Crockpot Pesto Chicken Recipe
This Crockpot Pesto Chicken recipe offers a delicious, hands-off way to prepare tender and flavorful chicken breasts infused with Italian seasoning and rich pesto. Slow-cooked to perfection, this meal is ideal for busy days and pairs wonderfully with fresh tomatoes and parmesan for a delightful finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 to 5 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes to 5 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme)
- 1 cup pesto (homemade or store-bought, gluten-free if needed)
- Sea salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
For Serving
- 4 tbsp pesto
- 1 Roma tomato, chopped (or cherry tomatoes)
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for dairy-free option)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts into the crockpot. Generously season both sides of the chicken with Italian seasoning, sea salt, and black pepper to infuse the flavors thoroughly.
- Add Pesto Layer: Spread the pesto evenly over the chicken breasts, ensuring all pieces are well coated to keep them moist and flavorful during cooking.
- Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook the chicken on low heat for 4-5 hours. After 2 hours, check the chicken to prevent dryness; if it appears dry, add a splash of vegetable broth. Continue monitoring every hour to maintain moisture.
- Final Pesto Coating: Once the chicken is fully cooked and tender, spread additional pesto over each breast (about 1 tbsp per piece) or use your favorite sauce for an extra layer of flavor.
- Serve: Top the chicken breasts with chopped Roma tomato and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese just before serving to add freshness and richness to the dish.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts if preferred.
- Homemade Italian seasoning can be made by blending oregano, basil, and thyme.
- Use gluten-free pesto to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
- For a dairy-free version, replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast.
- If the chicken becomes dry during cooking, add vegetable broth to retain moisture.
- Check the chicken regularly after the 2-hour mark to avoid overcooking.
Keywords: Crockpot pesto chicken, slow cooker chicken, easy pesto chicken, Italian chicken recipe, crockpot dinner
Find it online: https://tastybella.com/crockpot-pesto-chicken-recipe/
