Tender Slow Cooker Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes & Basil Recipe

Juicy Slow Cooker Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes & Basil Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand effortless magic, and this slow cooker chicken with cherry tomatoes and basil delivers pure comfort.

Succulent chicken transforms under gentle slow cooker warmth, creating a mouthwatering meal that speaks directly to hunger pangs.

Ripe cherry tomatoes burst with sweet juiciness, infusing each tender bite with vibrant Mediterranean charm.

Fresh basil adds an aromatic whisper that dances through the rich, hearty sauce.

Minimum effort yields maximum flavor in this simple yet elegant dish.

The combination of simple ingredients promises a dinner that feels both sophisticated and deeply satisfying.

Prepare to be amazed by how a few straightforward ingredients can create such a memorable meal.

Cooking Slow Cooker Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes the Right Way

  • Prep the Slow Cooker Magic

Layer chicken at the bottom of your slow cooker, creating a delicious foundation for an amazing meal.

  • Sprinkle Flavor Bombs

Scatter cherry tomatoes, crushed garlic, diced onions, and a sprinkle of oregano over the chicken. Season generously with salt, pepper, and a kick of red pepper flakes.

  • Drench in Liquid Gold

Drizzle olive oil across the ingredients and splash chicken broth or white wine to keep everything moist and juicy.

  • Let the Slow Cooker Work Its Charm

Cover and let the cooker transform your ingredients on low heat for 5-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the chicken becomes fork-tender and falling apart.

  • Fresh Finish

Stir in vibrant, chopped fresh basil right before serving to add a burst of herbal brightness.

  • Serve and Enjoy

Plate your creation over pasta, rice, or alongside crusty toasted bread. Optional: Shower with grated Parmesan for extra deliciousness.

Flavor Tweaks for Freshness in Every Bite

  • Let chicken rest in the slow cooker for 10-15 minutes after cooking to ensure maximum juiciness and prevent dryness.
  • Choose ripe, firm cherry tomatoes for the best burst of flavor and texture in the dish.
  • Swap Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or omit cheese completely for a dairy-free version of the recipe.
  • Experiment with different fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley if basil isn't available or to create a unique flavor profile.
  • Replace pasta or rice with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter, low-carbohydrate meal that's just as delicious.

Serve Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes Over Pasta or Rice

  • Pasta Paradise: Ladle the tender chicken and vibrant sauce over your favorite pasta, allowing the juices to coat each strand for a rich, comforting meal.
  • Rustic Bread Companion: Toast thick slices of crusty bread and use them to soak up the flavorful tomato and herb-infused broth, creating a satisfying and rustic dining experience.
  • Fresh Garden Bowl: Serve atop a bed of mixed greens or quinoa for a lighter option that highlights the fresh basil and cherry tomatoes, adding extra nutrition and texture to the dish.
  • Cheese Lover's Dream: Generously sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken, creating a salty, creamy topping that complements the bright, herbal flavors of the dish.

Storing and Reheating Without Overcooking the Chicken

  • Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making each bite even more delicious.
  • Carefully transfer cooled chicken to freezer-safe containers. Seal tightly and freeze for maximum 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Low and slow heat helps maintain the chicken's tender texture and vibrant tomato sauce.
  • Prepare double batches and portion into individual containers for quick weekday lunches. This dish tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for busy schedules.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 5 hours

Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 220 kcal

Servings: 7

What You’ll Need for Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes & Basil

For Base Protein:
  • Chicken: Succulent meat that becomes tender and flavorful when slow-cooked, choose bone-in or boneless chicken thighs for richer taste and moisture.
For Aromatic and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Cherry Tomatoes, Garlic, Onion: Burst of sweetness and depth from ripe cherry tomatoes, fresh garlic for intense aroma, and onions for a subtle, savory base.
  • Oregano, Red Pepper Flakes, Salt, Pepper: Herbs and spices that create a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile, with oregano adding earthy notes and red pepper flakes providing gentle heat.
For Liquid and Finishing Touches:
  • Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps distribute flavors throughout the dish, choose extra virgin for best taste.
  • Chicken Broth or White Wine: Provides moisture and adds complexity to the sauce, white wine introduces a subtle acidity.
  • Fresh Basil: Bright, aromatic herb that adds freshness and color when stirred in just before serving.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Optional garnish that brings a salty, nutty finish to the dish.

Tools to Help This Slow Cooker Chicken Stay Bright

  • Slow Cooker: Essential for cooking the chicken and creating a tender, flavorful dish.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for preparing garlic, onion, and basil.
  • Chef's Knife: Perfect for chopping ingredients precisely.
  • Measuring Spoons: Help accurately measure salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and serving the chicken.
  • Serving Platter or Individual Plates: To present the finished dish over pasta, rice, or bread.
Print
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Tender Slow Cooker Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes & Basil Recipe

Tender Slow Cooker Chicken with Cherry Tomatoes & Basil Recipe

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4.6 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x
Print Recipe

Description

Succulent slow cooker chicken with cherry tomatoes & basil delivers Mediterranean comfort straight to dinner tables. Juicy chicken nestles among sweet roasted tomatoes and fresh basil, promising a simple yet elegant meal you’ll crave again and again.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs (907 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 3 cups (450 g) cherry tomatoes (whole or halved)
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) chicken broth or white wine
  • ¼ cup (15 g) fresh basil, chopped (plus more for garnish)
  • 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Optional: Grated Parmesan for serving

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Nestle chicken pieces evenly across the bottom of the slow cooker, creating a uniform base layer.
  2. Seasoning: Generously scatter cherry tomatoes, minced garlic, diced onion, dried oregano, salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and red pepper flakes over the chicken, ensuring even distribution.
  3. Liquid Infusion: Drizzle extra virgin olive oil across the surface and gently pour chicken broth or white wine, allowing the liquid to seep between ingredients and enhance overall flavor profile.
  4. Slow Cooking: Secure lid and allow chicken to simmer on low temperature for 5-6 hours or high temperature for 2.5-3.5 hours, ensuring meat becomes supremely tender and ingredients meld harmoniously.
  5. Finishing Touch: Moments before serving, delicately fold in freshly chopped basil leaves, releasing their aromatic essence and brightening the dish’s character.
  6. Serving Suggestions: Present the succulent chicken and herb-infused sauce atop pasta, fluffy rice, or alongside rustic toasted bread, optionally garnishing with a sprinkle of aged Parmesan cheese for added depth and richness.

Notes

  • Choose bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or breasts to ensure juicy, flavorful meat during slow cooking.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes according to personal heat preference, adding gradually for controlled spiciness.
  • Add fresh basil at the very end of cooking to maintain its bright flavor and vibrant green color.
  • Use just enough chicken broth to keep chicken moist without making the dish too watery, typically 1/2 to 3/4 cup for most slow cooker sizes.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 hours
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

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Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

Classical & Contemporary Cooking Techniques, Global Cuisine Appreciation, Nutrition & Menu Engineering, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Farm-to-Table Cuisine

Education

Southwestern Oregon Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts, Associate of Applied Science
  • Focus: Emphasis on mastering core culinary competencies, like safety and sanitation, hot, cold, and pastry techniques, while cultivating appreciation of global cuisines and developing operational skills in nutrition, menu design, costing, purchasing, and supervisory management.

Michael grew up in Oregon, where he learned early that food tastes better when it’s fresh, local, and made with care. 

After earning his degree from the Southwestern Oregon Community College, he focused his career on teaching others how to cook with the seasons, reduce food waste, and reconnect with what’s on their plate.

Michael keeps his cooking simple, sustainable, and full of flavor. His favorite part of the process? Watching people realize how easy and satisfying it can be to cook a single great meal from scratch.

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