Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Recipe

Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian-American favorite, known for its crispy breaded chicken, rich tomato sauce, and gooey mozzarella cheese. Making it in a crockpot brings an easy twist to this beloved dish, allowing you to enjoy all its comforting flavors with minimal effort.

In this version, the chicken slowly simmers in marinara sauce, becoming tender and juicy. It’s a one-pot wonder that makes a perfect family meal, packed with flavor and ideal for serving over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread on the side.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hands-Off Cooking: Perfect for busy days, as you can set it in the morning and have a delicious meal by dinner.
• Healthier Option: Crockpot cooking requires less oil than traditional frying, making this a lighter version of Chicken Parmesan.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves the cheesy, saucy goodness of Chicken Parmesan.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder on both sides.
2. Coat with Parmesan and Breadcrumbs: In a small bowl, mix the Italian-style breadcrumbs with 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Dredge each chicken breast in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help the coating adhere. This mixture gives the chicken its Parmesan-crusted flavor even without frying.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

1. Make the Marinara Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the marinara sauce with dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes if desired. Stir well to combine all the flavors.
2. Add Sauce to the Crockpot: Pour about 1 cup of the marinara sauce mixture into the bottom of the crockpot, spreading it out evenly. This layer prevents the chicken from sticking and infuses it with flavor from the bottom up.

Step 3: Layer and Cook

1. Add the Chicken: Place the seasoned, breaded chicken breasts on top of the sauce layer in the crockpot.
2. Cover with Sauce: Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the chicken, ensuring that each piece is covered in sauce.
3. Cook on Low: Cover the crockpot with the lid and set it to cook on LOW for 4-5 hours. Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your crockpot model. The chicken should be tender and fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Step 4: Add the Cheese

1. Top with Cheese: About 20 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and an additional 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan over the chicken.
2. Cover and Let Cheese Melt: Place the lid back on and let the cheese melt. After 15-20 minutes, the cheese should be gooey and bubbly.

Serving Suggestions

1. Over Pasta: Serve the chicken and sauce over a bed of spaghetti or penne.
2. With Garlic Bread: Pair with warm garlic bread to soak up the extra sauce.
3. Over Rice: Spoon the chicken and sauce over steamed rice for a different twist.
4. With a Side Salad: Balance the rich flavors with a light side salad or steamed vegetables.

Tips for the Best Crockpot Chicken Parmesan

1. Choose Thin Chicken Breasts: Thinner breasts cook more evenly and absorb more sauce flavor. If your chicken breasts are thick, consider slicing them in half.
2. Avoid Overcooking: Check the chicken at 4 hours; overcooked chicken can become dry. For best results, cook just until tender.
3. Fresh Mozzarella Option: For extra melty cheese, try using sliced fresh mozzarella instead of shredded mozzarella.

Variations and Additions

1. Add Vegetables: Include bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra nutrients.
2. Swap the Cheese: Try provolone instead of mozzarella for a different flavor.
3. Use Pesto: Mix a spoonful of pesto into the sauce for added basil and garlic flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this with chicken thighs instead?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and add more flavor due to their natural fat content. Adjust cooking time as thighs might cook faster.

2. Can I add pasta directly to the crockpot?
For best results, cook pasta separately and serve it with the finished Chicken Parmesan. Adding pasta directly can lead to mushy noodles.

3. Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use a dairy-free mozzarella alternative and skip the Parmesan cheese. The taste will be slightly different, but the dish will still be delicious.

4. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of marinara sauce?
Yes, but using fresh tomatoes requires more prep time. Dice and cook them with herbs and garlic first to make a sauce.

5. Is it okay to cook on high?
Cooking on high for 2-3 hours can work, but low and slow is best for tender chicken and deep flavor.

Final Thoughts

Crockpot Chicken Parmesan is a convenient, flavorful twist on a traditional Italian favorite. By skipping the frying and letting the crockpot do the work, you’ll have a lighter, easier version of Chicken Parmesan that’s just as satisfying. The juicy chicken, rich tomato sauce, and melted mozzarella create a meal that’s perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to gatherings with friends. With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, it’s sure to become a staple recipe in your home. Enjoy the ease and comfort of this crockpot favorite!

Yield: 4

Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Recipe

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Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian-American favorite, known for its crispy breaded chicken, rich tomato sauce, and gooey mozzarella cheese. Making it in a crockpot brings an easy twist to this beloved dish, allowing you to enjoy all its comforting flavors with minimal effort. In this version, the chicken slowly simmers in marinara sauce, becoming tender and juicy. It’s a one-pot wonder that makes a perfect family meal, packed with flavor and ideal for serving over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread on the side.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 4 hours

Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup Italian breadcrumbs
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Season the Chicken:
   Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
   
2. Prepare the Breadcrumb Mixture:
   In a small bowl, combine the Italian breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Coat each chicken breast in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
   
3. Layer in the Crockpot:
   Pour a small amount of marinara sauce on the bottom of the crockpot to prevent sticking. Place the breaded chicken breasts on top of the sauce. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the chicken, making sure each piece is fully covered.
   
4. Cook:
   Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
   
5. Add Cheese:
   About 15-20 minutes before serving, sprinkle mozzarella cheese over each chicken breast. Cover and let the cheese melt.
   
6. Serve:
   Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve hot over pasta or with a side of garlic bread.

Notes

Crispy Option: For a crispy topping, transfer the chicken to a baking sheet after cooking, add extra cheese, and broil for 2-3 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Variations: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a bit of spice.