Easy Crockpot Red Pesto Chicken Drumsticks Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To add a subtle kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Italian seasoning before cooking. This will infuse the sauce with a mild heat that complements the sweetness of the sun-dried tomatoes without overpowering the delicate flavor of the chicken drumsticks.

If you prefer a more intense flavor, you can marinate the chicken in a little bit of olive oil and garlic for thirty minutes in the refrigerator before placing them into the slow cooker. This extra step helps to tenderize the meat further and builds a deeper foundation of flavor before the slow cooking begins.

Variations

• Creamy Pesto Chicken: Stir in a quarter-cup of heavy cream during the last thirty minutes of cooking to create a richer, creamier sauce that pairs perfectly with pasta or crusty bread.
• Mediterranean Style: Add a handful of pitted kalamata olives and a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese during the final ten minutes of cooking for a more pronounced Mediterranean flavor profile.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezer

Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheat

Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Ensure the chicken is cooled to room temperature within two hours of cooking before placing it in the fridge.

When storing, keep the chicken submerged in the remaining sauce to prevent it from drying out, which helps maintain the moisture and flavor quality for subsequent meals.

This dish is excellent for meal prep as the flavors often improve after sitting for a day.

You can assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before and keep it in the refrigerator, then simply place it into the slow cooker base and start the cooking process when you are ready to prepare dinner the next day.

Serving ideas

Serve these drumsticks hot, drizzled with the extra sauce from the bottom of the slow cooker for added flavor.

They pair beautifully with a side of steamed vegetables, roasted potatoes, or a simple green salad to balance the richness of the sun-dried tomato pesto. A side of crusty bread is also recommended to soak up the delicious sauce.

Present the chicken on a clean white platter to highlight the vibrant red color of the pesto sauce. Arrange the drumsticks neatly, spooning the softened tomatoes and sauce over the top just before serving.

This simple presentation makes the dish look elegant and inviting, perfect for both casual family dinners and more relaxed gatherings with friends.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Easy Crockpot Red Pesto Chicken Drumsticks

Prep 5 minCook 4 hRest 5 minTotal 4 h 10 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 8 bone-in skinless chicken drumsticks
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomato pesto

Instructions

1. Place the bone-in skinless chicken drumsticks into the base of the slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer so they cook evenly. Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes around and between the chicken pieces to ensure they release their juices into the sauce.
2. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning evenly over the chicken and tomatoes. Spoon the thick sun-dried tomato pesto generously over the top of the chicken pieces, ensuring each drumstick is well-coated. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set to cook on low for 4 hours.
3. Continue cooking until the chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer at the thickest part. Once finished, allow the chicken to rest for at least 5 minutes before transferring to a platter for serving.

Contains: milk, tree nuts

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

320

Protein

28 g

Carbohydrates

12 g

Fat

18 g

Fiber

2 g

Sugar

7 g

Sodium

450 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.