2-Ingredient Crockpot Pesto Chicken Recipe
You won’t believe how simple and easy this crockpot pesto chicken recipe is! Made with just chicken thighs and pesto (plus salt and pepper!), this chicken essentially cooks itself in the slow cooker, leaving you with pieces of chicken that are super juicy and have tons of flavor. Serve the pesto chicken with pasta or rice and a veggie like kale salad or frozen broccoli for a simple, nutritious, and delicious meal. It’s also delicious in sandwiches like turkey pesto panini or tomato mozzarella panini.
If you love chicken thighs as much as we do (it’s one of our favorite cuts), be sure to try my crockpot chicken thighs and potatoes, crockpot chicken teriyaki, grilled chicken thighs, or creamy chicken noodle soup next time.
Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
What You’ll Love About Pesto Chicken Recipe
- Flavorful, juicy chicken thighs
- Easy meal for the entire family
- Can be used in many ways
- Made with just 2 simple ingredients
- Just 5 minutes prep time
- Just 3 hours cook time (hands off)
Ingredients
- Chicken – I’ve used boneless skinless chicken thighs, but you could also use boneless skinless chicken breasts cut up into small pieces if you prefer.
- Sea salt and black pepper
- Pesto – Use your favorite homemade basil pesto or store-bought pesto. I love to make my own fresh basil pesto in the summer when the basil plant is abundant, but rely on Kirkland brand from Costco the rest of the year!
How to Make Crockpot Pesto Chicken
This is an overview on how to make pesto chicken in the crockpot, the detailed instructions can be found below in the recipe card.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover pesto chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
How to reheat
Reheat pesto chicken in a hot skillet or microwave, just until heated through.
Can you freeze pesto chicken thighs?
Yes! These chicken thighs freeze really well. Store in an airtight container in the freezer for 2-3 months and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
How to Serve Pesto Chicken Thighs
Let’s get to the fun part – how to serve this easy pesto chicken! There are a lot of options:
- Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta – Stir in a little heavy cream into the chicken and serve alongside your favorite pasta tossed with pesto or pesto tortellini and some grated Parmesan cheese. Finish with freshly cracked black pepper, flaky salt, and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Pesto Chicken Sandwich – Top a slice of lightly toasted bread with warmed pesto chicken and top with fresh mozzarella cheese and broil until cheese is melty. When it comes out of the oven, top it with chopped cherry tomatoes (or grape tomatoes) tossed with balsamic vinegar or a sliced tomato drizzled with balsamic. This turkey pesto panini is slightly different, but similar.
- Simple Dinner – Serve crockpot pesto chicken thighs as the protein component of a simple meal alongside your favorite sides – rice or cauliflower rice, a big green salad, or a simple veggie like sautéed zucchini, green beans.
- Pesto Chicken Salad – Use this chicken for pesto chicken salad to serve in croissants, spread over crusty bread, in wraps, or over salad greens.
How to Feed Pesto Chicken to the Whole Family
I get it, feeding kids can be tough! But following the Division of Responsibility and knowing your job and your child’s job makes it SO much more enjoyable. You’ll be able to feed your kids any meal, which will help ensure that they are eating a variety of nutritious foods – with plenty of play food sprinkled in.
I would recommend serving the pesto chicken thighs in a pinch bowl (taster bowl) if it’s a new or learning-to-like it food. Serve the meal with a few items you know your kids will eat, like fruit, salad, or bread and butter.
Want More?
Follow Emily on Instagram or TikTok for family dinner recipe videos and tips for feeding kids.
More Easy Slow Cooker Recipes
If you like this pesto crockpot chicken recipe, you might also like these other easy slow cooker recipes:
- Crockpot Chicken and Gravy
- Crockpot Pulled Buffalo Chicken
- Crockpot Salsa Chicken
- Crockpot Shredded Beef
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Crockpot Pesto Chicken Thighs Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
Description
This easy crockpot pesto chicken thighs take minutes to prep and then can be used so many ways! Try it over pasta, in a sandwich, or with rice and veggies.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. chicken thighs, cut into 2 inch pieces
- 2 tsp. sea salt
- black pepper
- 1/3 cup pesto
Instructions
- Place chicken thigh chunks in the bottom of a slow cooker and season with salt and pepper. Top with 1/3 cup of pesto.
- Cook on low for 3-4 hours or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
Equipment
Buy Now → Notes
- Use prepared or homemade pesto.
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