Emilie Meyer
Pesto chicken is a simple dish that can be made in a crockpot or slow cooker. The recipe generally includes chicken, pesto, and parmesan cheese, with additional ingredients such as butter, lemon, and basil used in some variations. The chicken is typically cooked on low heat for 4-6 hours, shredded, and then mixed with the remaining ingredients. This dish can be served with rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta and can be enjoyed warm or cold.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Ingredients | 2-5 |
| Type of Chicken | Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs |
| Chicken Thickness | 1 1/2 inches |
| Chicken Seasoning | Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning |
| Sides | Rice, Mashed Potatoes, Pasta, Salad, Wraps, Grain Bowls |
| Pesto Type | Homemade or Store-Bought |
| Pesto Ingredients | Basil, Pine Nuts, Spinach, Nuts |
| Additional Ingredients | Olive Oil, Garlic, Lemon, Butter, Mozzarella Cheese, Egg Noodles, Chicken Broth, Cream |
| Cooking Time | 2-6 hours |
| Crockpot Temperature | Low or High |
| Crockpot Size | 2-6 quarts |
| Crockpot Price | $15-$80 |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right crock pot
When choosing a crock pot, there are several factors to consider to ensure you get the right one for your needs. Firstly, think about the number of people you plan to cook for. Crock pots typically range from 2- to 10-quarts in size, with the standard size being 6 to 7 quarts. For cooking for one or two people, a small slow cooker of 3 to 5 quarts may be sufficient, but even a small family with big eaters might prefer the standard size. If you're cooking for a large group or making big batches, opt for a crock pot of 6 quarts or more.
The type of food you plan to cook is another important consideration. Oval-shaped crock pots are better for accommodating larger items like whole chickens or ribs, whereas round crock pots are more space-efficient and better for soups and sauces. If you want to cook a whole chicken, make sure to choose a crock pot that's at least 5 quarts or larger.
Other features to consider include temperature settings, a ""keep warm" function, and digital controls that allow you to schedule cooking times. Removable pots are also convenient for easy cleaning, and solid handles tend to be more durable than loop handles. Glass lids are preferable as they are heavier, retain more heat, and allow you to check on your food without lifting the lid, although some prefer plastic or metal lids for easier cleaning and to avoid odour absorption. Finally, consider your budget—crock pots can range from inexpensive to more costly, depending on the features you require.
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Preparing the chicken
Next, whisk together chicken broth and pesto in a small bowl. Pour this mixture over the chicken. You can also add butter at this stage, placing slices on top of the chicken. Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 4-6 hours. If you're in a hurry, you can cook the chicken on a high heat setting, but be sure to check on it regularly and remove it once it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
After cooking, remove the lid and shred the chicken with two forks. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese and stir.
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Making the pesto
Pesto is a great technique to master for meal prep, and you can use almost any herb or green, as well as any type of nut. However, the traditional choice is basil and pine nuts.
To make the pesto, pulse the garlic in a food processor fitted with a blade attachment until it is coarsely chopped. This should take around 5 or 6 pulses. Next, add half of the basil and pulse again until the leaves are coarsely chopped, which will take around the same number of pulses. Add the remaining basil and the pine nuts and pulse into a coarse paste, which will take around 10 to 12 pulses. Finally, add the oil and salt and pulse until just combined into a coarse paste.
If you don't have a food processor, you can finely chop the garlic and basil and crush the pine nuts with a mortar and pestle, before mixing in the oil and salt.
If you are short on time or ingredients, you can use store-bought pesto.
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Cooking the chicken
To cook pesto chicken in a crock pot, you'll need chicken breasts or thighs, pesto, salt, pepper, and parmesan cheese. You can also add other ingredients like butter, lemon, and basil for extra flavour.
Start by seasoning the chicken with salt and pepper. You can also add Italian seasoning for extra flavour. Then, place the chicken in the crock pot. If your chicken is frozen, you can put it directly into the crock pot and set it to high.
Next, you'll want to add the pesto. You can simply pour the pesto over the chicken, or you can whisk it together with chicken broth first and then pour the sauce over the meat. You can also add other ingredients like butter, lemon, and basil at this stage.
Cover the crock pot and cook the chicken on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Check the chicken after 2 hours to ensure it's not drying out. If it looks dry, add some vegetable broth or water to the crock pot. The chicken is ready when it's no longer pink inside and can be easily shredded with two forks.
Once the chicken is cooked, shred it directly in the crock pot. Then, sprinkle parmesan cheese over the shredded chicken and stir until melted. You can also add some extra pesto at this stage for a brighter flavour. Serve the chicken as is or with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or salad.
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Serving suggestions
Crockpot pesto chicken is a versatile dish that can be served in multiple ways. Here are some serving suggestions:
Salads and Grain Bowls
Pesto chicken can be served atop a bed of fresh greens for a nutritious salad. It can also be added to grain bowls, providing a hearty and satisfying meal.
Wraps and Sandwiches
The cooked pesto chicken can be packed into wraps or sandwiches. For an indulgent touch, add some cheese to create a hot, cheesy sandwich.
Pasta
Pesto chicken pairs well with pasta. Cook the pasta separately and then mix it with the shredded pesto chicken, adding some olive oil and freshly cracked pepper to taste. Bow ties, penne, or medium shells are excellent noodle choices, but feel free to use your preferred variety.
Rice
For a filling meal, serve the pesto chicken on a bed of cooked rice or cauliflower rice. The rice soaks up the flavoursome sauce, creating a tasty dish.
Mashed Potatoes
For a comforting and hearty meal, serve the pesto chicken alongside creamy mashed potatoes. This combination offers a satisfying contrast of textures and flavours.
Roasted Vegetables
Pesto chicken also goes well with roasted vegetables. Try serving it with a side of roasted mashed cauliflower or a skillet of cooked veggies for a healthy and tasty option.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need chicken, pesto, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, chicken broth, and parmesan cheese. You can also add butter, lemon, and mozzarella cheese.
It takes around 6 hours to cook on low or 3-4 hours on high.
You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs.
Pesto chicken can be served with rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta. It can also be used as a filling for wraps or served on top of a salad.
Yes, you can use store-bought pesto if you don't want to make your own.
