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Dump and Go Creamy Tomato Basil Chicken - A Cozy, No-Fuss Dinner

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
  • 1 (24–26 oz) jar tomato basil pasta sauce, or 3 cups homemade marinara
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for richer flavor)
  • Optional add-ins: 1 cup baby spinach, 1 cup sliced mushrooms, or 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes

Method
 

  1. Choose your method: You can bake this in the oven or use a slow cooker. For the oven, preheat to 375°F (190°C). For the slow cooker, set aside and follow the same dump-and-go steps.
  2. Prep the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the tomato basil sauce, heavy cream, garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Stir in Parmesan.
  3. Layer the chicken: Place chicken breasts or thighs in a 9x13-inch baking dish or in the slow cooker insert. If they are very thick, slice breasts horizontally into cutlets for quicker, more even cooking.
  4. Add extras (optional): Scatter spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes over the chicken.
  5. Pour and coat: Pour the creamy tomato mixture over the chicken, making sure each piece is coated. Sprinkle with half the fresh basil.
  6. Cook: Oven: Bake uncovered for 25–35 minutes for cutlets, or 35–45 minutes for whole breasts/thighs, until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.
  7. Slow cooker: Cook on Low for 3–4 hours or High for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
  8. Finish: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or Parmesan. Stir in the remaining basil.
  9. Serve: Spoon over pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or zucchini noodles. Garnish with extra Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil if you like.