Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan
If there’s one dish that’s guaranteed to please a crowd, it’s Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan. This Italian-American classic features tender chicken breasts smothered in marinara sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and baked until golden and bubbly. While traditionally prepared in the oven, we’re here to show you a hassle-free way to make this comforting favorite: in the slow cooker. Crockpot chicken parmesan is going to be your new favorite go-to meal.
Slow Cooker Cooker Chicken Parmesan
There’s something magical about the slow cooker – the way it effortlessly transforms simple ingredients into flavorful meals with minimal effort. As a busy mom of three, I’ve come to rely on my slow cooker as a lifesaver on hectic days when I need to get dinner on the table without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether it’s simmering soups, tenderizing tough cuts of meat, or cooking up comforting casseroles, my slow cooker has never let me down.
Bringing Italian Comfort to Your Dinner Table
Growing up in an Italian-American household, Chicken Parmesan was a staple on our dinner table. My Nonna would spend hours in the kitchen, carefully pounding chicken breasts, simmering marinara sauce, and layering everything together with copious amounts of cheese. The aroma that filled our home as the dish baked in the oven was pure comfort – a tantalizing blend of garlic, tomatoes, and melted cheese that signaled a delicious meal to come.
The Challenge of Weeknight Cooking
As much as I love the traditional method of making Chicken Parmesan, it’s not always practical for busy weeknights. Between work, school pickups, and extracurricular activities, there’s often little time or energy left for elaborate meals. That’s where the slow cooker comes in. With just a few minutes of prep in the morning, I can have dinner waiting for me when I walk in the door – no last-minute scrambling or stress required.
Pair this with our easy dinner rolls and our Air fryer asparagus for the perfect meal!
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan
- Prepare a slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
- In the slow cooker, mix the tomatoes, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Place the frozen chicken tenders on top of the sauce.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.
- Remove the lid and gently shift the chicken tenders until covered in the sauce. Top with the cheese and parsley, if using.
- Serve over hot, buttered spaghetti noodles.
Tips & Tricks
- Add Fresh Herbs: For an extra burst of flavor, add some fresh basil or parsley to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking. This will infuse the dish with a fresh, herby aroma.
- Don’t Overcook: Be mindful not to overcook the chicken, as it can become dry and tough. Cook on low for 6 hours.
- Melt the Cheese Just Before Serving: About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the chicken in the slow cooker. Cover and let it melt until gooey and bubbly.
- Serve with Pasta or Bread: Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan pairs perfectly with pasta or crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce. Cook your favorite pasta according to package instructions and serve the chicken on top, or slice the chicken and serve it in a sandwich or over a bed of greens for a lighter option.
FAQ’s For Making Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan
- Can I use a different type of cheese? While mozzarella and Parmesan cheese are traditional for Chicken Parmesan, you can certainly experiment with other types of cheese if you prefer. Try using provolone, fontina, or even cheddar for a different flavor profile.
- Can I make this recipe dairy-free? Yes, you can make this recipe dairy-free by using dairy-free cheese alternatives and ensuring that your marinara sauce is also dairy-free. There are many dairy-free cheese options available on the market, such as almond-based or soy-based cheeses.
- What should I serve with Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan? Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan pairs well with pasta, such as spaghetti or fettuccine, for a classic Italian meal. You can also serve it with crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce, or over a bed of cooked vegetables for a lighter option.
- Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, you can freeze leftovers of Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan for later enjoyment. Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
- How do I reheat leftovers? To reheat leftovers, simply microwave individual portions until heated through, or reheat larger portions in a covered baking dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed to your liking.
Storage
You will want to store your chicken parmesan in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Let your chicken completely cool. Once cooled, place it in a freezer-safe container. This will last up to 2 months.
When you are ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and add to the crockpot to warm back up. Add more tomatoes or sauce if needed.
Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan
Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan is a go-to crockpot dish that combines breaded chicken, crushed tomatoes, and a variety of seasonings that is topped with parmesan cheese. Pair with noodles or mashed potatoes!
Ingredients
- 2.5 pounds frozen breaded chicken tenders
- 2 (28 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
- Fresh chopped parsley, if desired for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare a slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
- In the slow cooker, mix the tomatoes, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Place the frozen chicken tenders on top of the sauce.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.
- Remove the lid and gently shift the chicken tenders until covered in the sauce. Top with the cheese and parsley, if using.
- Serve over hot, buttered spaghetti noodles.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 609Total Fat: 33gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 23gCholesterol: 92mgSodium: 1760mgCarbohydrates: 39gFiber: 2gSugar: 1gProtein: 39g
I’m Melissa, the imaginative force behind Sparkles to Sprinkles, where creativity comes to life, and sprinkles of joy are scattered generously. Melissa is a proud Jersey girl who found love with a New York boy. As a mom to four wonderful boys and a few fur babies, her journey into the world of blogging began after making the life-changing decision to stay home and raise her children. Previously a dedicated workaholic, Melissa’s blog became her creative outlet and passion project. Inspired by her mother-in-law, a masterful cook renowned for her delicious home-cooked meals and legendary holiday feasts (think mouthwatering sausage stuffing), Melissa honed her culinary skills through a combination of family recipes and countless cooking classes. She often attended these classes with her son Michael, who shared her enthusiasm for cooking from a young age. Melissa’s love for learning extends beyond familiar cuisines, as she enjoys exploring international recipes in hands-on cooking classes. Her blog features a diverse array of recipes, showcasing her expertise with various kitchen appliances such as the Instant Pot, air fryer, Slow Cooker, Ninja Foodi, Instant Vortex Plus, and more. Join Melissa on her culinary adventures as she shares tried-and-true family favorites alongside exciting new discoveries!
