Easy Slow Cooker Pesto Chicken Recipe
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Make this super simple slow cooker pesto chicken recipe tonight! It is one of our very favorite easy slow cooker chicken recipes because it uses just five simple ingredients (not including salt and pepper).
If you are looking for more tasty (and easy) crockpot recipes that save time on busy weeknights, make sure to try Crockpot Lemon Garlic Chicken, Crockpot Cajun Sausage and Potatoes, Crockpot Buffalo Chicken, and Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken.
❤️Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love, love, love a simple slow cooker recipe. You know, the ones that you throw together in the morning and completely forget about until dinner? Yes, this crockpot pesto chicken is one of those recipes.
It’s made with delicious chicken seasoned with Italian seasoning and covered in a jar of pesto and chicken broth. You just throw it all together and let it slow cook all day.
Pesto chicken is also low-carb. So if you’re following a low-carb or KETO diet, this recipe fits right in!
The best part?
You come home to a delicious meal the entire family will enjoy!
This recipe also tastes great the next day making it the perfect easy lunch. You can eat it as-is or toss it on a roll with some sliced tomatoes for a yummy sandwich.
📋Ingredients
To make Slow Cooker Pesto Chicken you will need the following ingredients:
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast: Look for plump chicken that is pinkish in color.
Italian Seasoning: This seasoning blend adds tons of flavor!
Pesto: Don’t be afraid to use store-bought pesto. It has great flavor and saves lots of time!
Chicken Broth: A must for adding extra flavor and packing in moisture.
Parmesan Cheese: This adds the perfect rich finish to the dish.
Scroll to the bottom for the complete list of ingredient measurements and printable recipe card.
📖 Ingredient Swaps
Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: Thighs can be used in place of breasts. The cooking time stays the same.
Homemade Pesto: You can absolutely use homemade pesto sauce if you prefer! If you are looking for a pesto recipe, try this one from Mel’s Kitchen Cafe.
Vegetable Broth: You can use chicken and vegetable broth interchangeably in this recipe.
🔪Step-by-Step Instructions
👩🏻🍳Expert Cooking Tips
Low or High Heat?
I prefer cooking chicken on low as it is less likely to dry out. If you are in a pinch, you can cook on high, just check the chicken regularly and pull it out once it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Can I use my instant pot?
Yes, you can make this recipe in your instant pot with the pressure cook function. Simply cook it on high pressure for 12 minutes. However, I do not recommend using the slow cooker function as I have found it doesn’t work well at all.
Crockpot or Slow Cooker?
Crockpot is a brand name of slow cookers. It doesn’t matter which brand you use. I have used this Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker for years and it works great.
I do recommend using slow cooker liners for easy cleanup after your meal.
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, up to 2 days.
Leftover Pesto?
If you have leftover pesto, try our recipes for 3-ingredient pesto chicken and creamy pesto chicken.
💭Recipe FAQs
I prefer cooking chicken on low as it is less likely to dry out. If you are in pinch, you can cook on high, just check the chicken regularly and pull it out once it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
This recipe calls for either boneless skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs. We have chicken breasts pictured (because that’s what I had on hand). However, I actually recommend using chicken thighs, if possible. Especially if you are following a recipe that calls for very little liquid. This recipe covers the chicken in liquid, so either cut of chicken will be just fine.
I prefer cooking chicken on low as it is less likely to dry out. If you are in pinch, you can cook on high, just check the chicken regularly and pull it out once it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Slow Cooker Pesto Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup pesto
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Season chicken with italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Arrange chicken in side of crockpot.
- Whisk together chicken broth and pesto in a small bowl.
- Pour broth mixture over chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours.
- Remove lid and shred chicken with two forks.
- Sprinkle chicken with parmesan cheese and stir until melted.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
