sauce. This makes each bite flavorful and juicy. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the chicken mixture. Cover the slow cooker again. Let the cheese melt for the last 15 minutes. This creates a gooey, cheesy topping that everyone will love. Cooking time is key for tender chicken. For best results, cook on low for 6-8 hours. If you are short on time, the high setting works in 3-4 hours. Always check that the chicken reaches 165°F. This ensures it is safe to eat and very juicy. To shred the chicken, use two forks. Pull the chicken apart gently in the slow cooker. This way, the meat absorbs more sauce and stays moist. To enhance flavor, consider adding more spices. You might try red pepper flakes for heat. Fresh herbs, like parsley or thyme, can brighten the dish. Using fresh herbs like basil makes a big difference. Dried herbs are good too, but fresh gives a vibrant taste. If you use dried herbs, remember to cut the amount in half. For a great presentation, serve this dish in deep bowls. Twirl the pasta or rice for a nice look. A sprinkle of extra mozzarella adds charm and taste. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for color and aroma. This small touch makes your meal inviting and appealing. Pro Tips Choose Quality Tomatoes: Opt for San Marzano tomatoes for a richer flavor that elevates your dish significantly. Fresh Basil Matters: Use fresh basil instead of dried for a vibrant taste; add it at the end to maintain its aromatic qualities. Layering Flavors: Sautéing onions and garlic before adding them to the slow cooker intensifies the overall flavor of the dish. Cheese Addition Timing: Add cheese in the last 15 minutes of cooking to ensure it melts perfectly without becoming tough. {{image_4}} - Chicken alternatives: You can swap chicken breasts for thighs. They are juicier and add flavor. - Vegetarian options: Use tofu or beans instead of chicken. Tofu absorbs flavors well, while beans add protein. - Adding other herbs: Try oregano or thyme for a new taste. These herbs pair well with tomato and basil. - Spicing things up: If you like heat, add cayenne or red pepper flakes. These spices give your dish a kick. - Pasta types to try: Fettuccine or penne work great. They hold the sauce well and make each bite flavorful. - Alternative grains: Quinoa or couscous provide a nice twist. They are healthy and add a different texture to your meal. To keep your Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken fresh, cool it down quickly. Place it in a shallow dish to speed up cooling. Store it in an airtight container. This dish stays fresh for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Always check for an off smell or color before eating. For longer storage, freeze your chicken. First, let it cool to room temperature. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Be sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can stay frozen for up to 3 months. To enjoy again, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until it is hot all the way through. You can prep this dish in advance for easy meals. Cook the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then store them separately. This method helps keep the chicken moist. Use any leftovers creatively! Try it in sandwiches, on salads, or in wraps for a quick lunch. You can also mix it with veggies and serve it over rice for a twist. You can store this dish in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Make sure to keep it in a sealed container. This helps keep it fresh and safe to eat. Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just adjust the cooking time. Cook on high for 5 to 6 hours or low for 8 to 10 hours. This ensures the chicken cooks all the way through. This dish pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Cooked fettuccine or penne pasta - Fluffy rice or quinoa - A fresh green salad These sides add balance to the meal. Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as written. Use gluten-free pasta if you want to serve it with pasta. Always check labels on ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free. You can use other cheeses if you like. Here are some good options: - Provolone for a sharper flavor - Fontina for a creamy texture - Parmesan for a salty kick Each cheese melts differently, so keep that in mind while cooking. This blog post covered how to make Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken. You learned about the main ingredients like chicken, tomatoes, and basil. We explained how to prepare and cook everything step-by-step. I shared tips for tender chicken, flavor boosts, and serving ideas. You also found storage tips to keep your dish fresh. In summary, this recipe is simple and versatile. You can customize it to fit your taste. Enjoy cooking and sharing this delicious dish!

Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken Delight

A comforting slow cooker dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in crushed tomatoes and fresh basil, topped with melted mozzarella cheese.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 8 hours
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 28 oz crushed tomatoes, preferably San Marzano
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, finely chopped
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • serving cooked pasta or fluffy rice for serving

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Chicken: Begin by rubbing each chicken breast with olive oil. Generously season both sides with sea salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning to infuse flavor.
  • Sauté Aromatics: In a medium-sized skillet, heat over medium flame. Add the finely diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onions become translucent and soft, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Combine in Slow Cooker: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer for even cooking. Pour the crushed tomatoes over the chicken and add the sautéed onion and garlic mixture. Stir in the chopped basil, saving a handful of basil leaves for garnishing after cooking.
  • Cooking Time: Cover the slow cooker with a lid and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
  • Shred the Chicken: Approximately 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Stir well to evenly coat the shredded chicken with the rich tomato sauce.
  • Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the chicken mixture. Cover the slow cooker again and allow the cheese to melt for the last 15 minutes of cooking.
  • Serve: Plate the luscious chicken mixture over your choice of cooked pasta or rice for a comforting meal. Garnish with the reserved fresh basil leaves.

Notes

For an enticing presentation, serve in deep bowls, twirling the pasta or rice with a fork for an elegant look.
Keyword basil, chicken, mozzarella, slow cooker, tomato