Imagine a dish so incredibly easy to prepare yet so mind-blowingly delicious that it transforms your ordinary weeknight dinner into a gourmet experience. These Crock Pot Pesto Ranch Chicken Thighs are the ultimate culinary magic trick that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. With just a handful of ingredients and your trusty slow cooker, you'll create a meal that will have your family begging for seconds and your dinner guests wondering if you've secretly trained as a professional chef.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 1 cup pesto sauce
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 4 chicken thighs, 1 cup of pesto sauce, 1 packet of ranch dressing mix, and 1/2 cup of chicken broth. Make sure your chicken thighs are thawed if they were previously frozen.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the pesto sauce and the ranch dressing mix. Stir well until the dressing mix is fully incorporated into the pesto, creating a smooth and flavorful marinade.
- In your Crock Pot, pour in the 1/2 cup of chicken broth. This will help keep the chicken moist during cooking and add flavor.
- Next, take the chicken thighs and place them in the Crock Pot, ensuring they are spread out evenly. Pour the pesto and ranch mixture over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated with the sauce.
- Cover the Crock Pot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6 hours. This slow cooking method will allow the flavors to meld beautifully and the chicken to become tender.
- Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the lid and check the internal temperature of the chicken thighs. They should reach at least 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
- Using tongs, remove the chicken thighs from the Crock Pot and place them on a serving platter. You can drizzle some of the cooking liquid over the chicken for added flavor.
- Serve the pesto ranch chicken thighs warm, accompanied by your choice of sides such as rice, pasta, or a fresh salad. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Tips
- Always use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for maximum flavor and moisture retention.
- For extra depth, consider toasting your ranch dressing mix in a dry pan for 1-2 minutes before mixing with pesto.
- If possible, use homemade or high-quality store-bought pesto for the best taste.
- Check chicken temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F for food safety.
- Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute.
- For a crispy finish, you can briefly broil the chicken thighs in the oven after slow cooking.
- Leftover chicken can be shredded and used in salads, sandwiches, or pasta dishes.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 186kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 38mg
