Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan for an Easy Weeknight Dinner Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a slightly different texture, you can add a handful of fresh baby spinach under the cheese layer during the final 30 minutes of cooking.

The spinach will wilt into the sauce and add a touch of color and extra vegetable content to the meal without requiring any additional preparation steps.

If you find the sauce is too thin after the cooking time is complete, you can remove the chicken and stir the sauce to thicken it, or simply serve it as is.

The natural juices from the chicken will thin the sauce slightly, which makes an excellent base for dipping crusty bread or serving over pasta.

Variations

• Spicy Chicken Parmesan: Add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce before spreading it over the chicken to give the dish a pleasant, subtle heat.
• Extra Cheesy Version: Stir a half-cup of ricotta cheese into the marinara sauce before adding it to the slow cooker for a creamier, more decadent sauce consistency.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Freeze for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container.

Reheat

Reheat gently in a microwave or a covered pan over low heat until warmed through.

Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. To ensure food safety, do not leave the cooked chicken at room temperature for more than two hours. Once cooled, place the container in the refrigerator.

Properly stored, the chicken and sauce will maintain their quality in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it a great option for meal planning.

This dish is excellent for preparing in advance. You can assemble the chicken and sauce in the slow cooker insert, cover it, and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.

Simply move the insert to the slow cooker base and start the cooking process as directed when you are ready to eat.

Serving ideas

Serve the chicken hot, directly from the slow cooker, ensuring each portion gets a generous amount of the marinara and melted cheese. A side of steamed vegetables, like broccoli or green beans, provides a nice crunch that contrasts well with the tender, saucy chicken.

For a heartier meal, serve the chicken alongside a portion of cooked spaghetti or penne. The extra sauce in the slow cooker is perfect for coating the pasta, making it a complete and satisfying dinner that is sure to please the entire family.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan for an Easy Weeknight Dinner

Prep 5 minCook 4 hRest 5 minTotal 4 h 10 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 4 whole boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Place the four boneless skinless chicken breasts into the bottom of the slow cooker insert. Ensure they are arranged in an even layer to promote uniform cooking throughout the process.
2. Evenly sprinkle the Italian seasoning over the raw chicken breasts. Spoon the marinara sauce over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated to keep the meat moist during the long cooking time.
3. Cover the chicken with the shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan. Cook on low for 4 hours until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Allow the meat to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Contains: milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

420

Protein

48 g

Carbohydrates

12 g

Fat

18 g

Fiber

2 g

Sugar

8 g

Sodium

750 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.