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Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan

  • Author: Avery
  • Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten-Free (if using gluten-free marinara and sides)

Description

This Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan is a hearty, comforting twist on the classic Italian favorite made mostly hands‑off in your crockpot. Tender chicken simmers all day in marinara, then gets finished with a blanket of gooey mozzarella and nutty Parmesan. It’s weeknight‑easy, family‑friendly, and perfect over pasta, rice, or veggies.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup marinara sauce (more as needed to lightly cover chicken)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish (optional)
  • Nonstick cooking spray or a little olive oil for the slow cooker (optional)

Instructions

  1. Lightly grease the slow cooker with nonstick spray or a little olive oil to help prevent sticking.
  2. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
  3. Arrange the seasoned chicken in a single layer in the bottom of the slow cooker.
  4. Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the chicken, making sure each breast is well coated. Add a little extra sauce if the tops look dry.
  5. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and very tender (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C).
  6. About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the chicken, followed by the grated Parmesan.
  7. Cover again and continue to cook on LOW (or keep on HIGH if already there) for 20–30 minutes, just until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly around the edges, and slightly golden in spots.
  8. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  9. Carefully lift out the chicken breasts with a spatula or tongs, keeping the cheesy topping in place. Spoon some of the saucy cheese mixture from the slow cooker over each piece.
  10. Garnish with chopped fresh basil if desired, and serve hot over pasta, rice, or with a side of vegetables.

Notes

  • Use a thicker marinara sauce for a richer, less watery finish thin sauces can create extra liquid in the slow cooker.
  • Chicken breasts vary in size; if yours are very large, you may need a little more seasoning and sauce, and possibly a bit more cook time.
  • Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the microwave or oven.
  • For food safety, always check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce and cheese
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g (approx.)
  • Sodium: 650 mg (approx., varies by marinara)
  • Fat: 16 g (approx.)
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g (approx.)
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g (approx.)
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g (approx.)
  • Fiber: 2 g (approx.)
  • Protein: 42 g (approx.)
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg (approx.)

Keywords: slow cooker chicken parmesan,crockpot chicken parmesan,easy chicken dinner,Italian comfort food,weeknight dinner

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Find it online: https://averyrecipes.com/slow-cooker-chicken-parmesan/