Slow cooker pesto butter chicken

Slow cooker meals are perfect for no fuss dinners. Just prepare the meal in advance and leave the slow cooker to do it’s magic. Not only is the dish an ideal weeknight go-to but the tender chicken infused with the delicious pesto butter sauce also tastes delicious.

Try this dish for dinner parties or for a quick meal for yourself and if you have some leftovers, just pop it in the fridge for tomorrow’s lunch!

Ingredients

• 1.6kg whole chicken
• 60g butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons basil, cashew and parmesan dip
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves
• 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Steamed vegetables, to serve

Method

1. Rinse chicken under cold water and pat dry. Form two pockets on either side of the chicken by using your hands to gently lift the skin away from the breast meat on either side.
2. Mix butter, dip, basil and garlic in a bowl. Transfer mixture into the pockets under the chicken skin. Be gentle and don’t break the skin.
3. In a large frying pan heat oil. Add chicken, breast side down. Cook until golden for about 10 mins. Put a wire rack inside a 5 litre slow cooker bowl. With the breast facing up, place chicken on the rack and season with salt and pepper. Cover and turn on slow-cooker on low. Leave to cook for 4 hours until chicken is cooked through and tender.
4. Serve with a side of vegetables.