Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe brings the beloved Italian dish to your table with minimal effort. No frying or oven-baking required—just layer the ingredients in your slow cooker and let it do all the work. The chicken comes out juicy and flavorful, and the cheesy topping adds the perfect finish. Serve it over pasta, rice, or with a side of garlic bread for a complete meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Marinara sauce
- Italian seasoning
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Place the chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Pour marinara sauce evenly over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours or on high for 2.5–3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan over the chicken.
- Cover and cook for an additional 15–20 minutes until the cheese is melted.
- Garnish with chopped basil or parsley if desired.
- Serve over cooked pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 5–6 hours on low or 2.5–3 hours on high
Total time: 5.5–6.5 hours (on low) or 3–3.5 hours (on high)
Variations
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a richer flavor.
- Add sliced mushrooms or bell peppers to the slow cooker for added veggies.
- Use a spicy arrabbiata sauce instead of marinara for extra heat.
- Mix in cooked pasta at the end for a one-pot meal.
- Add a layer of breadcrumbs on top just before serving for a more traditional texture (toast separately and sprinkle over).
- Use a blend of Italian cheeses like provolone or fontina for a gourmet twist.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, microwave individual portions until heated through, or warm on the stovetop over low heat.
You can freeze the cooked chicken and sauce in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?
It’s best to thaw chicken before using in a slow cooker for food safety and even cooking.
What kind of marinara sauce should I use?
Use your favorite store-bought marinara or homemade sauce. Choose one with herbs for more flavor.
Can I add pasta directly to the crock pot?
It’s not recommended to cook dry pasta in the crock pot for this recipe. Cook pasta separately and serve with the chicken and sauce.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and shred easily with a fork.
Can I make this recipe with chicken thighs?
Yes, boneless skinless thighs work great and offer a more tender, juicy result.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely. Bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach can be added for extra nutrition.
What cheese works best for topping?
Mozzarella and Parmesan are classic, but you can also use provolone or an Italian cheese blend.
Can I cook it on high instead of low?
Yes, cook on high for about 2.5 to 3 hours, but low and slow results in more tender chicken.
Will the cheese get crispy like traditional Chicken Parmesan?
Not in the slow cooker. If you want a crispy top, place the cooked chicken under a broiler for a few minutes before serving.
How can I make it low-carb?
Skip the pasta and serve the chicken with zucchini noodles or steamed vegetables.
Conclusion
Easy Italian crock pot chicken Parmesan is a fuss-free take on a classic comfort food. With minimal prep and rich, savory flavor, it’s perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a homemade Italian-style meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy a family-friendly dish that’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.
PrintEasy Italian Crock Pot Chicken Parmesan
This easy Italian crock pot chicken Parmesan delivers all the classic flavors of traditional chicken parm with minimal effort. Slow-cooked chicken breasts in marinara sauce, topped with melty mozzarella and Parmesan, make this a comforting, family-friendly meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5–6 hours (low) or 2.5–3 hours (high)
- Total Time: 5.5–6.5 hours (on low)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Place the seasoned chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours or on high for 2.5–3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan over the chicken.
- Cover and cook for an additional 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted.
- Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley, if desired.
- Serve hot over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
- For a crispier topping, broil the cheese-topped chicken for 2–3 minutes after slow cooking.
- Add bell peppers or mushrooms for extra veggies.
- Spicy arrabbiata sauce can be used instead of marinara for heat.
- Serve with zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce and cheese
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
