4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Pesto Ranch Chicken Recipe

Slow Cooker Pesto Ranch Chicken is an incredibly simple and delicious meal that requires just 4 ingredients and 5 minutes of prep. This crockpot recipe yields tender, flavorful chicken every time, making it perfect for busy days when you need a quick, fuss-free dinner. For an extra burst of flavor, try making your own homemade pesto to take this easy dish to the next level!

Original post: March 2014 | Updated: January 2025

Why This Recipe Works

• Slow cooker pesto ranch chicken is one of the most underrated recipes on the planet. 
• This one pot meal is such a super simple recipe, requiring only 4 ingredients and 5 minutes of prep. 
• This crockpot pesto chicken is the most delicious meal that requires minimal effort. 
• The chicken comes out super tender every single time and contains tons of flavor.
• If you have a busy day coming up this week, add this easy dinner to rotation. It’ll get rave reviews from the entire family.
• Turn up the notch on the flavor by making your very own homemade pesto to throw into this easy dish.

Recipe Ingredients

• Chicken breasts – Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts and trim the fat first.
  Substitute for skinless chicken thighs, if desired.
• Pesto – Purchase a jar of pesto from the grocery store or make your own homemade pesto sauce using olive oil, fresh basil leaves, nuts of your choice and parmesan cheese.
• Dry Ranch dressing mix – Just one simple little packet will do the trick.
• Chicken broth – Use chicken broth, chicken stock or vegetable broth.

How To Make Slow Cooker Pesto Ranch Chicken

Step 1

Place chicken breasts in the bowl of your slow cooker. Top with an even layer of pesto.

Next, sprinkle the ranch dressing mix over the top. Pour the chicken broth over top.

Step 2

Cook on Low setting for 5-6 hours, or until chicken is fully cooked and tender. Serve with rice or cooked pasta. Spoon the juices from the slow cooker over top before serving.

Recipe Notes

• Sprinkle black pepper over the top before serving for extra flavor.
• Top with shredded mozzarella cheese just before serving.
• Add some spice by adding red pepper flakes, hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Serve chicken over top cooked pasta, rice or mashed potatoes.

How To Make Baked Pesto Chicken

To make baked pesto chicken (vs crock pot pesto chicken), combine the pesto, ranch dressing and broth in a bowl and mix well. Coat the chicken in the mixture and add to a baking dish, pouring the remaining sauce over the top. Bake uncovered at 375 degrees for 25 minutes.

​What To Serve With Slow Cooker Chicken

• Vegetables such as green beans, roasted cherry tomatoes or assorted roasted veggies.
• Leafy green salad such as this chopped salad.
• Dinner rolls or garlic bread.
• Rice, pasta or mashed potatoes.

How To Store This Easy Slow Cooker Pesto Chicken Recipe

Let cool and transfer to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 5 days. Don’t let the delicious sauce go to waste! Save that, too.

What To Do With Leftover Pesto

• Use it as a spread on your next sandwich or wrap.
• Toss a few tablespoons of it with your next batch of pasta.
• Use it in place of pizza sauce on your next pizza.
• Mix it into rice for a delicious side dish.

Delicious Chicken Recipes

• Instant Pot Whole Rotisserie Chicken – Cook a tender, perfectly roasted whole chicken in your Instant Pot in less than an hour! This recipe turns out perfectly every time.
• This one-pan Roasted Chicken and Vegetables dinner is a win-win. It is easy to prepare and it is packed with flavor. Perfect meal for busy weeknights!
• Not only is this the tastiest Lemon Chicken Piccata recipe you’ll meet, it is also super easy to prepare. Add it to your dinner rotation pronto!
• Easy Classic Chicken Alfredo is the perfect dinner recipe for busy nights. Done in 30 minutes and made in a single pan, everyone at the table will love this comforting dish!
• Pineapple BBQ Chicken requires only FOUR ingredients and 30 minutes of your time. This quick and easy dinner recipe is packed with flavor and will feed your family quickly.