Name: Slow Cooker Pesto Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-492072H20M32S
Total time: PT-492072H20M32S
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 450 g (1 lb) Chicken breast – about 150g/5.25oz per breast; 2 Shallots – large; diced; 6 Sun-dried tomatoes – diced; 60 g (2 cups) Spinach; 5 tablespoons Sun-dried tomato pesto; 80 ml (0.33 cups) Chicken stock; 3 tablespoons Reduced fat crème fraîche; 20 g (0.75 oz) Parmesan – grated

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Introduction

Slow Cooker Pesto Chicken is a simple and flavorful dish perfect for busy days. With tender chicken breast cooked slowly in sun-dried tomato pesto and fresh spinach, it offers a comforting meal that pairs beautifully with rice or pasta.

A white bowl holds a serving of food with two main parts: on the right side, a pile of cooked wild rice that is a mix of light brown and cream grains, and on the left side, a baked dish with layers of orange-brown melted cheese on top, mixed with green leafy vegetables and a creamy texture beneath the cheese. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a light-colored cloth nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

450 g (1 lb) chicken breast (about 150 g / 5.25 oz per breast)
2 large shallots, diced
6 sun-dried tomatoes, diced
5 tablespoons sun-dried tomato pesto
80 ml (0.33 cups) chicken stock
60 g (2 cups) spinach
3 tablespoons reduced fat crème fraîche
20 g (0.75 oz) Parmesan, grated

Instructions

Step 1: Place the chicken breasts, diced shallots, sun-dried tomatoes, chicken stock, and sun-dried tomato pesto into your slow cooker.
Step 2: Cook on high for 3 hours or on low for 7 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Step 3: About 15 minutes before the cooking time is complete, stir in the spinach and reduced fat crème fraîche.
Step 4: Serve the chicken with rice and sprinkle the grated Parmesan on top just before serving.

Tips & Variations

Avoid overcooking the chicken to keep it juicy; follow the recommended cooking times closely.
Use a good-quality pesto for the best flavor impact.
Stir in the crème fraîche near the end to prevent it from curdling.
If the sauce seems too thin, remove the slow cooker lid during the last 20 minutes to reduce excess liquid.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove to avoid drying out the chicken. This dish is not recommended for freezing as the crème fraîche may separate.

How to Serve

A blue bowl filled with two main parts: on the left side, there is a creamy, orange-brown layer of cooked chicken covered with melted cheese and some visible green spinach leaves mixed in; on the right side, there is a heap of mixed white and brown rice, showing separate grains with a soft texture. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a light green striped cloth in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just increase the cooking time slightly to ensure the chicken is fully cooked through.

What can I serve with Slow Cooker Pesto Chicken?

This dish pairs well with steamed rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.