🍅 Crockpot Chicken Parmesan – Easy, Cheesy, and Irresistible!
There’s nothing quite like a classic Italian dinner that’s both comforting and easy to make—and Crockpot Chicken Parmesan delivers exactly that. With juicy chicken breasts, a rich marinara sauce, and layers of melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, this slow cooker version transforms a restaurant favorite into a simple, family-friendly weeknight dinner.
Forget the fuss of frying or baking—your slow cooker does all the hard work. The chicken simmers in flavorful tomato sauce, soaking up Italian herbs and spices, while the cheese melts into gooey perfection on top. The result? A melt-in-your-mouth chicken dish that’s perfectly tender and bursting with flavor.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Chicken Parmesan
- Hands-Off Cooking: Just layer, cover, and let your crockpot handle dinner.
- Healthier Than Classic Chicken Parm: No need for deep frying—just wholesome, slow-cooked goodness.
- Family Favorite: Even picky eaters love it!
- Perfect for Busy Days: Minimal prep, maximum flavor.
- Versatile: Serve with pasta, zucchini noodles, or crusty bread for a full meal.
This slow cooker chicken Parmesan takes the stress out of Italian night without compromising on the indulgent flavors we all crave.
🍗 Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this creamy, cheesy, and satisfying dish, gather the following:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 egg, beaten
- ¾ cup breadcrumbs (Italian or plain with added herbs)
- 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
- Cooking spray or olive oil, for the crockpot
🍴 Instructions
- Prep the Crockpot:
Lightly coat the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray or a thin layer of olive oil. - Season the Chicken:
Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. - Coat the Chicken:
Dip each chicken breast in the beaten egg, then coat with breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to adhere. - Layer the Sauce and Chicken:
Spread about 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of the crockpot. Place the breaded chicken breasts on top. Pour the remaining sauce evenly over the chicken. - Cook Low & Slow:
Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 2½–3 hours, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). - Add Cheese:
Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over each chicken breast. Cover again for 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. - Garnish & Serve:
Serve warm, topped with fresh basil or parsley. Pair it with spaghetti, penne, or a fresh green salad.
Crockpot Chicken Parmesan
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Spray the inside of the crockpot with cooking spray or a thin layer of olive oil.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Dip each chicken breast in the beaten egg, then coat with breadcrumbs.
- Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of the crockpot. Place breaded chicken on top, then pour remaining sauce over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on LOW 5–6 hours or HIGH 2½–3 hours, until chicken reaches 165°F.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over chicken, cover for 10–15 minutes until melted.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve with pasta or salad.
Notes
🍝 Pro Tips for the Perfect Crockpot Chicken Parmesan
- Crispier Texture: If you prefer crispy chicken, lightly sear the breaded chicken in a skillet before adding it to the crockpot.
- Thicker Sauce: If the sauce seems too watery after cooking, remove the lid and cook on HIGH for 15 minutes to thicken.
- Add Veggies: Layer in some spinach or zucchini slices for added nutrition.
- Make it Spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes for a little kick.
- Storage Tip: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot.
🧀 Variations
Low-Carb Chicken Parmesan: Skip the breadcrumbs and coat the chicken in almond flour or crushed pork rinds.
Creamy Chicken Parmesan: Add 2 tablespoons of cream cheese to the sauce for a richer flavor.
Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Pasta: Add cooked pasta directly into the sauce just before serving for an all-in-one dish.
Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with thick eggplant slices or breaded tofu.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
This dish is incredibly versatile and pairs well with many sides:
- Spaghetti or linguine for a classic pairing.
- Zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
- Garlic bread to soak up the extra sauce.
- Steamed broccoli or green beans for a lighter balance.
- Caesar salad for a restaurant-quality meal at home.
🧠 Fun Fact
Did you know Chicken Parmesan isn’t actually Italian? It’s an Italian-American creation inspired by “melanzane alla Parmigiana” (eggplant Parmesan). Immigrants in the early 20th century swapped eggplant for chicken to adapt the dish to American tastes—and it became a classic comfort food loved across the country.
💛 Final Thoughts
Crockpot Chicken Parmesan is proof that you don’t need hours in the kitchen to enjoy authentic Italian flavor. With minimal effort, you’ll have juicy chicken smothered in a rich tomato sauce and bubbling cheese—all from your slow cooker.
It’s cozy, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for busy weeknights or Sunday dinners. Serve it once, and it’ll become one of those recipes you’ll make again and again.
Grab your slow cooker, toss in your ingredients, and get ready to fall in love with the easiest Chicken Parmesan you’ll ever make!
