Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan: Easy Recipe & Tips

Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan: Imagine coming home after a long day to the irresistible aroma of tender chicken simmered in a rich, flavorful tomato sauce, all topped with bubbly, golden-brown cheese. Sounds divine, right? Well, with this easy slow cooker recipe, that dream can become a reality! Forget spending hours in the kitchen; this method allows you to enjoy all the classic flavors of Chicken Parmesan with minimal effort.

Chicken Parmesan, or “Parmigiana di Pollo,” as it’s known in Italian-American cuisine, is a beloved dish with roots tracing back to Southern Italy. While the exact origins are debated, it’s widely believed to be inspired by eggplant parmesan, adapted with chicken to suit American tastes. Over time, it has become a staple in Italian-American restaurants and homes alike, cherished for its comforting flavors and satisfying textures.

What’s not to love? The combination of crispy (or in this case, incredibly tender) chicken, tangy tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella is simply irresistible. This Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan recipe is particularly appealing because it offers a hands-off approach to a traditionally labor-intensive dish. The slow cooker works its magic, infusing the chicken with flavor and creating a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s hard to beat. Plus, it’s a fantastic option for busy weeknights or when you’re entertaining guests. Get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food without all the fuss!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• Chicken: 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5-2 pounds total)
• Pasta Sauce: 1 (24-26 ounce) jar of your favorite marinara sauce
• Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
• Italian Seasoning: 2 teaspoons
• Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon
• Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for a little heat)
• Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon
• Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, grated, plus more for serving
• Mozzarella Cheese: 8 ounces, shredded
• Fresh Basil: 1/4 cup, chopped, for garnish (optional)
• Salt and Pepper: To taste
• Cooked Pasta: 1 pound of your favorite pasta (spaghetti, penne, or linguine work well)

Preparing the Chicken and Sauce:

1. First, let’s get our chicken ready. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them brown better and prevents them from getting too watery in the slow cooker. Season both sides of each chicken breast generously with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy!
2. Now, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the chicken breasts in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. You might need to do this in batches. Sear the chicken for about 2-3 minutes per side, until they are lightly browned. You’re not trying to cook them all the way through at this point, just get a nice color on them. This step adds a lot of flavor!
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet (don’t wipe it out!), add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
4. Stir in the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another minute, stirring constantly, to allow the spices to bloom and release their flavors.
5. Pour in the jar of marinara sauce and stir to combine. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then remove from the heat.

Slow Cooking the Chicken Parmesan:

1. Pour about half of the marinara sauce mixture into the bottom of your slow cooker. This will create a nice base for the chicken to cook in.
2. Arrange the seared chicken breasts on top of the sauce in a single layer. Make sure they are not overlapping.
3. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the chicken, ensuring that each breast is well coated.
4. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the sauce.
5. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when it is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork. Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker, so check the chicken for doneness after the minimum cooking time.

Melting the Cheese and Serving:

1. About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the chicken and sauce in the slow cooker.
2. Cover the slow cooker again and let the cheese melt completely. This usually takes about 15-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it to make sure the cheese doesn’t burn.
3. While the cheese is melting, cook your pasta according to the package directions. Drain the pasta well.
4. Once the cheese is melted and bubbly, it’s time to serve! You have a couple of options here. You can either toss the cooked pasta directly into the slow cooker with the chicken and sauce, or you can serve the chicken and sauce over individual portions of pasta.
5. Garnish with fresh chopped basil and extra grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy! This Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan is delicious with a side salad or some garlic bread.

Tips and Variations:

• Breading the Chicken: For a more traditional Chicken Parmesan experience, you can bread the chicken before searing it. Dip each chicken breast in flour, then in beaten egg, and finally in breadcrumbs seasoned with Italian herbs, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese. Sear as directed.
• Adding Vegetables: Feel free to add some vegetables to the slow cooker along with the chicken. Sliced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms would all be delicious additions. Add them to the slow cooker before adding the chicken and sauce.
• Using Different Cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese. Provolone, Asiago, or a blend of Italian cheeses would all be great choices.
• Making it Spicy: If you like a little extra heat, add more red pepper flakes to the sauce, or use a spicy marinara sauce.
• Freezing Instructions: This Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan is also freezer-friendly. Allow the chicken and sauce to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the slow cooker or on the stovetop.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve this Chicken Parmesan with a side of garlic bread, a simple salad, or roasted vegetables. It’s also great served on a toasted hoagie roll for a delicious Chicken Parmesan sandwich.
• Low Carb Option: Skip the pasta and serve the Chicken Parmesan over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb meal.

Slow Cooker Considerations:

• Slow Cooker Size: A 6-quart slow cooker is recommended for this recipe. If you have a smaller slow cooker, you may need to reduce the amount of chicken and sauce.
• Cooking Time Adjustments: Slow cookers can vary in temperature, so it’s important to check the chicken for doneness after the minimum cooking time. If the chicken is not cooked through, continue cooking for another hour or two, or until it is easily shredded with a fork.
• Preventing Sticking: To prevent the chicken from sticking to the bottom of the slow cooker, you can spray the bottom with cooking spray before adding the sauce.

Detailed Ingredient Breakdown:

Chicken Breasts:

I prefer using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe because they cook evenly and are easy to shred. You can also use bone-in chicken breasts, but you will need to increase the cooking time and remove the bones before serving. Make sure the chicken breasts are of similar size for even cooking.

Pasta Sauce:

Use your favorite jarred marinara sauce for this recipe. I like to use a sauce that is already seasoned with herbs and spices, but you can also use a plain sauce and add your own seasonings. You can also use homemade marinara sauce if you prefer.

Tomato Paste:

Tomato paste adds a rich, concentrated tomato flavor to the sauce. It also helps to thicken the sauce. Don’t skip this ingredient!

Garlic:

Fresh garlic is always best, but you can also use garlic powder if you don’t have fresh garlic on hand. Use about 1 teaspoon of garlic powder in place of the 4 cloves of fresh garlic.

Italian Seasoning:

Italian seasoning is a blend of dried herbs that adds a classic Italian flavor to the sauce. You can find it in the spice aisle of most grocery stores. If you don’t have Italian seasoning, you can make your own by combining equal parts of dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary.

Onion Powder:

Onion powder adds a subtle onion flavor to the sauce. It’s a great way to add depth of flavor without having to chop an onion.

Red Pepper Flakes:

Red pepper flakes add a touch of heat to the sauce. If you don’t like spicy food, you can omit this ingredient.

Olive Oil:

Olive oil is used to sear the chicken and sauté the garlic. You can also use vegetable oil or canola oil if you don’t have olive oil on hand.

Parmesan Cheese:

Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor to the sauce. Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor. You can also use pre-grated Parmesan cheese, but it won’t have as much flavor.

Mozzarella Cheese:

Mozzarella cheese is used to top the chicken and sauce. Use shredded mozzarella cheese for easy melting. You can also use

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! This Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan recipe is truly a game-changer for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend gatherings. I know, I know, there are a million chicken parmesan recipes out there, but trust me on this one. The slow cooker method infuses the chicken with incredible flavor and tenderness that you just can’t achieve any other way. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’ve been slaving away in the kitchen all day, when in reality, you just tossed a few ingredients into your slow cooker and let it do its magic.

Why is this a must-try? Well, first and foremost, it’s incredibly easy. Minimal prep work, maximum flavor payoff. Second, the chicken comes out unbelievably moist and juicy. No more dry, overcooked chicken parmesan! The slow cooker ensures that the chicken stays tender and absorbs all the delicious flavors of the sauce and cheese. Third, it’s a crowd-pleaser. Everyone loves chicken parmesan, and this version is sure to impress even the pickiest eaters. It’s comfort food at its finest, and it’s perfect for any occasion.

But the best part? The versatility! While I love serving this Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan over a bed of perfectly cooked spaghetti, the possibilities are endless. For a lighter option, try serving it with zucchini noodles or a simple side salad. You could also shred the chicken and use it to make delicious parmesan chicken sandwiches on toasted ciabatta rolls. Or, get creative and use it as a topping for homemade pizzas or as a filling for stuffed bell peppers. The choice is yours!

Here are a few other serving suggestions and variations to get your creative juices flowing:

• Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, crusty garlic bread for dipping into the extra sauce.
• Vegetable Sides: Pair with roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts for a complete and balanced meal.
• Creamy Polenta: For a comforting twist, serve the chicken parmesan over creamy polenta instead of pasta.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
• Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses, such as provolone or mozzarella, for a unique flavor profile.
• Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for added flavor and visual appeal.

I’m so confident that you’re going to love this recipe. It’s become a staple in my own kitchen, and I know it will become one in yours too. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience the most delicious and effortless chicken parmesan you’ve ever had. I promise, you won’t be disappointed!

Now, it’s your turn! I’m dying to know what you think of this recipe. Once you’ve tried it, please come back and leave a comment below. Let me know how it turned out, what variations you tried, and any tips or tricks you discovered along the way. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me to create even better recipes for you in the future. And don’t forget to share your photos on social media using #SlowCookerChickenParmesan – I can’t wait to see your creations!

Happy cooking, and enjoy!