Slow Cooker Creamy Pesto Chicken and Rice

📝Shopping list

To make this delicious meal, you will need these simple ingredients;

• boneless skinless chicken thighs - cut into bite sized pieces (breasts can work too)
• basil pesto sauce -  store-bought or homemade 
• cream cheese - a block of cream cheese - cut into cubes
• parmesan cheese - grated, plus more for topping
• garlic and onion powder - teamwork that makes the dream work!
• salt and pepper - to taste
• microwavable rice packets - Fresh cooked or frozen rice would work too
• red pepper flakes - optional

🔪Instructions

Preparing your slow cooker

Prepare your slow cooker by coating it in a non-stick agent.  Any nonstick cooking spray or oil will work 

 NOTE: some slow cooker inserts come with a nonstick surface.  Use of a non-stick agent is still suggested. However, oil is sometimes recommended rather than spray to protect the longevity of the non-stick surface.  Check the manual for your slow cooker if you have any concerns.   

Alternatively, you can choose to use a slow cooker liner.  

🍳Cooking

• 🍗Cut chicken into bite sized chunks and place it into your greased slow cooker.
• 🍗Add all ingredients, other than rice, to the bowl of your slow cooker and stir to combine.  
• 🍗Cover your slow cooker and cook until chicken reaches 165℉.  This takes me 3-4 hours of cooking time on low or 2-3 hours on high.  
• 🍗Once chicken is cooked through, stir ingredients thoroughly and add rice. Microwaveable rice comes out of the package clumped together.  Be sure to thoroughly break it up while adding it to your crock pot.  If you don't, it will cook in clumps.  
• 🍗Your dish will be ready to serve in about 15 minutes, once the rice is fully cooked and soft.  

Garnished your creamy pesto chicken with some freshly chopped basil leaves to add some extra flavor.

🔁Substitutions

1. Swap rice for cooked egg noodles.
2. Homemade quinoa can be stirred into the delicious sauce in place of rice as well.
3. Use boneless skinless chicken breast in place of thighs.  When making this swap, cook the chicken breasts whole in your slow cooker along with the other ingredients. Shred fully cooked breasts and stir them in with the amazing pesto sauce.  
4. Use Chicken tenderloins in place of thighs. 
5. Substitute homemade rice or store-bought frozen rice for microwavable rice packets.
6. There are many delicious store-bought pesto options out there.  But homemade pesto is also delicious with this recipe. 

Storing

This is one of those incredibly delicious recipes that will be loved by the entire family.  As such, leftovers will be rare.  Store leftovers in an airtight container or zipper-top bag.  The will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Frozen leftovers will last 3-4 months in the freezer.  Please note that this may not be the best freezer meal as the rice may get a bit mushy upon defrosting and reheating.  (We like mushy rice, but I realize that not everyone does).

😉Hints & hacks

1. In the market for a new slow cooker? I love mine!
2. The rice in this dish can get a little mushy when cooking.  If you are not a fan, heat your rice in the microwave and just serve your amazing chicken dish on top.  
3. Using a slow cooker liner is an optional step. I like to purchase my liners in bulk for a less expensive per-piece price.
4. Always double check to make sure your slow cooker is on and plugged in!!! Coming home to a cold slow cooker is the worst!