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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 cups crushed tomatoes - 1 medium onion, diced - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - Cooked pasta or rice The chicken breasts are the star of this dish. They soak up all the flavors while cooking. Crushed tomatoes add rich taste and a nice sauce. Fresh basil gives a sweet and herbal note that brightens the dish. Onions and garlic add depth and a warm aroma. Olive oil brings healthy fat and helps with cooking. Oregano adds a hint of earthiness. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. Finally, mozzarella cheese adds creaminess when served. When picking chicken, look for bright color and no strong smell. For tomatoes, choose ones that are ripe and have a sweet scent. Fresh basil should look vibrant and green, with no brown spots. Pick firm onions and garlic bulbs that feel heavy for their size. Always check for the freshest ingredients to boost taste and nutrition. To start, gather all your ingredients. You need: - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 cups crushed tomatoes - 1 medium onion, diced - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - Cooked pasta or rice Begin by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes. You want the onion to be soft and clear. Then, add minced garlic and cook for another minute. The smell will be amazing! Now, take your slow cooker. Place the chicken breasts at the bottom. Pour the onion and garlic mixture over them. Add in the crushed tomatoes, chopped basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently so the chicken is well-covered with the sauce. Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat for 6-7 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours. Check that the chicken is tender and fully cooked. Once the cooking time is up, it’s time to shred the chicken. Use two forks to pull the chicken apart right in the slow cooker. Mix it well with the sauce. Serve this tasty tomato basil chicken over cooked pasta or rice. For an extra treat, sprinkle on some shredded mozzarella cheese. You can also add more fresh basil on top for color and flavor. Enjoy your meal! To boost the taste of your Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken, try adding some fresh herbs. Fresh thyme or parsley can give your dish a bright kick. You can also splash a bit of balsamic vinegar for tang. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes. They add warmth without overpowering the dish. Always taste and adjust as you go. A little salt can also bring out the flavors. For tender chicken, cook it low and slow. This way, the meat absorbs all the juices and flavors. If you prefer a thicker sauce, let the dish cook a bit longer without the lid. Also, shredding the chicken in the sauce helps mix in the flavors and keeps the meat moist. Pair this dish with pasta or rice to soak up that delicious sauce. One common mistake is overcooking the chicken. It can become dry and tough. Stick to the cooking times for the best results. Another mistake is not seasoning enough. Always season your chicken before adding everything else. Lastly, avoid skipping the sauté step for onions and garlic. This step builds a strong flavor base for your dish. {{image_2}} You can easily add vegetables to your Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken. Start with bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. These veggies add great color and nutrients. Cut them into bite-sized pieces. Toss them in with the chicken and sauce. They cook well and soak up flavor. Another option is to add carrots. Slice them thin for quick cooking. You can even use frozen peas towards the end of cooking. They will keep their bright color and crunch. Adding veggies makes the dish more filling and healthy. This recipe can fit gluten-free or low-carb diets. For gluten-free, just serve the chicken over rice or gluten-free pasta. Check labels to ensure they are safe. If you want low-carb, skip the pasta. Instead, serve the chicken over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Both options taste great and keep carbs low. You can still enjoy the rich sauce and flavors. You can switch out the chicken for other proteins. Try using turkey breasts for a leaner option. Pork tenderloin also works well. Just adjust the cooking time. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, use chickpeas or lentils. These proteins absorb the sauce well. You can also use firm tofu. Just press and cube it before adding it to the slow cooker. Each of these options keeps the dish tasty and satisfying. You can store your Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken in the fridge. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh for up to four days. Make sure the chicken is cooled before sealing. This helps prevent moisture and keeps flavors strong. Freezing is a great option for this dish. Allow the chicken to cool completely. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It will stay fresh for about three months. When you are ready to eat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat your chicken gently to keep it moist. You can use the microwave or stove. If using the stove, heat it on low. Stir occasionally to avoid burning. Add a splash of water or broth if it seems dry. This will help revive the great flavors. You can store Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure to put it in an airtight container. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it. In the freezer, it stays good for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw it overnight in the fridge. Yes, you can! If you don’t have a slow cooker, use a large pot. Start by sautéing the onions and garlic as you would in the slow cooker. Then, add everything else to the pot. Cover and simmer on low heat for about 30 to 40 minutes. Check the chicken to make sure it is cooked through. This dish pairs well with cooked pasta or rice. The tomato sauce adds great flavor to both. You can also serve it with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Don’t forget to sprinkle some extra mozzarella cheese on top for that creamy touch! In this blog, we explored how to make Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken. We covered key ingredients and how to choose fresh ones. I provided step-by-step instructions for preparing and cooking. I shared tips to enhance flavor and avoid common mistakes. You can also try fun variations and learn storage tips for leftovers. Remember, cooking should be simple and fun. Use fresh ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy your meal!

Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken

Discover the deliciousness of Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken, a meal that's easy to prepare and bursting with flavor! This comforting dish combines tender chicken with crushed tomatoes, fresh basil, and savory spices, making it perfect for any night of the week. Serve it over pasta or rice for a satisfying dinner. Click through for the full recipe and make this crowd-pleaser tonight!
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Ingredients
  

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

2 cups crushed tomatoes (canned or fresh)

1 medium onion, diced

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for serving)

Cooked pasta or rice (for serving)

Instructions
 

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.

    In the slow cooker, place the chicken breasts at the bottom. Pour the sautéed onions and garlic over the chicken.

      Add the crushed tomatoes, chopped basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to mix the ingredients, ensuring the chicken is covered with the tomato mixture.

        Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

          Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken within the slow cooker, mixing it with the sauce.

            Serve the tomato basil chicken over cooked pasta or rice, and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese and additional fresh basil if desired.

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