Slow Cooker Pesto Chicken Thighs
Indulge in the effortless flavors of Slow Cooker Pesto Chicken Thighs, a comforting, hands-off dish that’s bursting with Italian-inspired goodness. Juicy, tender boneless chicken thighs are slow-cooked to perfection in a vibrant basil pesto sauce, mingling with sweet cherry tomatoes and aromatic garlic for a flavor-packed meal that couldn’t be easier to prepare. Finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and optional fresh basil leaves, this dish is as elegant as it is simple. With just 10 minutes of prep time and a low, slow simmer in your slow cooker, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners. Serve it alongside pasta, rice, or a crisp green salad for a complete meal that’s sure to impress!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 6 pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Place the chicken thighs in the slow cooker in an even layer. Sprinkle with salt and black pepper.
Mince the garlic and add it to the chicken thighs, spreading evenly across the surface.
Pour the basil pesto over the chicken thighs, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
Wash and halve the cherry tomatoes, then scatter them over and around the chicken thighs in the slow cooker.
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on the low heat setting for 4 hours or until the chicken thighs are fully cooked and tender (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
Once cooked, remove the chicken thighs carefully from the slow cooker using tongs and transfer to a serving plate.
Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the chicken while it is still warm, allowing it to melt slightly.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, and serve hot with your choice of sides such as rice, pasta, or a simple green salad.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2425 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 178.7 g | 229% | |
| Saturated Fat | 39.6 g | 198% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 789 mg | 263% | |
| Sodium | 3444 mg | 150% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 24.2 g | 9% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.1 g | 22% | |
| Total Sugars | 7.8 g | ||
| Protein | 181.4 g | 363% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.1 mcg | 5% | |
| Calcium | 722 mg | 56% | |
| Iron | 11.0 mg | 61% | |
| Potassium | 2066 mg | 44% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
