Slow Cooker Lemon Pesto Chicken. This tangy chicken and sauce go great over pasta or rice, and this meal is freezer meal friendly!
This meal freezes very well, no funny taste or mushiness after being thawed and cooked. I serve this chicken and sauce over pasta, and top with parmesan cheese.
Putting this meal into freezer bags is easy peasy. No chopping! Just cut some lemons in half, squeeze the juices, then load up the bags. I make 2 freezer meals at a time since the jar of pesto is just enough for 2 recipes.
This meal does not need to be made into a freezer meal if you aren’t into doing that. You can add the ingredients directly to the slow cooker.
I was so happy that my daughter loved this meal. Usually, she won’t eat anything with green seasonings on it, that’s pretty much every recipe I make!
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Slow Cooker Lemon Pesto Chicken {Freezer Meal Friendly}
Equipment Needed:
- Slow Cooker – 4 quart or larger
Ingredients:
- 1½ lbs. boneless skin-less chicken breasts
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup “FRESHLY SQUEEZED” lemon juice (I don't recommend squeeze bottle lemon juice for cooking)
- ½ cup jarred basil pesto I use Classico brand
- ¼ tsp. salt
- ¼ tsp. pepper
Instructions:
- (IF MAKING A FREEZER MEAL DON’T COOK FIRST, FOLLOW FREEZER INSTRUCTIONS)
- Add everything to the slow cooker. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours. Serve over pasta or rice, topped with parmesan cheese.
Freezer instructions:
- Add everything to a gallon Ziplock bag. Squeeze out excess air and seal. Place in freezer for up to a month. When ready to make, thaw for 24 hours in the fridge. Follow cooking instructions above.
I served this with roasted potatoes and it was a hit, even with my picky two-year-old. I only cooked it for 5 hours on low and it was still a bit overdone, but I’d chalk that up to my slow cooker. Thanks for a delicious, time-saving recipe!
Why can this only be frozen for up to 1 month? Other chicken freezer meals are usually good for a bit longer and I was hoping this one would be fine too- any experience from you or others freezing this for longer?
You can freezer as long as you are use to. This is my preferred time to prevent freezer burn.
Can you cook this directly on the stove or oven after it’s thawed vs a crockpot?
I don’t see why not!
It looks great and utterly delicious! is it ok to freeze in an air tight box instead of a disposable plastic bag? I hate using disposables.. and it will be a fist time for me trying freezer meals
Yes. Think that would work just fine and such a great idea.
Are there any veggies that I could add to cook with the chicken? Like roasted red peppers etc? Thanks!
I made the Lemon Pesto Chicken & Tuscan Chicken Soup this week and 8 hours in my slow cooker was just right. Don’t know why everyone was up in arms about wanting to cook it shorter. The chicken was perfect for both. Loved them both, and my wife loved them both…along with me!! I Love your recipes Sarah!
Really happy to hear that Todd, glad your wife loved it too!
Can I use a cup of water instead of the chicken broth I forgot to grab some at the store ♀️
Can you use frozen chicken breast and regular fresh ingredients?
I’ve only tried with thawed.
Can fresh pesto be used?
I think that would be wonderful in this! I just never have time!
If I wanted to cook this on high (want to slow cook it but too limited on them for 6-8 hours), how long should it cook for?
I would do 4 hours on high.
This was great, but 8 hours (even on low) was waaaayyyyy too long. The chicken was pretty dry. Next time, I think I’ll try 6 hours and see how that goes.
Thanks for your input! I added to the recipe 6 hours cooking time too.
I had the same issue … I usually do about 4 hours on low maybe 5 depending on size of breasts but 6 is way too long