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 ChickenCrockpot Cajun Sausage and PotatoesCrockpot Buffalo Chicken, and Crockpot Hawaiian Chicken.

Overhead shot of crockpot pesto chicken topped with parmesan cheese.

❤️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

Pesto chicken inside slow cooker pot.

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

Three seasoned chicken breasts inside a slow cooker.
Step 1: Place chicken inside crockpot and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. 
A glass measuring cup filled with pesto and chicken broth.
Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth and pesto. 
Pesto and chicken broth mixture pouring over chicken in a crock pot.
Step 3: Pour the sauce over the chicken. 
Chicken and pesto inside of slow cooker.
Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 6 hours.

Shredded pesto chicken inside a slow cooker with two forks sticking out.
Step 5: Remove the lid and shred the chicken with two forks. 
Pesto chicken inside of a slow cooker and topped with shredded parmesan cheese.
Step 6: Sprinkle the chicken with parmesan cheese and give it a little stir. Serve and enjoy!

Side view of pesto chicken in a beige serving dish.

👩🏻‍🍳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

Is it better to cook chicken on high or low in a crockpot?

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.

What kind of chicken should I use in the crockpot?

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.

Is it better to cook chicken on high or low in a crockpot?

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.

🥣 Serve this with…

A picture showing the cover images for all three cookbooks written by Aileen Clark.

If you tried this Slow Cooker Pesto Chicken Recipe or any other recipe on my website, I would love it if you could leave me a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you liked it in the 📝 comments below. ❤️

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Overhead shot of serving dish full of pesto chicken next to striped dish towel.

Slow Cooker Pesto Chicken Recipe

Aileen Clark
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).
4.69 from 22 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 10 minutes
Course Main Dish Recipes
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 314 kcal

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

6 boneless skinless chicken thighs may be substitued for the chicken breasts. The cook time stays the same.

Nutrition

Serving: 3/4 cup pesto chickenCalories: 314kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 32gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 720mgSugar: 1g
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Collage photo of two pictures of chicken in a crockpot with the words "crockpot pesto chicken" in gold lettering.
4.69 from 22 votes (22 ratings without comment)

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