CROCKPOT CHICKEN PARM PERFECTION

Imagine sinking your teeth into juicy, tender chicken coated in a rich tomato sauce, blanketed with melted mozzarella, and sprinkled with savory Parmesan. Sounds divine, right? What if I told you that you can achieve this classic Italian comfort food with minimal effort? Get ready to experience the magic of Easy Crockpot Chicken Parmesan – a recipe that will become a weeknight staple in your household, delivering restaurant-quality flavors without all the fuss!

Gathering Your Glorious Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece. Don’t worry, it’s mostly pantry staples!

For the Chicken:

• 2 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 4-6 breasts, depending on size.
• 1 tsp Italian Seasoning: The key to that authentic Italian flavor.
• 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder: Because everything’s better with garlic!
• 1/4 tsp Salt: To enhance all the flavors.
• 1/4 tsp Black Pepper: A little kick to balance the sweetness.

For the Sauce & Cheese:

• 24 oz Jar of Your Favorite Marinara Sauce: Use a good quality sauce for the best flavor.
• 8 oz Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: For that beautiful, melty blanket.
• 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor.

Optional, but Highly Recommended:

• Olive Oil: For searing, if you choose to sear (more on that later!).
• Fresh Basil: For garnish, because presentation matters!

Step-by-Step to Crockpot Chicken Parm Bliss

Let’s transform these simple ingredients into a mouthwatering dish! Follow these easy steps, and you’ll be enjoying delicious chicken parmesan in no time.

Prepping the Chicken (Optional Searing):

1. First, lightly grease the bottom of your crockpot. This prevents sticking!
2. Now, if you want to take your chicken parm to the next level, consider searing the chicken. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly browned. This step adds a beautiful color and locks in moisture. Don’t worry if you skip this – it will still be delicious!
3. Whether you sear it or not, place the chicken breasts in the greased crockpot in a single layer.

Sauce it Up and Cook:

1. Pour the entire jar of marinara sauce over the chicken breasts, making sure they are fully coated.
2. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be easily shreddable with a fork when it’s done.

Cheese Please!

1. Once the chicken is cooked, carefully shred it with two forks directly in the crockpot. Stir the shredded chicken into the marinara sauce.
2. Top the shredded chicken with the mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese.
3. Cover the crockpot again and cook on high for another 15-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning!

Serve and Enjoy:

1. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired.
2. Serve over your favorite cooked pasta (spaghetti, penne, or linguine are all great choices!), or enjoy it as a sandwich on toasted rolls. It’s also fantastic served with a side salad for a lighter meal.

The Secret Sauce to Amazing Chicken Parm: Choosing Your Marinara

Let’s talk sauce! The quality of your marinara will significantly impact the overall flavor of your Easy Crockpot Chicken Parmesan. Don’t just grab the cheapest jar on the shelf. Here’s what to consider:

• Taste Test: If you have time, taste a few different brands of marinara before committing. Look for a sauce that’s flavorful, not too acidic, and has a good balance of sweetness and savory notes.
• Ingredients: Check the ingredient list. A good marinara should have simple ingredients like tomatoes, garlic, onions, herbs, and olive oil. Avoid sauces with excessive sugar, artificial flavors, or preservatives.
• Your Personal Preference: Ultimately, the best marinara is the one you enjoy the most! Whether you prefer a classic tomato flavor or something with a little kick, choose a sauce that suits your taste. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

Unlock Extra Flavor: My Favorite Tweaks and Tips

Want to elevate your Easy Crockpot Chicken Parmesan even further? Here are a few of my personal tips and tricks:

• Add a Touch of Heat: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce.
• Fresh Herbs Are Your Friend: Incorporate fresh herbs like oregano or thyme into the sauce for a more complex flavor profile.
• Deglaze the Pan (If Searing): After searing the chicken, deglaze the skillet with a splash of red wine or chicken broth before adding it to the crockpot. This will capture all those delicious browned bits and add depth of flavor to the sauce.
• Brown the Cheese Under the Broiler: For an extra bubbly and slightly browned cheese topping, transfer the crockpot to a broiler-safe dish after the cheese has melted. Broil for a minute or two, watching carefully to prevent burning.
• Make it a Meal: Add sliced bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms to the crockpot along with the chicken for a complete one-pot meal.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Your Crockpot Chicken Parm

Now that you’ve got the star of the show, let’s talk about side dishes! Here are some of my favorite pairings to complement your Easy Crockpot Chicken Parmesan:

• Pasta: Classic and always a winner! Spaghetti, penne, fettuccine, or linguine are all excellent choices.
• Garlic Bread: Crispy, buttery, and perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
• Salad: A light and refreshing salad, like a simple Caesar or a mixed green salad with a vinaigrette, helps to balance the richness of the chicken parmesan.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts add a healthy and flavorful side dish.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a surprisingly delicious accompaniment to chicken parmesan.

Crockpot Cooking Confidence: Troubleshooting Tips

Even with the simplest recipes, things can sometimes go awry. Here are a few common crockpot cooking issues and how to fix them:

• Chicken is Dry: If your chicken is dry, it could be overcooked. Make sure to check it periodically, especially if cooking on high. Adding a little chicken broth to the crockpot can also help keep the chicken moist.
• Sauce is Too Thin: If your sauce is too thin, remove the lid from the crockpot during the last hour of cooking to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
• Sauce is Too Thick: If your sauce is too thick, add a little chicken broth or water to thin it out.
• Crockpot is Cooking Too Hot: Some crockpots cook hotter than others. If you find that your food is consistently overcooked, try reducing the cooking time or using a lower setting.

Beyond Chicken Parm: Other Delicious Crockpot Creations

Once you discover the magic of crockpot cooking, you’ll be hooked! If you love this Easy Crockpot Chicken Parmesan, you might also enjoy other easy and flavorful recipes. For a rich and comforting meal, try SUNDAY SLOW COOKER RAGU. Or, for a unique twist on a classic, check out CROCKPOT LASAGNA SOUP PERFECTION and CROCKPOT LASAGNA SOUP MAGIC. Craving more cheesy goodness? CREAMY GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN PASTA is a winner! Don’t forget to check out GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN PERFECTION and for something different, CROCKPOT GARLIC PARMESAN HEAVEN

Make-Ahead Magic: Tips for Meal Prepping

One of the best things about Easy Crockpot Chicken Parmesan is that it’s perfect for meal prepping! Here are a few tips to help you get ahead:

• Assemble the Ingredients: Combine the chicken, marinara sauce, and seasonings in a freezer-safe bag or container. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
• Cook in Advance: Cook the chicken parmesan according to the instructions and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
• Portion Control: Divide the cooked chicken parmesan into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or dinners.

So there you have it! Easy Crockpot Chicken Parmesan – a simple, satisfying, and utterly delicious meal that will become a family favorite. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll wonder why you ever made chicken parmesan any other way. Get ready to savor the flavors and enjoy the effortless cooking experience! Happy crockpotting!

Crockpot Chicken Parm Perfection

Enjoy restaurant-quality chicken parmesan with minimal effort using this easy crockpot recipe. Tender chicken breasts are slow-cooked in a rich marinara sauce, then topped with melted mozzarella and parmesan for a comforting and flavorful meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 hours hrs

Total Time 8 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 24 oz jar of your favorite marinara sauce
• 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp olive oil optional, for searing
• Fresh basil, for garnish optional
• 1 lb pasta spaghetti, penne, linguine), cooked according to package directions (for serving

Equipment

• Crockpot (Slow Cooker)
• Large skillet (optional, for searing)
• Tongs (optional, for searing)
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• Fork
• Knife
• Cutting board

Method

 

1. Lightly grease the bottom of your crockpot to prevent sticking.
2. If searing the chicken, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly browned. Place the chicken breasts in the greased crockpot in a single layer.
3. If not searing, simply place the chicken breasts in the greased crockpot in a single layer, after seasoning with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the entire jar of marinara sauce over the chicken breasts, making sure they are fully coated.
5. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be easily shreddable with a fork when it’s done.
6. Once the chicken is cooked, carefully shred it with two forks directly in the crockpot. Stir the shredded chicken into the marinara sauce.
7. Top the shredded chicken with the mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese.
8. Cover the crockpot again and cook on high for another 15-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
9. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired.
10. Serve over your favorite cooked pasta (spaghetti, penne, or linguine), or enjoy it as a sandwich on toasted rolls. It’s also fantastic served with a side salad.

Notes

For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce. Fresh oregano or thyme can also be incorporated into the sauce for a more complex flavor. To prevent the chicken from drying out, especially when cooking on high, add a 1/4 cup of chicken broth to the crockpot. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave until heated through or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed.