Crock Pot Pesto Chicken: Easy & Delicious Recipe

Crock Pot Pesto Chicken: Imagine coming home after a long day to the aroma of tender, flavorful chicken simmering in a vibrant pesto sauce. Sounds divine, doesn’t it? This isn’t just a weeknight dinner; it’s a culinary hug in a bowl, and the best part? It practically cooks itself!

While pesto itself boasts a rich history rooted in Genoa, Italy, where it was traditionally made with basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil, its versatility has allowed it to travel the world and adapt to countless dishes. Pairing it with chicken in a slow cooker is a modern twist, a testament to our desire for convenience without sacrificing flavor. This method allows the pesto to deeply infuse the chicken, creating a symphony of taste that’s both comforting and exciting.

People adore Crock Pot Pesto Chicken for several reasons. First, the ease of preparation is undeniable. Simply toss the ingredients into your crock pot, set it, and forget it! Second, the flavor profile is a crowd-pleaser. The herbaceous pesto complements the chicken beautifully, creating a savory and satisfying meal. And finally, the texture is simply perfect – the chicken becomes incredibly tender and moist, practically melting in your mouth. Whether you’re a busy parent, a seasoned chef, or just someone looking for a delicious and effortless dinner, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 – 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 (15 ounce) jar pesto
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooked pasta, rice, or quinoa for serving (optional)
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Chicken and Sauce

1. First, grab your chicken breasts. You can use fresh or frozen, but if they’re frozen, make sure to thaw them completely before you start. Pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps the pesto and seasonings stick better.
2. Now, let’s get those chicken breasts seasoned! In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. I usually go pretty generous with the garlic powder because, well, who doesn’t love garlic? Sprinkle this mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts. Don’t be shy – really rub it in there!
3. Next, open that jar of pesto. Oh, the smell of fresh basil and pine nuts! Spread a generous layer of pesto over the top of each chicken breast. I like to use about half the jar at this stage, reserving the rest for later. Make sure the chicken is nicely coated; this is where a lot of the flavor comes from.
4. Now, it’s time to add the diced tomatoes. Pour the entire can of diced tomatoes (undrained – we want that juice!) over the chicken breasts. The tomatoes will add a nice acidity and moisture to the dish as it cooks.
5. Pour in the chicken broth. This will help keep the chicken moist and create a delicious sauce. You can use low-sodium chicken broth if you’re watching your salt intake.
6. Finally, sprinkle the 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese over everything. The Parmesan will melt into the sauce and add a lovely cheesy flavor.

Cooking Process in the Crock Pot

1. Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts into your crock pot. Make sure they’re not overlapping too much, so they cook evenly. If you have a smaller crock pot, you might need to cut the chicken breasts in half.
2. Cover the crock pot with the lid. Now, here’s the important part: cooking time! You have two options:
   • Low and Slow: Cook on low for 6-8 hours. This is my preferred method because it allows the chicken to become incredibly tender and the flavors to meld together beautifully.
   • High and Fast: Cook on high for 3-4 hours. This is a good option if you’re short on time, but be careful not to overcook the chicken, or it will become dry.
3. While the chicken is cooking, resist the urge to lift the lid! Every time you lift the lid, you release heat and moisture, which can prolong the cooking time.
4. Once the chicken is cooked through (it should be easily shredded with a fork), remove it from the crock pot and place it on a cutting board.
5. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This is the best part – seeing that tender, flavorful chicken fall apart!
6. Return the shredded chicken to the crock pot.
7. Now, remember that remaining pesto? Stir it into the crock pot with the shredded chicken and sauce. This will add an extra burst of fresh pesto flavor.
8. Give everything a good stir to make sure the chicken is evenly coated in the sauce.
9. Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for another 15-20 minutes on low. This will allow the flavors to meld together even more.

Serving Suggestions

1. While the chicken is simmering, prepare your serving base. I love serving this pesto chicken over cooked pasta, especially penne or rotini. But it’s also delicious over rice, quinoa, or even mashed potatoes. You could even serve it in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option!
2. To serve, spoon a generous portion of the pesto chicken over your chosen base.
3. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves. The Parmesan adds a salty, cheesy flavor, and the basil adds a pop of freshness.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips and Variations

• Add Vegetables: Feel free to add some vegetables to the crock pot along with the chicken. Some good options include bell peppers, onions, zucchini, or mushrooms. Just chop them up and add them in at the beginning of the cooking process.
• Use Different Types of Pesto: There are so many different types of pesto available these days! Try using sun-dried tomato pesto, kale pesto, or even a homemade pesto.
• Spice it Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the crock pot along with the other seasonings.
• Make it Creamy: For a creamier sauce, stir in a dollop of cream cheese or sour cream at the end of the cooking process.
• Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Sun-dried tomatoes add a chewy texture and intense flavor to the dish. Add about 1/2 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the crock pot along with the other ingredients.
• Use Chicken Thighs: If you prefer chicken thighs, you can use them instead of chicken breasts. Chicken thighs are generally more flavorful and stay more moist during the cooking process.
• Make it Ahead: This pesto chicken is a great make-ahead meal. You can prepare it in the morning and let it cook all day, or you can make it the day before and reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
• Freezing Instructions: This pesto chicken freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, place it in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
• Adjusting the Sauce: If the sauce is too thick, add a little more chicken broth. If it’s too thin, remove the lid from the crock pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
• Serving as Sandwiches: Shredded pesto chicken makes a fantastic sandwich filling. Serve it on toasted rolls with provolone cheese and roasted red peppers.

Troubleshooting

Chicken is Dry:

If your chicken turns out dry, it’s likely been overcooked. Make sure to check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F (74°C). Also, ensure you have enough liquid in the crock pot. Adding a little more chicken broth can help.

Sauce is Too Watery:

If the sauce is too watery, remove the lid from the crock pot during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. You can also add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of cold water to the crock pot during the last 15 minutes of cooking to thicken the sauce.

Pesto Flavor is Weak:

If you feel the pesto flavor is weak, make sure you’re using a good quality pesto. You can also add an extra tablespoon or two of pesto at the end of the cooking process to boost the flavor.

Chicken is Not Cooking Evenly:

Make sure the chicken breasts are not overlapping too much in the crock pot. If they are, cut them in half or use a larger crock pot.

Crock Pot is Cooking Too Hot:

Some crock pots cook hotter than others. If you find that your crock pot is cooking too hot, try reducing the cooking time or using the “warm” setting for the last hour of cooking.

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do! It’s a family favorite in my house, and I’m sure it will be in yours too. Happy cooking!

Conclusion:

This Crock Pot Pesto Chicken recipe isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen, and trust me, you absolutely need to try it! The ease of preparation combined with the incredible depth of flavor makes it a winner in my book, and I’m confident it will be in yours too. Imagine coming home after a long day to the aroma of fragrant pesto and tender, juicy chicken – it’s pure comfort food bliss.

But what truly elevates this dish is its versatility. While it’s fantastic served simply over rice or pasta, soaking up all that delicious pesto sauce, the possibilities are truly endless. For a lighter option, shred the chicken and toss it into a vibrant salad with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Or, create mouthwatering pesto chicken sandwiches on crusty rolls with roasted red peppers and provolone cheese.

Feeling adventurous? Try adding some sun-dried tomatoes or artichoke hearts to the crock pot for an extra layer of flavor. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes will add a touch of heat, while a squeeze of lemon juice brightens everything up. You could even use different types of pesto – a sun-dried tomato pesto or a kale pesto would be fantastic variations. And for those watching their carbs, serve the chicken over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a healthy and satisfying meal.

This Crock Pot Pesto Chicken is a game-changer for busy weeknights. It’s so simple to throw together in the morning, and by dinnertime, you’ll have a flavorful and satisfying meal ready to go. Plus, the leftovers are just as delicious, making it perfect for meal prepping or quick lunches.

I’ve made this recipe countless times, and it’s always a hit with my family and friends. The best part is that it’s so adaptable to different tastes and preferences. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and seasonings to create your own unique version.

I truly believe that this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s easy, delicious, and endlessly customizable. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your crock pot, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience the magic of Crock Pot Pesto Chicken.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you do, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. Let me know what variations you tried, what you served it with, and how much you loved it! I can’t wait to hear all about your culinary adventures. Happy cooking!

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