Simple Slow Cooker Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes & Basil Recipe

Nestled within your kitchen, a magical slow cooker chicken recipe promises delightful Mediterranean flavors.

Summers in Italy inspired this simple yet remarkable dish.

Bright cherry tomatoes burst with natural sweetness alongside tender chicken pieces.

Fragrant basil leaves dance through the sauce, creating an irresistible aroma.

Fresh ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a meal that feels both comforting and elegant.

Home cooks will adore how effortlessly this recipe comes together with minimal preparation.

Each bite transports you to a sunlit Italian countryside terrace.

You’ll want to savor every delicious morsel of this incredible meal.

Variations That Use Other Herbs and Veggies

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb, gluten-free alternative that keeps the dish light and nutritious.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Swap chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to create a plant-based version that maintains the recipe's rich flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Version: Omit Parmesan cheese or use nutritional yeast as a cheese substitute for those avoiding dairy while still enjoying a savory topping.
• Spicy Herb Variation: Add smoked paprika or swap red pepper flakes with harissa paste to intensify the dish's heat and introduce a different herbal complexity.

FAQs About Tomato Basil Chicken

• Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but thaw it completely first for even cooking and food safety. Frozen chicken will increase cooking time by about 30-45 minutes.

• What can I substitute if I don't have fresh basil?

You can use dried basil, which works well in slow cooker dishes. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried basil for every 1/4 cup of fresh basil the recipe calls for.

• Is it okay to remove the chicken skin before cooking?

Absolutely! Removing the skin can reduce fat and calories. The chicken will still remain moist and flavorful from the broth and tomatoes.

• Can I make this recipe with boneless chicken breasts instead of bone-in chicken?

Yes, boneless chicken breasts work great. Just reduce the cooking time by about 30-45 minutes to prevent overcooking, as they tend to dry out faster than bone-in chicken.

Why This Slow Cooker Chicken Bursts with Fresh Flavor

• Simple preparation means minimal hands-on time, perfect for busy families seeking delicious meals without complicated cooking techniques.
• Flexible dish allows serving over pasta, rice, or with toasted bread, making it adaptable to different preferences and pantry ingredients.
• Slow cooker method delivers tender, flavorful chicken in just 2.5-3.5 hours on high setting, providing a convenient meal solution for time-pressed home cooks.
• Combination of cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and aromatic herbs creates a vibrant, restaurant-quality dish that tastes like it took hours to prepare.

What Goes into the Cherry Tomato and Basil Mix

• Chicken: Tender, lean protein that serves as the main dish, best with bone-in or boneless chicken thighs or breasts.

• Garlic, Onion: Provide depth of flavor and aromatic base for the dish.
• Oregano, Salt, Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Essential spices that enhance the overall taste and add a mild heat.

• Cherry Tomatoes: Adds bright, sweet acidity and juiciness to the chicken.
• Fresh Basil: Brings a fresh, herbal note when stirred in at the end of cooking.

• Olive Oil: Helps distribute flavors and prevents sticking, choose extra virgin for best taste.
• Chicken Broth or White Wine: Provides moisture and additional flavor complexity.

• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, umami finish to the dish.

• Pasta, Rice, Toasted Bread: Ideal base for catching the flavorful sauce.

Cooking Chicken That’s Juicy and Herb-Packed

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Base

Place whole or cut chicken pieces at the bottom of your slow cooker, ensuring even distribution.

Step 2: Layer Aromatic Ingredients

• Cherry tomatoes
• Minced garlic
• Diced onion
• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes

Step 3: Enhance Flavor Profile

Drizzle olive oil generously over the ingredients and pour chicken broth or white wine to create a delectable cooking liquid.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low temperature for 5-6 hours or high temperature for 2.5-3.5 hours until chicken becomes incredibly tender and easily pulls apart.

Step 5: Finish with Fresh Herbs

Sprinkle freshly chopped basil leaves over the cooked chicken just before serving to add a bright, aromatic touch.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

• Pasta
• Rice
• Toasted bread

Optional: Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness.

Tips to Keep Tomatoes Tender and Not Mushy

• Prevent Dry Chicken: Use bone-in chicken thighs or chicken breasts to maintain moisture during slow cooking, ensuring tender and juicy meat.
• Boost Flavor Intensity: Briefly sear chicken before placing in slow cooker to develop deeper, richer caramelized flavor profiles.
• Customize Herb Selection: Swap fresh basil with dried herbs like thyme or rosemary if fresh herbs aren't available, maintaining similar aromatic qualities.
• Accommodate Dietary Needs: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter version or use gluten-free alternatives for pasta to suit different dietary restrictions.
• Enhance Sauce Consistency: Remove chicken during last 30 minutes and reduce sauce on high heat if you prefer a thicker, more concentrated tomato sauce.

Reheating Chicken While Preserving the Sauce

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled chicken to freezer-safe containers or bags, removing excess air, and freeze for up to 3 months for later enjoyment.
• Warm chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying and maintain moisture.
• Reheat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and prevent tough, rubbery texture.

What Complements This Light, Savory Meal

• Crisp sauvignon blanc cuts through the rich chicken and complements the bright cherry tomatoes, enhancing the dish's herbal notes.
• Crusty sourdough or ciabatta perfectly soaks up the savory tomato broth, adding delightful textural contrast to the tender chicken.
• Fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the meal's warmth, providing a light, peppery counterpoint to the slow-cooked chicken.
• Gin-based drink with fresh basil and tonic water mirrors the recipe's herbal undertones, creating a refreshing beverage pairing.

Slow Cooker Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes & Basil Recipe

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4.5 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Succulent slow cooker chicken with cherry tomatoes & basil brings Mediterranean sunshine to weeknight dinners. Fresh herbs and juicy tomatoes meld into a simple yet elegant meal you’ll want to savor again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Produce:

• 3 cups cherry tomatoes (whole or halved)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped (plus more for garnish)

Seasonings and Liquids:

• ¼ cup chicken broth or white wine
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Optional Topping:

• Grated Parmesan for serving

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Instructions

1. Arrange whole chicken pieces in the base of the slow cooker, creating an even layer.
2. Scatter cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, diced onions, and sprinkle dried oregano across the chicken.
3. Season generously with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.
4. Gently drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the ingredients to enhance flavor and moisture.
5. Pour chicken broth or white wine carefully to ensure ingredients are slightly submerged.
6. Secure the lid and set slow cooker to low temperature, allowing ingredients to simmer and infuse for 5-6 hours.
7. Check chicken’s internal temperature and tenderness midway through cooking, ensuring even heat distribution.
8. When chicken reaches perfect tenderness, turn off heat and let rest for 10 minutes.
9. Tear fresh basil leaves and gently fold into the cooking liquid, releasing aromatic herbs.
10. Transfer chicken and tomato mixture to serving platter, creating an elegant presentation.
11. Recommend serving atop warm pasta, fluffy rice, or alongside crusty artisan bread.
12. Optional: Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for additional richness and depth.

Notes

• Swap chicken breasts with thighs for extra moisture and richer flavor, preventing dry meat during slow cooking.
• Use fresh herbs from your garden or windowsill to enhance the aroma and bring vibrant, just-picked taste to the dish.
• For gluten-free options, serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of traditional pasta or bread.
• Remove chicken skin before cooking to reduce fat content and create a lighter, healthier meal without compromising taste.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 hours
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg