Crock Pot Pesto Ranch Chicken and Broccoli Recipe
This Crock Pot Pesto Ranch Chicken and Broccoli recipe is a simple and flavorful slow-cooked meal perfect for busy days. Tender chicken thighs are infused with zesty ranch seasoning and fresh pesto, then slow-cooked to perfection alongside nutritious broccoli. It’s an effortless one-pot dish that requires minimal prep and delivers balanced flavors and a hearty dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 to 6 hours depending on heat setting
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes to 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1.5 pounds chicken thighs
- 1/3 cup pesto
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
- 1/2 packet ranch seasoning mix (approximately 1 tablespoon)
Vegetables
- 1 bag frozen broccoli (approx. 12-16 ounces)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Lay the chicken thighs evenly at the bottom of the crock pot. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix over the chicken, then spread the pesto evenly on top of the chicken pieces.
- Add Liquid: Pour the chicken broth or water into the crock pot, pouring around the edges to avoid washing off the seasoning and pesto from the chicken.
- Slow Cook: Cover the crock pot and cook on high heat for 3-4 hours or on low heat for 5-6 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through.
- Add Broccoli: Approximately 1-2 hours before the end of cooking time on low heat or 30 minutes to 1 hour before the end on high heat, add the frozen broccoli directly into the crock pot to cook alongside the chicken.
- Finish and Serve: Once cooking is complete, use two forks to shred the chicken if desired. Stir to combine and serve warm. The broccoli should be tender but still vibrant green.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breast for thighs; however, breasts may be less juicy and could become drier after slow cooking.
- If you prefer, fresh broccoli can be used instead of frozen—add it at the same time as frozen broccoli.
- For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of cream or a few tablespoons of cream cheese when adding the broccoli.
- Ensure the crock pot is not overcrowded to allow even cooking and proper heat circulation.
