Slow Cooker Pesto Chicken

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🌿 Slow Cooker Pesto Chicken

A flavorful and effortless slow cooker dish where tender chicken breasts are coated in rich basil pesto and slowly cooked until juicy and aromatic. This recipe is perfect for busy days and requires minimal preparation.

📝 Description

Slow Cooker Pesto Chicken is a simple yet incredibly flavorful meal made with just a handful of ingredients. The pesto sauce slowly infuses the chicken with garlic, basil, and olive oil flavors while the slow cooker keeps the chicken moist and tender.

This dish is extremely versatile — you can serve it over pasta, rice, roasted vegetables, or even shred it for sandwiches and wraps.

🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4)

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts

  • ½ cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)

  • ½ tsp salt

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • ½ cup chicken broth

  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes (optional)

Optional toppings:

  • Fresh basil

  • Extra Parmesan cheese

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker and season with salt and pepper.

2️⃣ Add Pesto

Spread pesto evenly over each chicken breast.

3️⃣ Add Liquid

Pour chicken broth around the chicken and drizzle olive oil on top.

4️⃣ Cook

Cover and cook:

  • LOW: 5–6 hours

  • HIGH: 3–4 hours

Chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) internally.

5️⃣ Finish & Serve

Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top before serving and garnish with fresh basil.

🍽 Servings

4 servings

Serving ideas:

  • Over pasta

  • With mashed potatoes

  • Over zucchini noodles

  • In sandwiches or wraps

📊 Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

Calories: 360
Protein: 38 g
Carbohydrates: 3 g
Fat: 21 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sodium: 520 mg

Values vary depending on pesto used.

🌿 Health Benefits

✔ High protein for muscle support
✔ Basil pesto contains healthy fats from olive oil
✔ Low carb and keto-friendly
✔ Packed with antioxidants from basil and garlic
✔ Easy balanced meal with minimal ingredients

📝 Recipe Notes

  • Chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts for extra juiciness.

  • Homemade pesto will give the best flavor, but store-bought works perfectly.

  • Adding tomatoes gives the dish a fresh, slightly sweet flavor.

🔥 Tips for Best Results

⭐ Do not overcook chicken breasts to avoid dryness.
⭐ For a creamy version, stir in ½ cup cream cheese during the last 30 minutes.
⭐ Add spinach or mushrooms for extra vegetables.
⭐ Shred leftover chicken for pesto chicken pasta or salads.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, but cooking time may increase by about 1 hour.

Can I make this in the oven instead?

Yes. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 25–30 minutes.

Can I freeze this recipe?

Yes. Freeze cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

What pasta goes best with pesto chicken?

Penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti pair very well.

How can I make this dairy-free?

Use dairy-free pesto and skip the Parmesan cheese.

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