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By: Julia Pacheco

Discover the ultimate weeknight convenience with this Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan recipe. Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts, smothered in a rich marinara sauce, and crowned with a delightful blend of melted cheeses – all prepared with minimal effort in your trusty slow cooker. This dish delivers all the classic, comforting flavors of your favorite Italian restaurant right to your dinner table, making it an instant family favorite.

Perfect for busy evenings, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet meal that practically cooks itself. The slow cooking process ensures the chicken remains incredibly moist and absorbs all the vibrant flavors of the sauce and seasonings. Say goodbye to lengthy prep times and complicated steps, and hello to a fuss-free culinary experience that doesn’t compromise on taste or quality. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan is guaranteed to impress with its simplicity and delicious outcome.

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• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast
  Using fresh chicken breasts is key for tenderness. Opt for organic if possible for the best flavor.
• ½ tsp black pepper
  Freshly ground pepper will offer a more pungent aroma and taste.
• 1 tsp salt
  Adjust salt to your preference, especially if your marinara sauce is already seasoned.
• ½ tsp garlic powder
  Garlic powder provides a mellow, sweet garlic flavor that melds perfectly with the sauce. You can also use 2-3 cloves of minced fresh garlic for a more intense flavor.
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  A blend of classic Italian herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary. This is essential for the authentic taste.
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best quality and flavor. It adds a salty, umami depth to the sauce as it cooks.
• 24 oz marinara sauce
  Choose a good quality marinara sauce. You can also use homemade marinara for an even fresher taste. Approximately 3 cups.
• 1 lb spaghetti noodles
  While spaghetti is traditional, feel free to use other pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine.

Toppings for Serving:

• ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  For garnishing. Adds a final burst of cheesy goodness.
• ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  Melty mozzarella is a must for classic Chicken Parmesan. You can add more if you like extra cheesiness.
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

• Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker

  Begin by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts evenly at the bottom of your slow cooker. For optimal flavor distribution, ensure they are in a single layer if possible. Generously season the chicken breasts with the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Evenly sprinkle the ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese over each piece of chicken. Finally, pour the entire 24 oz jar of marinara sauce over the chicken, making sure each piece is well coated. The sauce will infuse the chicken with its rich tomato and herb flavors as it cooks.

• Step 2: Slow Cook to Perfection

  Once all ingredients are in the slow cooker, secure the lid tightly. Cook on the LOW setting for 5-6 hours, or alternatively, on the HIGH setting for 4-5 hours. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on your slow cooker model and the thickness of your chicken breasts. The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and can be easily shredded with a fork. The long, slow cooking process tenderizes the chicken beautifully, allowing it to become incredibly succulent and flavorful.

• Step 3: Prepare the Pasta

  Approximately 20-30 minutes before your slow cooker chicken Parmesan is ready, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil on your stovetop. Add the 1 lb of spaghetti noodles to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Al dente pasta should be firm to the bite but not hard. Once cooked, drain the spaghetti thoroughly and set aside.

• Step 4: Assemble and Serve

  To serve, portion the cooked spaghetti onto individual plates or bowls. Gently place the flavorful chicken breasts and marinara sauce from the slow cooker over the pasta. For that classic Parmesan finish, generously sprinkle both the ¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese and ¼ cup shredded Parmesan cheese on top of each serving. The residual heat from the chicken and pasta will help melt the cheeses into a gooey, irresistible topping. For an extra touch of freshness and color, you can garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy this comforting, easy-to-make Italian masterpiece!

Nutrition Information

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.