Easy Slow Cooker Pesto Chicken: A Delicious 3-Ingredient Recipe
Product links may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Looking for a hassle-free and incredibly flavorful dinner option? This Slow Cooker 3-Ingredient Pesto Chicken recipe is your answer! It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that requires minimal effort and delivers a creamy, delicious chicken dish your entire family will love.
With just three key ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen. Say goodbye to complicated recipes and hello to a weeknight dinner solution that’s both easy to prepare and bursting with flavor. This creamy pesto chicken is a testament to the fact that simple doesn’t mean boring.
This chicken recipe is perfect for adding to your weekly menu rotation. It’s also an excellent choice for those who appreciate the convenience of crockpot recipes. When you’re craving a simple yet delicious chicken dish with minimal fuss, this recipe delivers every time.
What You’ll Need: Simple Ingredients for Amazing Flavor
This recipe is all about simplicity and convenience. You only need three main ingredients to create this amazing slow cooker dish. Let’s break down what you’ll need:
- Chicken: Opt for raw boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken tenderloins. Either works perfectly for this recipe. The chicken becomes incredibly tender and absorbs the pesto flavors beautifully.
- Basil Pesto: Choose your favorite store-bought basil pesto. The quality of the pesto will directly impact the flavor of the dish, so select a brand you enjoy. Alternatively, you can make your own homemade pesto for an even fresher taste (more on that later!).
- Cream Cheese: Use cream cheese that has been softened at room temperature. This ensures easy mixing and contributes to the creamy, rich sauce that coats the chicken.
That’s it! Just three ingredients stand between you and a delectable slow cooker meal. It’s hard to believe something so simple can taste so good!
Step-by-Step: Creating Your Slow Cooker Pesto Chicken
Making this slow cooker pesto chicken is incredibly easy. Follow these simple steps for a delicious and effortless meal:
- Prepare the Pesto Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the basil pesto and softened cream cheese. Stir until the mixture is well combined and smooth. This will be your flavorful sauce base.
- Layer the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts or tenderloins in the slow cooker. Make sure the chicken is evenly distributed at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add the Sauce: Top the chicken with the pesto mixture, spreading it evenly over the chicken pieces. Ensure each piece of chicken is adequately coated with the creamy pesto sauce.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 5-6 hours or on high heat for 4 hours. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on your slow cooker, so check the chicken for doneness. The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Shred and Serve: Once the chicken is cooked, shred it using two forks or a meat masher. Stir the shredded chicken well with the sauce to ensure it’s fully coated.
Now, it’s time to serve your delicious slow cooker pesto chicken! Get ready to enjoy a simple and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.
This pesto chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Serve it over cooked rice, egg noodles, cauliflower rice, mashed potatoes, or even inside a baked potato for a complete and satisfying meal.
Storing Leftover Pesto Chicken
If you happen to have any leftovers (though it’s unlikely!), storing them properly is essential to maintain their flavor and freshness:
Fridge: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This makes it perfect for meal prepping or enjoying a quick lunch later in the week.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Slow Cooker Pesto Chicken
Here are some additional tips and tricks to ensure your slow cooker pesto chicken turns out perfectly every time:
Choosing Your Chicken
While this recipe is written for boneless chicken breast, you can easily substitute skinless chicken thighs or chicken tenders. Chicken thighs will result in a slightly richer and more flavorful dish due to their higher fat content. Chicken tenders cook more quickly, so keep an eye on them during the cooking process.
No matter which cut of chicken you choose, the key is to ensure it’s fully cooked before shredding. A meat thermometer is your best friend for ensuring accurate cooking.
Homemade Pesto Option
If you’re feeling ambitious and have access to fresh basil leaves, olive oil, and garlic, making homemade pesto is a fantastic way to elevate this recipe. Homemade pesto has a brighter, fresher flavor than most store-bought varieties. Simply blend fresh basil, olive oil, garlic, pine nuts (optional), Parmesan cheese (optional), and a pinch of salt until smooth. Use this homemade pesto in place of the store-bought jar for a truly exceptional crockpot pesto chicken.
Instant Pot Adaptation
If you’re short on time, you can adapt this recipe for the Instant Pot. For raw chicken, cook it for 8-9 minutes on high pressure and allow it to naturally release for 10 minutes. This method significantly reduces the cooking time while still delivering tender, flavorful chicken.
Alternatively, you can use the slow cooker function on the Instant Pot if you prefer the longer, slower cooking method.
Serving Suggestions
The possibilities are endless when it comes to serving this pesto chicken! It’s delicious served over noodles or rice, topped with Parmesan cheese and your favorite sides. Consider adding a side of green beans, roasted broccoli, or a simple salad for a complete and balanced meal. The creamy pesto sauce adds richness and depth of flavor that pairs perfectly with a variety of accompaniments.
More Delicious Chicken Recipes
Looking for more inspiration in the kitchen? Here are a few other chicken recipes you might enjoy:
- Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Zucchini
- Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas
- Rotisserie Chicken Bacon Alfredo
- Cheesy Chicken Taquitos
Easy Slow Cooker 3 Ingredient Pesto Chicken
Julia Pacheco
5
minutes
5
hours
5
hours
5
minutes
5
Save Recipe
Saved Recipe