Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken with Tomato and Basil

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

Juicy chicken thighs slow-cooked in a fragrant tomato sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil, dairy-free and Whole30 compliant. This italian-inspired whole30 (dairy-free, paleo) ready in about 375 minutes pairs chopped sun-dried tomatoes, can diced tomatoes, full-fat coconut milk for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 6, 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 6 Italian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In the slow cooker, combine 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes, 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, 3/4 cup full-fat coconut milk, 1/2 cup chicken broth, 5 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried basil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir well to blend.
  2. Step 2: Place 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 2 lbs) into the tomato mixture, coating them in the sauce.
  3. Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender and cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Once done, remove the lid and cook on high for an additional 15 minutes to thicken the sauce slightly.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves just before serving for a fresh, aromatic finish.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken with Tomato and Basil 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 Cooker Marry Me Chicken with Tomato and Basil?

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 chopped sun-dried tomatoes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken with Tomato and Basil?

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 Cooker Marry Me Chicken with Tomato and Basil for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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.

Is Slow Cooker Marry Me Chicken with Tomato and Basil dairy-free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged dairy-free, paleo based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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