Are you craving a mouth-watering, restaurant-quality meal without spending hours in the kitchen? Get ready to revolutionize your dinner routine with this incredibly easy Tomato Basil Chicken that practically cooks itself! In just minutes of prep time, you'll create a tender, flavor-packed dish that will have your family begging for seconds. This foolproof recipe transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet Italian-inspired meal that looks like you've been slaving away in the kitchen all day - but our little secret is the magic of the slow cooker!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 hrs
Total Time: 5 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Gather 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will help achieve better flavor and texture during cooking.
- In a slow cooker, place the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom. Make sure they are not overlapping to ensure even cooking.
- Open the can of diced tomatoes and pour it over the chicken breasts. Make sure the tomatoes are evenly distributed to cover the chicken.
- Next, sprinkle 1 teaspoon of garlic powder evenly over the chicken and tomatoes. This will infuse the dish with a rich garlic flavor.
- Chop 1/4 cup of fresh basil and sprinkle it over the top of the chicken and tomatoes. The fresh basil will add a fragrant and flavorful element to the dish.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Start with a pinch of each and adjust according to your preference later on.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to low heat. Allow the chicken to cook for about 5 hours. This slow cooking method will make the chicken tender and allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
- After 5 hours, check the chicken for doneness. It should be fully cooked and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If it’s not quite there, you can let it cook for an additional 30 minutes.
- Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a serving platter. Use two forks to shred the chicken if desired, or serve the breasts whole.
- Stir the remaining sauce in the slow cooker to combine the tomatoes and basil. You can pour this sauce over the chicken on the platter for added flavor.
- Garnish with additional fresh basil if desired, and serve the Lazy Slow Cooker Tomato Basil Chicken with your choice of sides, such as rice, pasta, or a fresh green salad.
- Enjoy your delicious and effortless Italian-inspired meal!
Tips
- Pat the chicken breasts dry before cooking to ensure better flavor absorption and prevent excess moisture.
- Layer chicken in a single layer without overlapping for even cooking.
- Use fresh basil if possible - it makes a significant difference in flavor compared to dried herbs.
- Check chicken's internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (75°C) for food safety.
- For extra flavor, you can briefly sear the chicken breasts in a hot pan before placing them in the slow cooker.
- If the sauce seems too thin after cooking, you can thicken it by mixing a little cornstarch with cold water and stirring it in.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 210kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 31g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 85mg
