This amazing creamy pesto chicken and rice dish is a one-pot wonder. It is a super easy, toss-and-go recipe filled with tender, juicy chicken pieces, parmesan cheese and, delicious pesto flavor.
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You need this chicken dish in your life! It is the most amazing crock pot recipe - just perfect for busy weeknights.
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📝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.
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🍽Serving suggestions
Turn this main dish into a full meal with minimal effort by adding green beans! Lay cleaned, trimmed green beans on top of a sheet of foil or parchment paper right in your slow cooker. This can be done right after you add the rice.
When the rice is finished, you will also have a freshly steamed veggie to go with your meal.
Other easy and delicious side dishes for this slow cooker recipe include:
- whole cauliflower
- a garden fresh side salad
- crusty garlic bread
- maple vanilla carrots
Garnished your creamy pesto chicken with some freshly chopped basil leaves to add some extra flavor.
If you love this recipe, please let me know in the comment section below!
🔁Substitutions
- Swap rice for cooked egg noodles.
- Homemade quinoa can be stirred into the delicious sauce in place of rice as well.
- 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.
- Use Chicken tenderloins in place of thighs.
- Substitute homemade rice or store-bought frozen rice for microwavable rice packets.
- 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).
If you love this recipe...
Please let me know in the comment section below!
😉Hints & hacks
- In the market for a new slow cooker? I love mine!
- 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.
- Using a slow cooker liner is an optional step. I like to purchase my liners in bulk for a less expensive per-piece price.
- Always double check to make sure your slow cooker is on and plugged in!!! Coming home to a cold slow cooker is the worst!
📖 Recipe
Slow Cooker Creamy Pesto Chicken and Rice
Equipment
- cutting board and knife
- measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs Cut into bite sized chunks (about 1½ - 2 lbs)
- 12 oz pesto homemade or store bought
- 8 oz cream cheese block, cut into cubes
- ½ parmesan cheese grated, plus more for topping
- 2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- salt and pepper to taste
- 16 oz microwavable rice 2 packages. Can also use homemade or frozen rice
- red pepper flakes, to taste optional
Instructions
- grease slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray or oil
- add 6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs , 12 oz pesto, 8 oz cream cheese, ½ parmesan cheese, 2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon onion powder to slow cooker and stir to combine
- cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or until chicken pieces reach an internal temperature of 165℉
- stir in 16 oz microwavable rice and cook until rice is fully cooked through. Make sure to either break apart the rice while it is in the package or to use a wooden spoon to break it apart once it is in your slow cooker.
- taste test and add in salt and pepper to taste, if needed
- top with additional parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes, to taste (if desired)
Notes
Nutrition
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