Crock Pot Chicken Parmesan – This slow-cooked twist on a classic Italian dish with tender, juicy chicken in a rich marinara sauce, melted cheese, and perfectly seasoned breadcrumbs for a cozy family dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Chicken Parmesan
- Easy to Prepare: With minimal prep and no need for constant monitoring, this dish is perfect for busy weekdays.
- Tender and Flavorful: The slow-cooking process ensures the chicken absorbs all the rich flavors of the marinara sauce.
- Family-Friendly: It’s a universally loved dish that even picky eaters will enjoy.
- Customizable: From gluten-free to low-carb options, you can tailor this recipe to your preferences.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Crock Pot Chicken Parmesan
- Sear for Extra Crispiness: For a slightly crispier breadcrumb coating, sear the breaded chicken in a skillet before placing it in the Crock Pot.
- Use High-Quality Marinara: The sauce is key to the dish’s flavor, so opt for a quality brand or make your own.
- Avoid Overcooking: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F without becoming dry.
- Double the Batch: This recipe freezes beautifully, so make extra for easy future meals.
Variations of Crock Pot Chicken Parmesan
- Gluten-Free: Swap the breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version or use almond flour.
- Low-Carb: Skip the breadcrumbs entirely and sprinkle chicken with grated Parmesan and Italian seasoning before cooking.
- Vegetarian: Replace chicken with eggplant slices for a slow-cooked Eggplant Parmesan.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a spicy marinara sauce for some heat.
- Cheesy Delight: Mix in some shredded provolone or gouda for a cheesier version.
How to Serve Crock Pot Chicken Parmesan
- With Pasta: Serve over a bed of spaghetti, fettuccine, or zucchini noodles for a classic pairing.
- On Sandwiches: Layer the chicken on a toasted hoagie roll for a delicious Chicken Parmesan sandwich.
- With Veggies: Pair with steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or a crisp Caesar salad for a lighter meal.
- As-Is: This dish is hearty enough to stand alone with its flavorful sauce and cheesy topping.
How to Store and Reheat Crock Pot Chicken Parmesan
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze: Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Store for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: For the best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Alternatively, use the microwave for convenience.
Recipe FAQs
Can I cook the chicken from frozen?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but be sure to increase the cooking time slightly and ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative and add even more richness to the dish.
Do I need to bread the chicken?
Breaded chicken adds texture and flavor, but you can skip this step for a lighter version or to save time.
What type of cheese works best?
Mozzarella is traditional, but you can experiment with provolone, gouda, or even a blend of cheeses for added depth.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Follow the same steps but use the pressure cook setting on high for 10 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes before quick-releasing the rest.
Crock Pot Chicken Parmesan
Crock Pot Chicken Parmesan - This slow-cooked twist on a classic Italian dish with tender, juicy chicken in a rich marinara sauce, melted cheese, and perfectly seasoned breadcrumbs for a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 (25 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 ½ cups Italian-seasoned Panko bread crumbs
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup milk
- Salt & pepper (about 1 tsp each, or to taste)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried basil
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (add more if you love it extra cheesy!)
- ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 package spaghetti (for serving)
Instructions
- Prep Your Slow Cooker: Spray a 5–6 quart oval Crock Pot with nonstick spray, then pour in the marinara sauce.
- Bowl 1: Whisk together egg and milk, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Bowl 2: Mix breadcrumbs with garlic powder, oregano, and basil.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet until hot.
- Dip each chicken breast into the milk mixture, then coat in seasoned breadcrumbs.
- Sear chicken in the skillet until golden brown on both sides (but don’t cook through). Pro tip: Flip sparingly to keep the breading intact!
- Place browned chicken on top of marinara sauce in the Crock Pot.
- Cover and cook on low for 5–6 hours (chicken is done at 165°F).
- Add the Cheese: About 10–15 minutes before serving, sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan over the chicken. Cover until the cheese melts.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve chicken over cooked spaghetti noodles and spoon extra sauce on top.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 1960Total Fat 52gSaturated Fat 15gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 30gCholesterol 934mgSodium 1288mgCarbohydrates 22gFiber 2gSugar 5gProtein 329g
All Chicken Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Why Crock Pot Chicken Parmesan Deserves a Spot on Your Dinner Table
Not only is this recipe a time-saving solution for busy days, but it’s also packed with flavor and comfort. The slow-cooking process melds the ingredients together, creating a dish that’s as aromatic as it is delicious. With endless variations and simple storage options, Crock Pot Chicken Parmesan is a must-try for anyone who loves easy, satisfying meals.
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