Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken is a tender, flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings. Slow-cooked chicken breasts in marinara sauce are topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan, delivering rich Italian flavors. A comforting and versatile meal that’s easy to make and loved by all ages.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Effortless Cooking: The slow cooker does all the work, so you can focus on other tasks while it transforms simple ingredients into a delicious dish.
Crowd-Pleasing Flavors: With marinara, cheese, and Italian seasoning, it’s a dish that appeals to all ages.
Customizable: Pair it with pasta, rice, or a side of veggies for a versatile meal.
Comforting and Hearty: Perfect for cozy dinners, this recipe delivers ultimate comfort.
Great for Meal Prep: Make it ahead and enjoy it for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 teaspoons garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup marinara sauce
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil for garnish
Directions
Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Place the seasoned chicken in the slow cooker.
In a bowl, mix the chicken broth, marinara sauce, and Italian seasoning. Pour this mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours, until the chicken is tender.
About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the chicken.
Cover and continue cooking until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 6 hours (low) or 3 hours (high)
Total Time: ~6 hours 10 minutes (low) or ~3 hours 10 minutes (high)
Variations
Protein Swap: Substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the sauce.
Cheese Options: Experiment with provolone, fontina, or a mix of Italian cheeses.
Vegetable Additions: Include sliced mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for added nutrition.
Sauce Twist: Use a creamy Alfredo sauce instead of marinara for a different flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through.
Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
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FAQs
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, but the cooking time may need to be extended. Always check the internal temperature to ensure doneness.
What can I serve with this dish?
Serve it with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or a side salad for a complete meal.
Can I cook this recipe in the oven?
Yes, bake in a covered dish at 375°F (190°C) for about 45-50 minutes or until the chicken is tender.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Substitute the mozzarella and Parmesan with dairy-free cheese alternatives or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken is an easy, delicious recipe that brings Italian-inspired comfort food to your table. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it’s a dish that everyone will love. Whether you’re meal prepping or looking for a cozy dinner idea, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite.
📖 Recipe:
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Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes (low) or 3 hours 10 minutes (high)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Tender chicken breasts are slow-cooked to perfection in a flavorful marinara sauce, topped with gooey mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and garnished with fresh basil. This recipe is easy, comforting, and loaded with rich Italian flavors that make it perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 teaspoons garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup marinara sauce
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Place the seasoned chicken in the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, combine chicken broth, marinara sauce, and Italian seasoning. Pour the mixture over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours, until the chicken is tender.
- About 30 minutes before serving, sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the chicken.
- Cover and cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
Serve with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
For added spice, include red pepper flakes or cayenne in the sauce.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (low) or 3 hours (high)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 360 kcal
