Description
Crock-Pot Chicken Parmesan: Tender chicken cooked low and slow in marinara sauce, topped with gooey cheese. A comforting crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 cups (480ml) marinara sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups (225g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 Tbsp fresh basil, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Begin by trimming any excess fat from your chicken breasts and patting them dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, gently pressing the seasonings into the meat. This initial seasoning layer ensures your Crock-Pot Chicken Parmesan has flavor throughout, not just from the sauce. For enhanced tenderness, let the seasoned chicken rest at room temperature for 10 minutes before proceeding.
- Step 2: Prepare the Slow Cooker Coat the bottom of your slow cooker with a thin layer of marinara sauce (about ½ cup). This prevents the chicken from sticking and begins building your flavor base. Sprinkle half of the minced garlic over this sauce layer to infuse the oil in the sauce with aromatic flavor as it heats.
- Step 3: Layer the Ingredients Place the seasoned chicken breasts in a single layer over the sauce. Try to avoid overlapping them to ensure even cooking. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the chicken, making sure each piece is well-coated. Sprinkle the remaining garlic and the Parmesan cheese evenly across the top. The Parmesan will slowly melt into the sauce, creating a rich depth of flavor characteristic of authentic Crock-Pot Chicken Parmesan.
- Step 4: Cook Cover and cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is tender enough to cut with the side of a fork. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking as this releases accumulated heat and can significantly extend cooking time.
- Step 5: Add the Cheese Topping When the chicken is fully cooked, sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of each chicken breast. Cover again and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is completely melted and starting to bubble around the edges. For a more golden top, you can transfer to an oven-safe dish and broil for 2-3 minutes.
- Step 6: Serve Allow your Crock-Pot Chicken Parmesan to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the cheese set slightly and makes serving easier. Garnish with freshly chopped basil and additional grated Parmesan if desired. Serve over pasta, with garlic bread, or alongside a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce and cheese
- Calories: 375 calories per serving
- Sugar: 6 grams
- Sodium: 971 mg
- Fat: 18 grams
- Saturated Fat: 9 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 9 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Protein: 43 grams
- Cholesterol: 130 mg