Hearty Crockpot Chicken Parmesan: Simple Weeknight Comfort (Print Version)
Enjoy comforting Crockpot Chicken Parmesan without the fuss. My easy recipe brings rich flavors and tender chicken for a perfect family meal.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 4-8 Hours minutes
Total Time: 24 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Italian-American
Dietary: None specified (can be adapted)
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
1.5-2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 -
24-28 oz jarred marinara sauce
03 -
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
→ Flavor Boosters
04 -
4-5 cloves garlic, minced
05 -
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
06 -
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
07 -
Salt and black pepper to taste
08 -
1 tbsp olive oil (for searing, optional)
→ Finishing Touches
09 -
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
10 -
1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
→ Pantry Staples
11 -
(Optional: flour or breadcrumbs for dredging)
# Instructions:
01 -
Okay, first things first, let's get that chicken ready. Pat your chicken breasts dry with paper towels – this helps them brown a little better, even if we're not frying them traditionally. Season them generously with a pinch of salt, black pepper, and half of your Italian seasoning. I usually do this right on a cutting board, and yes, it gets a little messy, but that's kitchen life, right? Sometimes, I even give them a quick dredge in a little flour or breadcrumbs if I'm feeling ambitious, but honestly, it's not strictly necessary for this crockpot version.
02 -
Now, this step is totally optional, but I swear it makes a difference in the final flavor of your Comforting Crockpot Chicken Parmesan. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Quickly sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side, just until they get a light golden crust. We're not cooking them through here, just building some flavor. I used to skip this, thinking, "It's a crockpot, who cares?" But trust me, that little bit of browning adds a wonderful depth you'll miss if you skip it. Don't worry if it sticks a little; we're just after some color!
03 -
Time to get the crockpot involved! Pour about a cup of your favorite marinara sauce into the bottom of your slow cooker. This creates a nice bed for the chicken and prevents sticking. Then, sprinkle about half of your minced garlic over the sauce, followed by a good handful of grated Parmesan. This is where the magic starts, building those layers of savory goodness. I always take a deep breath here, the smell of garlic and marinara is just... *chef's kiss*!
04 -
Carefully place your seared (or unseared, no judgment!) chicken breasts over that flavorful base in the crockpot. Now, pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the chicken, making sure each piece is nicely coated. Sprinkle the rest of the Italian seasoning and those red pepper flakes (if you're using them) over the sauce. I once forgot the red pepper flakes and the dish was still good, but it just lacked that tiny bit of zing!
05 -
Cover your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be incredibly tender and easily shreddable with a fork. I usually peek around the 3-hour mark on high, just to make sure everything's bubbling along nicely. If your chicken breasts are super thick, they might take a little longer. Don't worry if there's a bit of liquid; that's just flavorful sauce!
06 -
In the last 20-30 minutes of cooking, remove the lid. Layer the shredded mozzarella cheese and the remaining grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken. Cover again and let it cook until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly. This is the moment, friends! That irresistible, gooey top. Sometimes I even give it a quick broil in the oven for a few minutes if I want a really browned, crispy cheese crust, but that's just me being extra. Garnish with fresh basil before serving your incredible Comforting Crockpot Chicken Parmesan.
# Notes:
01 -
A quick sear on the chicken, even for a few minutes, truly develops a richer flavor base – I learned this the hard way!
02 -
Leftovers reheat best gently on the stovetop or in the oven; the microwave can make the sauce separate a bit.
03 -
Chicken thighs are a great substitution for breasts if you want even more moisture and a more forgiving cook time.
04 -
Serving this with a side of crusty garlic bread for dipping is an absolute must in my kitchen.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Slow cooker (Crockpot)
02 -
Skillet (optional
03 -
for searing)
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 450-550
Total Fat: 25-35g
Total Carbohydrate: 20-30g
Protein: 40-50g