This Easy Crock-Pot Chicken Parmesan is a real winner! Tender chicken breasts cook slowly in a tasty marinara sauce and get topped with gooey melted cheese. Yum!
What’s great is how simple it is—just throw everything in the pot and let it do the work while you relax. Serve it over pasta for a cozy meal everyone will love!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe. They stay juicy during slow cooking. If you’re looking for an alternative, you can use chicken thighs for more flavor, or even turkey if that’s what you have on hand!
Marinara Sauce: Store-bought marinara is super convenient, but homemade tastes great too! If you’re short on time, you can use any pasta sauce you like. A roasted garlic or arrabbiata sauce can give a nice twist!
Cheese: Mozzarella is classic here, but consider adding provolone for a sharper taste. The Parmesan adds a great nutty flavor; if you don’t have it, using pecorino Romano can be a good substitute.
Herbs: Italian seasoning works well to enhance the dish. You can easily swap it for fresh herbs like basil or oregano if you have them. Dried herbs are usually stronger, so use a bit less!
How Do I Ensure Perfectly Cooked Chicken?
Cooking chicken in a Crock-Pot is simple, but it’s all about timing! Here are some straightforward steps to ensure your chicken stays moist and tender:
- First, season the chicken well. This adds flavor right from the start.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Always check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Keep the lid on for even cooking; opening it releases heat!
- Adding cheese in the last 15 minutes helps it melt nicely without overcooking the chicken.
With these tips, your Crock-Pot Chicken Parmesan will be a delicious hit at the dinner table!
Easy Crock-Pot Chicken Parmesan
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Crock-Pot Chicken Parmesan will take about 10 minutes of prep time. Then, it will cook for 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high. Just set it and forget it, and you’ll have a delicious meal waiting for you!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Chicken:
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Make sure each piece is coated evenly for maximum flavor!
2. Layer the Chicken in the Crock-Pot:
Place the seasoned chicken breasts at the bottom of your Crock-Pot. This helps them cook evenly and soak up the sauce!
3. Add the Marinara Sauce:
Pour the marinara sauce over the chicken breasts evenly. You want them to be nicely covered to stay juicy and flavorful.
4. Set the Cooking Time:
Cover the Crock-Pot and set it to cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. The chicken is done when it’s cooked through and tender.
5. Add the Cheeses:
Around 15 minutes before you’re ready to eat, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken. Cover the pot again to let the cheese melt beautifully!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once the cheese is melted, serve the chicken over a bed of cooked pasta. Don’t forget to add a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top for a lovely touch!
Enjoy your easy, comforting Crock-Pot Chicken Parmesan! It’s sure to be a hit with the whole family!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but be sure to add extra cooking time. If using frozen chicken, cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
What Can I Substitute for Marinara Sauce?
If you don’t have marinara sauce on hand, you can use any tomato-based pasta sauce, like pizza sauce or even crushed tomatoes with herbs added. Pesto or a creamy alfredo sauce can offer a different flavor profile too!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stove until heated through. Serve over fresh pasta for a quick meal!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce the night before, keeping them in the fridge. Just transfer everything to the Crock-Pot the next day and follow the cooking instructions. It’s a great way to save time!
