Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this incredibly easy Crock Pot Chicken Parmesan recipe, featuring tender, perfectly seasoned chicken breasts crowned with rich marinara sauce and a luscious layer of melted cheese.
The Ultimate Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Recipe: Easy, Delicious, and a Family Favorite!
There’s nothing quite like a hearty, comforting meal that practically cooks itself, especially when daily routines are packed and time is a precious commodity. That’s why I’m thrilled to share this fantastic recipe for Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan. It has quickly become a massive hit in our household, transforming a classic Italian-American dish into a weeknight wonder. The magic of slow cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in chicken so tender it practically melts in your mouth, all while filling your home with an irresistible aroma that promises a delicious dinner is on its way.
Forget the fuss of deep-frying or intricate oven methods. This Crock Pot Chicken Parmesan recipe simplifies the process without compromising on flavor or that beloved crispy texture. By giving the chicken a quick sear before it goes into the slow cooker, we lock in a delightful crunch that perfectly complements the succulent chicken and savory sauce. It’s the perfect solution for busy parents, students, or anyone who craves homemade goodness with minimal effort. Get ready to add this incredible dish to your regular meal rotation!
“This was absolutely delicious! My husband thought it’s the best version I’ve ever made.”
– Shay
Why Choose Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan?
Opting for the slow cooker to prepare Chicken Parmesan brings a host of benefits that make it an undeniable champion in the kitchen, especially for those seeking convenience without sacrificing taste. Here’s why this method stands out:
- **Effortless Convenience:** The primary advantage of a slow cooker is its “set it and forget it” nature. After a quick initial prep (which includes browning the chicken for texture), you simply load your ingredients, turn it on, and let it work its magic. This frees you up to tackle other tasks, run errands, or simply relax, knowing a delicious meal is gently simmering away.
- **Unrivaled Tenderness:** Slow cooking at a low temperature for several hours is the secret to achieving incredibly tender chicken. The prolonged exposure to heat and moisture from the marinara sauce breaks down the chicken fibers, resulting in a juicy, succulent texture that’s difficult to replicate with faster cooking methods.
- **Deep Flavor Infusion:** The long cooking time allows the chicken to fully absorb the rich flavors of the marinara sauce and the aromatic seasonings in the breading. This results in a more complex and satisfying taste profile where every bite is bursting with Italian-inspired goodness.
- **Less Mess & Easy Cleanup:** By containing all the ingredients in one pot, slow cooker meals typically mean less cleanup afterward. The nonstick spray and potential slow cooker liner further simplify the washing process, making post-dinner chores much easier.
- **Perfect for Meal Prep & Busy Schedules:** Whether you’re a busy professional, a parent juggling school activities, or simply someone who appreciates a stress-free dinner, this recipe is a lifesaver. You can even prepare some components ahead of time, like the breading mix, for even faster assembly on cooking day.
- **Hearty & Satisfying:** Chicken Parmesan is inherently a satisfying dish. When prepared in a slow cooker, it becomes an even more comforting and substantial meal, perfect for warming you up on a chilly evening or feeding a hungry crowd.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crock Pot Chicken Parmesan
This recipe is designed to comfortably make 4 chicken breasts, ideal for a family meal. However, the actual number you can fit might vary based on the size of your chicken breasts and your slow cooker. For instance, I could only fit three very large chicken breasts in my 6-quart oval slow cooker, but if yours are smaller or more uniformly sized, you should easily be able to accommodate four. If you need to feed a larger crowd, you can scale up the ingredients and cook in batches if necessary, or use a larger slow cooker.
Absolutely! While the recipe specifies individual dried basil and oregano for precise flavor control, a good quality Italian seasoning blend makes an excellent substitute for convenience. Just ensure you use one teaspoon of Italian seasoning to replace the ½ teaspoon of basil and ½ teaspoon of oregano. It already contains a harmonious mix of herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary. However, remember that garlic powder provides a distinct flavor that isn’t always prominent in Italian seasoning blends, so don’t forget to include the ½ teaspoon of garlic powder regardless of your herb choice!
While some slow cooker recipes allow for frozen chicken, it’s generally not recommended for this specific Chicken Parmesan recipe. The primary reason is food safety: frozen chicken can spend too much time in the “danger zone” (between 40°F and 140°F), where bacteria multiply rapidly, before reaching a safe cooking temperature. Furthermore, using fresh chicken breasts allows for proper breading adhesion and ensures the delicious crispy crust developed during the searing step, which is crucial for the overall texture of this dish. For the best results in terms of both safety and flavor, always start with fresh, thawed chicken breasts for this recipe.
Chicken Parmesan is wonderfully versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Traditionally, it’s served over a bed of al dente spaghetti or linguine, allowing the rich marinara sauce to coat every strand. Beyond pasta, consider a light and crisp side salad with a zesty vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the cheese and sauce. Warm, crusty garlic bread is also a must-have for soaking up any extra sauce. For a lower-carb option, steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or zucchini noodles make excellent accompaniments. Polenta, creamy mashed potatoes, or even a simple rice pilaf can also serve as delicious bases.
The amount of sauce needed is largely a matter of personal preference. The 25-ounce jar of marinara sauce used in the base of the slow cooker provides enough to cook the chicken and lightly coat small portions of pasta. However, if you, like me, enjoy your Chicken Parmesan drenched in extra sauce, both over the chicken itself and generously coating your pasta, then I would highly recommend having an additional jar of marinara on hand. You can easily heat this up in a separate saucepan over low heat while the slow cooker finishes its magic, ensuring everyone gets just the right amount of saucy goodness.
This is a common question, and the answer is delightfully simple: there is no difference! “Parmesan” is the Anglicized version of “Parmigiana,” which is the Italian word. So, whether you call it Chicken Parmesan or Chicken Parmigiana, you are referring to the exact same beloved dish: breaded chicken cutlets smothered in tomato sauce and melted cheese. The names are interchangeable and both evoke the same delicious culinary experience.
To best preserve the quality of leftover Chicken Parmesan, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. For optimal texture, particularly to prevent the breading from becoming too soggy, it’s advisable to store the chicken and any remaining sauce separately. When reheating, gently warm the chicken in an oven or air fryer to help crisp up the breading again, then add the warmed sauce. Leftovers can also be frozen for up to 3 months. For freezing, place individual chicken pieces on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Essential Ingredients for Your Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan
Crafting the perfect Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan begins with selecting high-quality ingredients. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need to create this comforting classic:
- Marinara Sauce: A 25-ounce jar of your favorite marinara sauce forms the flavorful foundation of this dish. Whether you prefer a robust, garlicky sauce or a slightly sweeter one, choose a brand you love, or consider making a homemade marinara sauce for an extra layer of freshness.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: You’ll need 3-4 chicken breasts, depending on their size and how many can fit comfortably in a single layer in your slow cooker. For variety and an often more tender result, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can also be used. Aim for uniformly sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Italian Seasoned Panko Breadcrumbs: About 1 ½ cups of these breadcrumbs are key for achieving that desirable crispy texture that traditional Chicken Parmesan is known for. Panko provides a lighter, crispier coating than regular breadcrumbs. The Italian seasoning in them adds an inherent depth of flavor.
- Egg & Milk: One large egg and ½ cup of milk are whisked together to create the essential wet mixture that helps the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken, forming a perfect binder.
- Garlic Powder, Dried Oregano, Dried Basil: These aromatic spices are incorporated into the breadcrumbs, infusing the chicken with classic Italian flavors. You’ll need ½ teaspoon of each. If you prefer, a single teaspoon of a good quality Italian seasoning blend can be substituted for the oregano and basil.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Approximately 1 cup of shredded mozzarella will provide that iconic gooey, stretchy, and mild cheesy topping. Feel free to add more if you’re a cheese lover! Freshly shredded mozzarella often melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties.
- Shredded Parmesan Cheese: A ¼ cup of shredded Parmesan cheese adds a sharp, salty, and nutty counterpoint to the milder mozzarella, enhancing the overall Italian profile of the dish.
- Vegetable Oil: You’ll need about 2 tablespoons for browning the chicken breasts in a skillet before they go into the slow cooker. This crucial step develops a golden, crispy crust, adding texture and locking in flavor.
- Spaghetti (for serving): A standard package of spaghetti is the traditional accompaniment, perfect for soaking up the rich marinara sauce.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Crock Pot Chicken Parmesan
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and tender Crock Pot Chicken Parmesan that will become a family favorite:
- **Prepare Your Slow Cooker:** Begin by thoroughly spraying the inside of an oval 5-6 quart slow cooker with a nonstick cooking spray. This crucial step prevents sticking and significantly aids in cleanup later. Pour one full 25-ounce jar of your chosen marinara sauce into the bottom of the slow cooker, spreading it evenly to create a flavorful bed for the chicken.
- **Set Up Breading Stations:** Prepare two separate shallow bowls for your breading process. In the first bowl, whisk together the large egg and ½ cup of milk until they are well combined and smooth. Season this mixture generously with salt and black pepper, using about a teaspoon of each, to ensure the chicken is seasoned from the inside out.
- **Season the Breadcrumbs:** In the second shallow bowl, combine the 1 ½ cups of Italian seasoned Panko breadcrumbs with ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of dried oregano, and ½ teaspoon of dried basil. Mix these ingredients thoroughly to ensure the spices are evenly distributed, guaranteeing maximum flavor in every bite of breading.
- **Prepare for Browning and Assembly Line:** Arrange your workspace into an efficient assembly line: fresh chicken breasts, followed by the egg mixture bowl, then the seasoned breadcrumbs bowl. In a large skillet, begin heating 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. It’s important to get your skillet quite hot before adding the chicken, as this helps create a crisp crust. Now, dip each boneless, skinless chicken breast completely into the milk and egg mixture, ensuring every surface is coated. Lift the breast and allow any excess liquid to drip off briefly.
- **Coat the Chicken with Breadcrumbs:** Immediately transfer the egg-coated chicken breast to the seasoned breadcrumbs. Roll it around, gently pressing the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to ensure a thick, even coating. This step is crucial for that satisfying crunch. Repeat this process meticulously for each chicken breast, working one at a time, to ensure full and even coverage.
- **Sear for Golden Crust:** Carefully add the breaded chicken breasts to the hot skillet. You are not aiming to cook the chicken all the way through at this stage; the goal is solely to create a beautiful, golden-brown and crispy crust on both sides. Sear each side for approximately 2-3 minutes, until beautifully golden. If necessary, add a bit more oil to the pan between batches to maintain the heat and prevent sticking.
NOTE on Breading Adhesion: The key to keeping the breading firmly on the chicken is patience and minimal disturbance. Allow one side to get thoroughly golden brown and somewhat set before gently flipping it to the other side. Constantly pushing them around or flipping them too soon will disrupt the breading and cause it to come loose, impacting the final texture.
- **Slow Cook to Perfection:** Once both sides of the chicken are nicely browned and crispy, carefully transfer them from the skillet into the slow cooker, placing them directly on top of the marinara sauce. Arrange them in a single layer if your slow cooker allows. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on the LOW setting for approximately 5-6 hours. The chicken is perfectly cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) as measured with a meat thermometer. This low-and-slow method ensures exceptionally tender and juicy results.
- **Add the Cheesy Topping:** About 10-15 minutes before you plan to serve your meal, remove the lid from the slow cooker. Generously sprinkle the 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and ¼ cup of shredded Parmesan cheese over each piece of cooked chicken. Distribute the cheese evenly to ensure a luscious, cheesy topping.
- **Melt the Cheese and Serve:** Replace the lid on the slow cooker and allow the cheese to melt fully and become deliciously bubbly, which typically takes another 10-15 minutes. While the cheese is melting, if you plan to serve with pasta, now is the ideal time to cook your spaghetti noodles according to package directions. Once the cheese is perfectly melted, serve your magnificent Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan immediately over freshly cooked spaghetti, accompanied by a crisp green salad and warm garlic bread for a complete and satisfying Italian-inspired feast.
Serve your delicious Crock Pot Chicken Parmesan over a generous portion of cooked spaghetti, complemented by a crisp, fresh green salad and warm, buttery garlic bread for the ultimate Italian-inspired meal.
Tips and Variations for Your Perfect Chicken Parmesan
Elevate your Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan with these helpful tips and exciting variations, ensuring every meal is a culinary triumph:
- **Chicken Preparation for Even Cooking:** For the most consistent results, try to use chicken breasts that are similar in size and thickness. If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, consider butterflying them or gently pounding them to an even half-inch thickness. This ensures they cook uniformly and tenderly in the slow cooker.
- **Marinara Sauce Quality Matters:** The quality of your marinara sauce plays a significant role in the overall flavor of this dish. Invest in a high-quality jarred sauce that you genuinely enjoy, or take the extra step to use a homemade marinara for a truly exceptional taste.
- **Don’t Skip the Searing Step:** While it might seem counterintuitive for a slow cooker recipe, searing the breaded chicken in a skillet before adding it to the crock pot is crucial. This step develops that irresistible golden-brown crust and locks in moisture, preventing the breading from becoming soggy during the long cooking process. It adds a depth of flavor and texture that makes all the difference.
- **Experiment with Cheese Blends:** Mozzarella and Parmesan are classic for a reason, but don’t hesitate to get creative with your cheese choices! Adding a layer of provolone, fontina, or even a smoked mozzarella can introduce new dimensions of flavor and richness to your Chicken Parmesan.
- **Add a Spicy Kick:** If you enjoy a bit of heat, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes into your marinara sauce before slow cooking, or mix them into the breadcrumb mixture. This will add a subtle warmth that complements the robust Italian flavors.
- **Boost with Veggies:** For a more comprehensive meal, consider incorporating finely chopped vegetables into the marinara sauce at the beginning of the slow cooking process. Sautéed onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, or even a handful of fresh spinach can add extra nutrients and flavor without much effort.
- **Fresh Herb Finish:** Just before serving, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil can brighten the flavors and add a beautiful pop of color to your finished dish. The freshness of the herbs contrasts wonderfully with the slow-cooked richness.
- **Make it Gluten-Free:** To adapt this recipe for a gluten-free diet, simply substitute gluten-free Panko breadcrumbs for traditional ones. Ensure your marinara sauce and other ingredients are also certified gluten-free.
- **Freeze for Future Meals:** This recipe freezes beautifully! Prepare and cook as directed, then allow the chicken parmesan to cool completely. Store individual portions in freezer-safe containers or wrap them tightly. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently in the oven or microwave.
More Delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes You’ll Love
If you’ve fallen in love with the convenience and delicious results of slow cooker chicken, you’re in luck! There’s a whole world of crock pot chicken recipes waiting to be explored. Here are some more fantastic ideas to keep your slow cooker busy and your family well-fed:
- Sheet Pan Chicken Parmesan
- Chicken Parmesan Meatballs
- Chicken Parmesan Casserole
- Chicken Fried Chicken
- Crock Pot Monterey Chicken
- Homemade Chicken Parmesan
- Crock Pot Chicken Parmesan Soup
- Crock Pot Garlic Parmesan Chicken
- Crock Pot Creamy Italian Chicken
- Crock Pot Marry Me Chicken
- Crock Pot Angel Chicken
- Crock Pot Crack Chicken
- Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy
- Crock Pot Chicken and Noodles
- 30 Chicken Breast Recipes
Originally published: January 2013
Updated and republished: August 2022
Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan
This Crock Pot Chicken Parmesan is an effortlessly delicious meal featuring perfectly tender, crispy-coated chicken breasts, bathed in a rich marinara sauce and topped with an abundance of melted cheese. It’s a family favorite that brings Italian comfort to your table with minimal fuss.
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 5 hours
Total Time: 5 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Author: Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
- 1 (25 ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (quantity depends on what fits your slow cooker)
- 1 ½ cups Italian seasoned Panko bread crumbs
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- 2 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or more, to your preference)
- ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 package spaghetti, for serving
Instructions
- Spray an oval 5-6 quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Pour the jar of marinara sauce into the bottom.
- Get out two shallow bowls. In the first bowl, whisk together the egg and milk. Season with the salt and pepper.
- In the second bowl, mix together the Panko bread crumbs with garlic powder, oregano, and basil.
- In a large skillet, begin heating the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Ensure the skillet is very hot before adding chicken. Dip each chicken breast into the milk mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Then, roll the chicken breast around in the seasoned bread crumbs, pressing gently to ensure a thick, even coating. Coat each breast one at a time.
- Add the breaded chicken to the hot skillet. You are only browning the chicken to create a golden crust, not cooking it through. Brown both sides for 2-3 minutes each. If needed, add more oil to the pan between batches. NOTE: To prevent the breading from falling off, let one side get a good, deep brown before carefully flipping. Avoid pushing the chicken around or flipping it too frequently.
- After browning both sides, transfer the chicken to the slow cooker, placing it on top of the marinara sauce. Cover and cook on the LOW setting for about 5-6 hours, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- About 10-15 minutes before serving, sprinkle each piece of chicken with shredded mozzarella cheese and shredded Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the slow cooker again and allow the cheese to melt completely, which should take about 10-15 minutes. Serve hot over cooked spaghetti noodles.
Video
Notes
- Approximately 30 minutes before your Chicken Parmesan is ready, start cooking your spaghetti noodles according to package directions, if you plan to serve it with pasta.
- For a complete meal, serve your Crock Pot Chicken Parmesan over cooked spaghetti, accompanied by a crisp, green side salad and warm garlic bread.
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Nutrition
The following nutritional information is an estimated value per serving:
- Calories: 859 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 112 g
- Protein: 52 g
- Fat: 21 g
- Sodium: 1435 mg
- Fiber: 7 g
- Sugar: 13 g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a registered dietician or certified nutritionist. Any nutritional information provided is an estimate only and should not be considered professional medical or dietary advice. If precise calorie counts and other nutritional values are important for your dietary needs, we strongly recommend calculating them independently using your preferred online nutritional calculator and accounting for the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use, as values can vary significantly.