Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience with this mouthwatering Crock Pot Pesto Lemon Pepper Chicken! Imagine tender, juicy chicken infused with zesty lemon, aromatic pesto, and a perfect hint of pepper—all prepared effortlessly in your slow cooker. This recipe is a game-changer for busy home cooks who crave restaurant-quality meals without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you're a cooking novice or a seasoned chef, this dish promises to impress your family and friends with minimal effort and maximum flavor!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup pesto sauce
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 tsp lemon pepper seasoning
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken breasts by patting them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the seasoning adhere better and promotes better browning.
- Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and lemon pepper seasoning, ensuring all sides are well-coated for maximum flavor.
- Spray the inside of the slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray or lightly grease with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts into the bottom of the crock pot in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the pesto sauce, fresh lemon juice, and chicken broth until well combined.
- Pour the pesto-lemon mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated.
- Cover the crock pot with the lid and set to cook on LOW heat for 4 hours. This slow cooking method ensures tender, juicy chicken.
- After 4 hours, check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked.
- Optional: For a golden finish, transfer the chicken to a baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes to create a slightly crispy exterior.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh lemon slices and chopped parsley if desired. Pairs well with rice, roasted vegetables, or a light salad.
Tips
- Pat chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning to ensure better flavor absorption and prevent excess moisture.
- Use fresh, high-quality pesto for the most vibrant taste—homemade is always best, but a good store-bought version works wonderfully.
- Don't skip the meat thermometer! Checking the internal temperature at 165°F guarantees perfectly cooked, safe-to-eat chicken.
- For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the pesto-lemon mixture for 30 minutes before slow cooking.
- If you prefer a crispier exterior, the optional broiling step is a must-try technique to elevate the texture.
- Choose chicken breasts of similar size to ensure even cooking throughout.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, keeping the meat incredibly moist and tender.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 385kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 56g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 145mg
