There are some suppers that feel like a little secret passed between sisters, and this slow cooker 3-ingredient creamy pesto chicken is one of them. It turns plain chicken breasts into a rich, tender, spoonable meal with hardly any fuss at all, which is just the kind of practical kitchen magic busy weeknights call for. The pesto brings that fresh basil brightness, while the creamy element mellows everything into a comforting sauce that tastes like far more effort than it takes.
This chicken is mighty good spooned over hot pasta, fluffy rice, buttery egg noodles, or a pile of mashed potatoes that can catch every bit of that green cream sauce. For something lighter, serve it with roasted broccoli, green beans, or a simple garden salad, and if you want to stretch the meal, a loaf of crusty bread on the side does a fine job of soaking up the extra sauce.
Slow Cooker 3-Ingredient Creamy Pesto Chicken
Servings: 4
Ingredients
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup basil pesto
8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
Directions
1. Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of a slow cooker in an even layer.
2. Spoon the pesto over the chicken, then scatter the cubed cream cheese on top.
3. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours, until the chicken is very tender and cooked through.
4. Shred the chicken right in the slow cooker and stir well until the sauce is smooth and coats every bite. Serve hot.
Variations & Tips
Serve It Different Ways: This is one of those useful recipes that can bend to whatever you have on hand. Spoon it over noodles, rice, baked potatoes, or toasted sandwich rolls for an easy hot sandwich filling.
Use Chicken Thighs: If you prefer darker meat, boneless skinless chicken thighs work beautifully here and stay especially juicy in the slow cooker. You may need just a little extra cooking time if the pieces are large.
Thin the Sauce if Needed: If your pesto is especially thick, stir in a splash of milk or chicken broth at the end to loosen the sauce. That makes it easier to drizzle over pasta or rice.
Add a Little Extra Flavor: Though the beauty of this dish is its simplicity, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan, cracked black pepper, or a handful of baby spinach stirred in at the end can make it feel a touch more dressed up.
Do Not Overcook: Chicken breasts can dry if left too long, even in a slow cooker. Check for tenderness as soon as you reach the lower end of the cooking time, then shred while the meat is still juicy.