Slow-Cooked Tomato-Basil Chicken with Herbed Rice

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken thighs simmer in a vibrant tomato-basil broth, served over fragrant rice cooked with fresh herbs. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 375 minutes pairs chicken thighs, chicken broth, diced tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 360 min Serves 4 American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 1.5 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs in a slow cooker, then add 1 cup chicken broth, 1 cup diced tomatoes, 2 tbsp fresh basil, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper; stir to combine.
  2. Step 2: Mix 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice with 1 1/2 cups water and 1 tbsp olive oil in a small bowl, then pour over chicken mixture.
  3. Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 6 hours until chicken is fork-tender and rice is fully cooked.
  4. Step 4: Gently stir to combine, then sprinkle with 1/4 cup fresh parsley before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Tomato-Basil Chicken with Herbed Rice take to make?

Total time is about 375 minutes (15 min prep + 360 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Slow-Cooked Tomato-Basil Chicken with Herbed Rice?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Tomato-Basil Chicken with Herbed Rice?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Slow-Cooked Tomato-Basil Chicken with Herbed Rice for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Slow-Cooked Tomato-Basil Chicken with Herbed Rice?

American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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