Indulge in the comforting flavors of Italy with this incredible Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish offers a deliciously lighter take on the classic Italian-American favorite, prepared effortlessly in your crockpot. Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts, smothered in a rich marinara sauce, generously seasoned with aromatic herbs, and crowned with a layer of perfectly melted, bubbly mozzarella cheese. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal that brings gourmet taste to your dinner table without all the fuss.
This “set it and forget it” version means less time in the kitchen and more quality time with your loved ones. Unlike traditional chicken Parmesan that often involves breading and frying, our slow cooker method skips these steps, resulting in a naturally gluten-free and lighter option that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Serve it alongside your favorite pasta, fluffy rice, or even low-carb zoodles, with a side of warm garlic bread to complete the ultimate easy dinner. For those who still crave the traditional, breaded experience, you can explore our Homemade Chicken Parmesan Recipe or our convenient Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan.
Effortless Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan: A Weeknight Wonder
If you’re looking to enjoy the beloved Italian flavors of chicken Parmesan without the lengthy preparation, this recipe is your new best friend. This incredibly simple adaptation is crafted entirely in your crockpot, allowing you to build layers of flavor with minimal effort. You’ll start by arranging tender chicken breasts, then generously covering them with a rich marinara sauce infused with a fragrant blend of herbs and seasonings. As the ingredients slowly simmer, the flavors meld together beautifully, creating a deep, satisfying taste. The grand finale involves a blanket of glorious mozzarella cheese, melted to gooey perfection right before serving. This method ensures your chicken stays incredibly moist and infused with every delicious note of the sauce.
Recipe Notes & Perfect Pairings
This Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes, just like its traditional counterpart. Classic choices include spaghetti or any other beloved pasta, offering a comforting base for the rich sauce. For a lighter meal, consider serving it with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables. Fluffy white rice or even brown rice also make excellent accompaniments, soaking up all the delicious juices. Don’t forget some warm, crusty breadsticks or garlic bread for dipping into that savory marinara – it’s practically mandatory!
The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. You can easily adapt the sides to suit your dietary needs or personal preferences, making it a truly flexible meal for any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this easy chicken Parmesan will impress with its hearty flavors and fuss-free preparation.
Why This Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Will Become Your Go-To Recipe
- Ultimate Convenience: Set It and Forget It. This recipe is a lifesaver for busy individuals and families. Once your ingredients are in the slow cooker, you can literally walk away and let it do all the work. There’s no constant monitoring, no intricate frying, just low and slow cooking that develops incredible depth of flavor. A quick check of the chicken’s internal temperature a few hours in ensures perfect doneness, giving you back precious time.
- Naturally Gluten-Free & Lighter Option. We’ve reimagined chicken Parmesan by skipping the traditional breading entirely. This not only makes the dish naturally gluten-free, but it also results in a significantly lighter meal without compromising on the robust, cheesy goodness you expect. Enjoy it over rice, your favorite gluten-free noodles, or even vegetable spirals for a wholesome, satisfying dinner that fits various dietary needs.
- Rich Flavors, Reduced Effort. Slow cooking chicken breasts in marinara sauce allows the chicken to absorb all the delicious flavors of the herbs and tomatoes, making it exceptionally tender and flavorful. The melted cheese on top adds that irresistible creamy texture and savory bite, ensuring every forkful is a delight. You get all the classic taste with considerably less prep and cleanup.
- A Family Favorite. Chicken Parmesan is a beloved dish across generations, and this easy slow cooker version is no exception. Its familiar, comforting flavors make it a guaranteed hit with both adults and children, simplifying mealtime dilemmas.
Key Ingredients for Your Delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Opt for fresh, firm chicken breasts for the best results. The quality of your chicken truly makes a difference in the final dish. While frozen chicken can be used, ensure it is completely thawed before placing it in the slow cooker to maintain food safety and optimal cooking. You’ll want about 2 pounds, which typically equates to 3-4 large breasts.
- Seasoning Blend: Our carefully chosen blend includes essential flavor enhancers: salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. This combination creates a savory, aromatic base that infuses the chicken with classic Italian zest. Feel free to customize this blend—add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, or a dash more garlic if you’re a garlic lover!
- Marinara Sauce: A 1-quart jar of good quality marinara sauce is the heart of this dish. The chicken cooks directly in the sauce, allowing it to tenderize and absorb all the rich tomato and herb flavors. This process also creates a wonderfully luscious sauce perfect for spooning over your chosen side dish. Choose your favorite brand or even use homemade marinara for an extra special touch.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella cheese is sprinkled generously over the chicken during the final minutes of cooking, creating that irresistible melted, gooey topping. For an even more authentic touch, you could use a blend of shredded mozzarella and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, or even add slices of fresh mozzarella for a creamy texture.
- Fresh Basil: A garnish of thinly sliced fresh basil just before serving adds a burst of vibrant color and a fresh, aromatic finish that beautifully complements the rich flavors of the dish. Fresh oregano or even parsley would also be delicious alternatives or additions.
- Olive Oil: A tablespoon of quality olive oil helps the seasonings adhere to the chicken and adds a subtle richness to the sauce as it cooks.
How to Make Delicious Chicken Parmesan in a Slow Cooker: A Simple Guide
- Prepare and Layer Your Ingredients: Begin by lightly coating the boneless, skinless chicken breasts with olive oil directly in your slow cooker. In a small bowl, whisk together the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Sprinkle this aromatic blend evenly over both sides of the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Finally, pour the entire quart of marinara sauce over the seasoned chicken breasts, making sure they are well covered.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Secure the lid on your slow cooker. Cook on the LOW setting for 5-6 hours, or if you’re short on time, use the HIGH setting for approximately 3 hours. It is crucial to check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer; it should reach 165 degrees F in the thickest part of the breast to ensure it’s fully cooked and safe to eat. This low-and-slow method guarantees incredibly tender and juicy chicken.
- Melt the Cheese: Once the chicken has reached the correct internal temperature, it’s time for the crowning glory! Generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the cooked chicken and sauce. Replace the lid and continue to cook for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly. For extra gooeyness, you can even crack the lid slightly to allow some steam to escape during the last few minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Carefully transfer your delectable Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan to serving plates. Garnish generously with freshly thinly sliced basil. Serve immediately over your choice of pasta (spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine are excellent), fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or healthy steamed vegetables or zoodles. Don’t forget a side of warm garlic bread for dipping into the rich marinara!
Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan
To keep your leftovers fresh, transfer any unused portions of chicken Parmesan to an airtight container. It can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, this recipe freezes beautifully. Place leftovers in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then microwave or warm in a 350°F oven until heated through.
While it’s generally recommended to use thawed chicken for slow cooker recipes to ensure even cooking and food safety, you can use frozen chicken breasts. However, you MUST thaw them completely overnight in the refrigerator before adding them to the slow cooker. Placing frozen chicken directly into a slow cooker can keep the meat in the “temperature danger zone” for too long, which increases the risk of bacterial growth. Always ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Any good quality store-bought marinara sauce will work wonderfully. Look for a brand with ingredients you recognize and a flavor profile you enjoy. You can also use homemade marinara if you have it on hand. Feel free to enhance a plain jarred sauce with a pinch of sugar to balance acidity, an extra clove of minced garlic, or a bay leaf during cooking.
Yes! By omitting the traditional breading, this slow cooker chicken Parmesan is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check the labels on your marinara sauce to ensure it doesn’t contain any hidden gluten-containing ingredients, although most marinara sauces are naturally gluten-free.
Recipe Tips and Creative Variations for Your Crockpot Chicken Parm
- Amplify the Spice: For those who love a bit of heat, easily make this dish spicy! Stir in a generous pinch of red pepper flakes into the marinara sauce before adding it to the slow cooker. You can also add a dash of cayenne pepper for a more intense kick.
- Opt for Juicier Chicken Thighs: While chicken breasts are fantastic, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent alternative. Their slightly higher fat content means they naturally stay even more moist and flavorful during slow cooking, and they’re often more forgiving if slightly overcooked. The cooking time will remain similar.
- Shred the Chicken for Versatility: If you’re serving this to kids, or simply prefer a different texture, consider shredding the cooked chicken breasts before adding the cheese. This ensures you get a perfect blend of chicken, sauce, and cheese in every single bite. Shredded chicken Parmesan is also fantastic for sandwiches, wraps, or stuffed into bell peppers.
- Create a One-Pot Pasta Dish: For an even more convenient meal, transform this into a one-pot wonder. About 30-45 minutes before the chicken is done (or after the cheese has melted, depending on how firm you like your pasta), stir in some cooked, al dente pasta (like penne or ziti) directly into the slow cooker with the chicken and sauce. This allows the pasta to absorb more flavor and warm through beautifully.
- Add Extra Vegetables: Boost the nutrition and flavor by incorporating extra vegetables. Bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, or chopped zucchini can be added along with the marinara sauce at the beginning of cooking. For softer vegetables like spinach, stir them in during the last 30 minutes.
- Enhance with Fresh Herbs and Cheese: Don’t limit your toppings to just mozzarella and basil. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese adds a salty, nutty depth. A drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil over the finished dish can also elevate the flavors.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerator Storage: Any leftover Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan should be transferred to an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This ensures its freshness and safety.
- Freezer Storage: For longer preservation, this dish freezes exceptionally well. Place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: To reheat, you have a few options. For individual servings, the microwave works quickly. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly warmed through. For larger portions or to retain a crispier texture (if serving with bread), reheat in a preheated oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) until piping hot. You can also gently warm it on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
Discover More Delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes
- Grilled Garlic Parmesan Chicken Breasts
- Ranch Parmesan Crusted Chicken
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- Oven Baked Chicken Parmesan
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This light and simple version of chicken Parmesan is made completely in the slow cooker, meaning there is very little prep involved. It’s got juicy chicken breasts covered with seasoned marinara sauce and plenty of gooey melted cheese. Whether you’re seeking a comforting weeknight meal or an easy dish to feed a crowd, this crockpot recipe delivers on flavor and convenience every time.
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Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Recipe
The Carefree Kitchen
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people
Ingredients
-
2
pounds
boneless skinless chicken breasts,
(about 4 large) -
1
tablespoon
olive oil -
1
teaspoon
salt -
1/2
teaspoon
black pepper -
1/2
tablespoon
garlic powder -
1/2
tablespoon
onion powder -
1
teaspoon
Italian seasoning -
1
quart
marinara sauce
Toppings
-
1
cup
mozzarella cheese,
shredded -
2
tablespoons
basil,
sliced thinly
Instructions
- In a slow cooker, add the chicken breasts and drizzle with the olive oil. In a small bowl, combine the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix well, then sprinkle the seasoning evenly over the chicken breasts. Top with the marinara sauce.
- Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours, or on high for about 3 hours, checking the internal temperature of the chicken to be sure it has reached 165 degrees F. in the thickest spots.
- Once the chicken has cooked, add the shredded mozzarella cheese to the slow cooker and cover for about 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
- Garnish with thinly sliced basil and serve over pasta, rice, zoodles, or cauliflower rice. Enjoy!
Notes
Reheating: either microwave or reheat in a preheated 350 degree oven until warmed through.
To make sure you don’t overcook the chicken, check the temperature about halfway through the suggested cooking time and adjust the timing as needed.
Nutrition
Calories:
155
kcal
|
Carbohydrates:
8
g
|
Protein:
17
g
|
Fat:
7
g
|
Saturated Fat:
2
g
|
Polyunsaturated Fat:
1
g
|
Monounsaturated Fat:
3
g
|
Trans Fat:
0.01
g
|
Cholesterol:
47
mg
|
Sodium:
1005
mg
|
Potassium:
588
mg
|
Fiber:
2
g
|
Sugar:
4
g
|
Vitamin A:
655
IU
|
Vitamin C:
9
mg
|
Calcium:
98
mg
|
Iron:
2
mg
Disclaimer: Nutritional values were calculated using a third-party tool and are provided as an estimation only.
Main Course
Italian
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