Crockpot Creamy Pesto Chicken

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🌿 Crockpot Creamy Pesto Chicken

📝 Description

Crockpot Creamy Pesto Chicken is a rich, flavorful, and incredibly easy slow cooker meal. Tender chicken breasts simmer in a creamy basil pesto sauce with hints of garlic and Parmesan. The result is juicy, herb-infused chicken with a silky, savory sauce perfect for pasta, rice, or low-carb options.

This is a simple “dump-and-go” recipe with restaurant-quality flavor.

🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts

  • 1 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)

  • 8 oz cream cheese (cubed)

  • ½ cup chicken broth

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)

  • ½ tsp black pepper

Optional:

  • ½ cup heavy cream (for extra richness)

  • Cherry tomatoes

  • Fresh basil for garnish

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.

  2. Spread pesto evenly over the chicken.

  3. Add cream cheese cubes on top.

  4. Pour in chicken broth around the edges.

  5. Cover and cook:

    • Low: 6–7 hours

    • High: 3–4 hours

  6. Once chicken is tender, shred slightly or leave whole.

  7. Stir in Parmesan cheese and optional cream.

  8. Let cook 10–15 minutes more until sauce is smooth and creamy.

  9. Serve warm.

🍽 Servings

  • Serves: 4–6

  • Serving size: 1 chicken breast with sauce

🥗 Nutritional Information (Approx. Per Serving)

  • Calories: 420

  • Protein: 40g

  • Fat: 28g

  • Carbohydrates: 5g

  • Sugar: 2g

  • Sodium: 520mg

(Values vary depending on pesto brand.)

💡 Tips for Best Results

✔ Use full-fat cream cheese for best texture
✔ Add broth to prevent sauce from becoming too thick
✔ Don’t overcook — chicken should be tender, not dry
✔ For golden edges, broil cooked chicken 3–4 minutes
✔ Use fresh grated Parmesan for smoother sauce

📌 Notes

  • Naturally low-carb & keto-friendly

  • Great for meal prep

  • Stores in fridge up to 4 days

  • Freezes well (though sauce may separate slightly when reheated)

  • Can substitute chicken thighs for extra juiciness

🌟 Benefits

  • High-protein meal

  • Low in carbohydrates

  • Rich in healthy fats from pesto

  • Quick prep time

  • Versatile serving options

❓ Q & A

Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
It’s safest to thaw before slow cooking for even cooking.

Q: What can I serve this with?
Pasta, zucchini noodles, rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes — use dairy-free cream cheese and skip Parmesan.

Q: Why is my sauce oily?
Pesto naturally contains oil — stir well before serving.

Q: Can I make it in the Instant Pot?
Yes — cook on high pressure for 12 minutes, natural release 5 minutes.

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