Pin it
This Crockpot Pesto Chicken recipe is a true kitchen hero, offering a delicious and healthy meal with minimal fuss. The slow cooker does all the work, resulting in incredibly tender and flavorful chicken infused with the vibrant taste of pesto. It's a fantastic option for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or any occasion when you want a satisfying and nutritious dish.
Gathering Your Ingredients
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Provide a lean protein source. You can also use chicken thighs for a juicier result.
- Italian Seasoning, Sea Salt, and Black Pepper: Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken.
- Pesto: Use your favorite store-bought pesto or make your own with fresh basil, olive oil, pine nuts, and parmesan cheese.
- Roma Tomato, Chopped: Adds a fresh, vibrant touch.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (or Nutritional Yeast): Provides a salty, savory topping. Use nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
Pin it
Cooking Instructions
- Seasoning the Chicken:
- Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Season generously with Italian seasoning, sea salt, and black pepper on all sides.
- Adding the Pesto:
- Cover the chicken breasts with pesto, ensuring they are fully coated. The pesto will infuse the chicken with its vibrant flavor.
- Cooking the Chicken:
- Cook on low heat for 4-5 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through. Check the chicken after 2 hours to ensure it's not drying out. If necessary, add a little vegetable broth to maintain moisture.
- Serving the Chicken:
- Once cooked, top each chicken breast with an additional tablespoon of pesto, chopped Roma tomato, and grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast). Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
This crockpot pesto chicken has become a staple in my meal rotation. It's so easy to prepare, and the flavors are always a hit with my family. I love how versatile it is, pairing well with a variety of side dishes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this crockpot pesto chicken with brown rice, cauliflower rice, pasta, roasted vegetables, salad, mashed potatoes, or baked potatoes.
Creative Variations
Use chicken thighs for a juicier and more flavorful result. Add sliced zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach to the crockpot for extra nutrition and flavor. Sear the chicken in a skillet before adding it to the crockpot for added flavor.
Pin it
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover crockpot pesto chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
This crockpot pesto chicken is a fantastic and flavorful meal that's perfect for any occasion. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
- While it's always safest to use thawed chicken in a slow cooker, you can use frozen chicken breasts if necessary. Add about 2 hours to the cooking time and make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- → What kind of pesto works best for this recipe?
- Traditional basil pesto works wonderfully, but feel free to experiment with other varieties like sun-dried tomato pesto or kale pesto. You can use store-bought or homemade—both will give excellent results.
- → Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
- Yes, look for a dairy-free pesto (or make your own without cheese) and skip the parmesan topping. You could substitute nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
- → What sides pair well with Crockpot Pesto Chicken?
- For a low-carb meal, serve with roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or cauliflower rice. If carbs aren't a concern, it pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or roasted potatoes.
- → How can I store and reheat leftovers?
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. This chicken also freezes well for up to 3 months.