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Crockpot Pesto Chicken Recipe

Crockpot Pesto Chicken Recipe

5.1 from 24 reviews

This Crockpot Pesto Chicken recipe is a simple and flavorful slow-cooked dish featuring tender chicken breasts infused with Italian seasoning and rich pesto sauce. Perfect for a hands-off meal, it comes together in the crockpot and is served with fresh chopped Roma tomatoes and grated Parmesan, making it a delicious and easy option for family dinners or meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 lbs chicken breasts, skinless and boneless
  • 2 tbsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup pesto
  • Sea salt and black pepper to taste

For Serving

  • 4 tbsp pesto
  • 1 Roma tomato, chopped
  • 2 tbsp Parmesan, grated

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts into the crockpot, seasoning each piece evenly with Italian seasoning, sea salt, and black pepper on all sides to build a well-rounded flavor base.
  2. Add Pesto: Spoon the pesto sauce over the chicken breasts, spreading it thoroughly to cover all surfaces of the chicken, ensuring deep flavor penetration during cooking.
  3. Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 4 to 5 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Around the 2-hour mark, check the moisture level; if the chicken appears dry, add a small amount of vegetable broth to keep it moist and continue to monitor periodically.
  4. Serve: Once cooking is complete, spread an additional tablespoon of pesto per chicken breast on top. Garnish with chopped Roma tomato and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan. Serve hot alongside your choice of rice, potatoes, pasta, or vegetables for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Check moisture levels halfway through cooking; add vegetable broth if needed to prevent the chicken from drying out.
  • You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier result, adjusting cooking times accordingly.
  • Feel free to use store-bought or homemade pesto depending on availability and preference.
  • This dish pairs well with a variety of sides including pasta, roasted vegetables, or creamy mashed potatoes.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: Crockpot pesto chicken, slow cooker chicken recipe, easy dinner, Italian chicken, pesto chicken