This Easy Crock-Pot Chicken Parmesan is a real winner! Tender chicken smothered in marinara sauce and topped with melty cheese makes this dish feel special, yet it’s super simple to prepare.
I love how I can just set it and forget it. Perfect for busy days! When it’s done, your house will smell amazing, and you get a delicious meal without spending all day in the kitchen.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this recipe. If you’d like an alternative, you can use chicken thighs for more flavor and moisture, or even tofu for a vegetarian option!
Italian-style Breadcrumbs: These give a nice texture and flavor. If you can’t find them, regular breadcrumbs work, or you can make your own by crushing some stale bread and mixing with Italian herbs.
Marinara Sauce: Store-bought is handy, but homemade is always a great choice. If you prefer, any tomato-based sauce will work—just look for something that you find tasty on its own.
Cheese: Mozzarella is a must for that gooey topping effect. If you want to mix it up, try provolone or a sprinkle of blue cheese for a different flavor twist.
How Do I Get the Chicken Nice and Crispy Before Slow Cooking?
Browning the chicken before it goes in the Crock-Pot adds a nice crunch and depth of flavor. Don’t skip this step! Here’s how to do it:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Once hot, add your breaded chicken and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown but not fully cooked.
- This step helps lock in moisture, ensuring juicy chicken once it’s done in the slow cooker.
By following these tips, you’ll elevate your dish, ensuring a delicious meal your family will love!
Easy Crock-Pot Chicken Parmesan
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
For the Breading:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ½ cups Italian-style breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sauce and Toppings:
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for browning)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 20 minutes to prepare plus 3 to 4 hours in the Crock-Pot to cook. Just a little prep time and then you can leave it to cook while you relax or take care of other things!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Breading Stations:
In three shallow dishes, set up your breading stations. In the first dish, mix the flour with a pinch of salt and pepper. In the second, beat the eggs. In the third, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
If your chicken breasts are uneven, pound them to an even thickness with a meat mallet or rolling pin. This helps them cook more evenly.
3. Bread the Chicken:
Take each chicken breast and coat it in the flour, making sure to shake off any extra. Next, dip it into the egg mixture, then roll it in the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated.
4. Brown the Chicken:
In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, brown the breaded chicken breasts for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown. Don’t worry about cooking them all the way through; they’ll finish cooking in the Crock-Pot.
5. Set Up the Crock-Pot:
Place the browned chicken breasts in the bottom of the crock-pot. Pour the marinara sauce evenly over the top of the chicken.
6. Add the Cheese:
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese generously over the chicken and sauce.
7. Cook:
Cover the crock-pot and cook on low for about 3 to 4 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
8. Serve it Up:
Once done cooking, garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve your delicious Chicken Parmesan hot over cooked pasta, mashed potatoes, or alongside a fresh salad.
Enjoy your tender, cheesy, and flavorful Crock-Pot Chicken Parmesan!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
It’s best to use thawed chicken for this recipe. If you have frozen chicken, make sure to thaw it completely in the fridge overnight or place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for quicker thawing before cooking.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
You can easily make this dish gluten-free by swapping out the all-purpose flour and Italian-style breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives. Many brands offer gluten-free flour blends and breadcrumbs that will work great!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can bread the chicken and prepare the sauce a day in advance. Just store the breaded chicken in the fridge and the sauce separately. When you’re ready to cook, add them to the Crock-Pot and follow the same instructions!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave or on the stove over low heat until warmed through. You may want to add a little extra marinara sauce to keep it moist!
