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Slow Cooker Pesto Chicken Recipe

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Pesto chicken, a beloved Italian-inspired dish, has gained immense popularity for its rich flavors and effortless preparation. This recipe is a modern twist on the classic, featuring the convenience of a slow cooker. Pesto, a delightful green sauce traditionally made with basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, and olive oil, adds a burst of flavor to succulent chicken. The slow cooker method allows the chicken to absorb all the delightful flavors, resulting in a mouthwatering meal.

Delicious Slow Cooker Pesto Chicken Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 4-6 hours

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

Ingredient Details:

  • Chicken: Choose fresh, high-quality chicken breasts for the best taste and texture.
  • Chicken Broth: A can of chicken broth provides a savory base for your dish. You can use homemade broth as an alternative.
  • Pesto Sauce: Pesto is a vibrant sauce made from fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. You can make your own or use a quality store-bought pesto.
  • Italian Mix Seasoning: This seasoning blend adds an authentic Italian flavor to the dish. It typically includes herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, rosemary, and garlic.

Expert Tips:

  • Season the chicken with salt and pepper before placing it in the slow cooker for enhanced flavor.
  • Customize the pesto by adding extra ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, or roasted red peppers for a unique twist.
  • Serve the chicken with cooked pasta or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.

Directions:

  1. Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
  2. Pour in the can of chicken broth to keep the chicken moist and flavorful.
  3. Add 2 cups of pesto sauce, evenly distributing it over the chicken.
  4. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of Italian mix seasoning to infuse the dish with Italian flavors.
  5. Gently mix the ingredients in the slow cooker to ensure even coating.
  6. Cook on the low setting for 4-6 hours. This slow cooking time allows the chicken to become tender and absorb all the delicious pesto flavors.

Storage and Leftovers:

  • Store any leftover pesto chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little extra pesto or chicken broth to refresh the flavors.

FAQs:

Q1: Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe? A1: While boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this slow cooker recipe, you can use bone-in chicken with adjusted cooking times.

Q2: What can I serve with pesto chicken? A2: Pesto chicken pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or a side of steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Q3: Can I freeze pesto chicken for later? A3: Yes, you can freeze pesto chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Alternate Names:

  • Slow Cooker Pesto Chicken
  • Pesto-infused Crock Pot Chicken
  • Italian Pesto Chicken

Enjoy this delightful slow cooker pesto chicken, and savor the flavors of Italy in the comfort of your own home. This easy-to-follow recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a taste of Italian cuisine without the fuss.

About Julee: Julee Morrison is an experienced author with 35 years of expertise in parenting and recipes. She is the author of four cookbooks: The Instant Pot College Cookbook, The How-To Cookbook for Teens, The Complete Cookbook for Teens, and The Complete College Cookbook. Julee is passionate about baking, crystals, reading, and family. Her writing has appeared in The LA Times (Bon Jovi Obsession Goes Global), Disney's Family Fun Magazine (August 2010, July 2009, September 2008), and My Family Gave Up Television (page 92, Disney Family Fun August 2010). Her great ideas have been featured in Disney's Family Fun (Page 80, September 2008) and the Write for Charity book From the Heart (May 2010). Julee's work has also been published in Weight Watchers Magazine, All You Magazine (Jan. 2011, February 2011, June 2013), Scholastic Parent and Child Magazine (Oct. 2011), Red River Family Magazine (Jan. 2011), BonAppetit.com, and more. Notably, her article "My Toddler Stood on Elvis' Grave and Scaled Over Boulders to Get to a Dinosaur" made AP News, and "The Sly Way I Cured My Child's Lying Habit" was featured on PopSugar. When she's not writing, Julee enjoys spending time with her family and exploring new baking recipes.
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