Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Recipe is an easy and tasty way to enjoy classic Italian flavors. It is simple, hearty and perfect for busy days. You don’t need to stand in the kitchen for hours.
Just prepare the ingredients, place them in the crockpot and let it cook slowly. The chicken becomes tender, juicy and full of flavor. The marinara sauce and melted cheese make it rich and comforting.
You can serve it with pasta, rice or even bread. In this blog, I will show you how to make Crockpot Chicken Parmesan, including ingredients, steps, tips and serving suggestions.
My Experience With This Recipe
I love making Crockpot Chicken Parmesan on weekends. It is easy and smells amazing while cooking. I remember one time I was busy with work, so I put everything in the crockpot in the morning.
By dinner, the house smelled like an Italian restaurant. The chicken was tender, and the sauce was rich and flavorful. My family enjoyed it with spaghetti. I love this recipe because it is simple, forgiving, and still feels special. It’s perfect for anyone who loves comfort food without much effort.
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Crockpot Chicken Parmesan
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 mins
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Calories: 400 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Crockpot or slow cooker
- Mixing bowl
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tongs or spatula
- Grater (for cheese)
Ingredients You Need for Crockpot Chicken Parmesan
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for extra crunch)
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken
Pat chicken breasts dry. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and Italian seasoning. - Layer in Crockpot
Place chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot. Spread them evenly for consistent cooking. - Add Marinara Sauce
Pour marinara sauce over the chicken. Make sure every piece is coated for flavor. - Sprinkle Cheese
Add half of the mozzarella and Parmesan over the sauce. This will melt into a creamy layer. - Cook Slowly
Cover crockpot. Cook on low for 4 hours or until chicken is tender and fully cooked. - Optional Breadcrumb Topping
If using, sprinkle breadcrumbs over chicken in the last 30 minutes. This adds slight crunch. - Add Remaining Cheese
Add the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan in the last 10 minutes of cooking. Let it melt. - Garnish and Serve
Remove chicken carefully. Sprinkle fresh basil on top. Serve hot with pasta, rice or bread.
Recipe Tips
- Use fresh chicken for the best taste and texture.
- You can make this gluten-free by skipping breadcrumbs or using gluten-free ones.
- Do not lift the lid while cooking; it slows the process.
- Add extra cheese for a richer, creamier topping.
- This recipe can also be made with chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 400 kcal |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
Serving Suggestions
Crockpot Chicken Parmesan is versatile. Serve it over spaghetti, penne or even zucchini noodles. You can also enjoy it with rice or garlic bread. A fresh side salad with Italian dressing complements it well.
For extra flavor, drizzle with extra olive oil or balsamic glaze. This dish is perfect for family dinners, date nights or meal prep.
Best Sides To Serve With
- Garlic bread or toasted baguette
- Steamed green beans or broccoli
- Caesar salad or mixed greens
- Roasted or mashed potatoes
- Pasta tossed in olive oil and herbs
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
- Avoid overcooking during reheating to keep chicken tender.
- Sauce can be stored separately to prevent soggy chicken.
- Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs optional, for extra crunch
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
- Pat chicken breasts dry. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and Italian seasoning.
Layer in Crockpot
- Place chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot. Spread them evenly for consistent cooking.
Add Marinara Sauce
- Pour marinara sauce over the chicken. Make sure every piece is coated for flavor.
Sprinkle Cheese
- Add half of the mozzarella and Parmesan over the sauce. This will melt into a creamy layer.
Cook Slowly
- Cover crockpot. Cook on low for 4 hours or until chicken is tender and fully cooked.
Optional Breadcrumb Topping
- If using, sprinkle breadcrumbs over chicken in the last 30 minutes. This adds slight crunch.
Add Remaining Cheese
- Add the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan in the last 10 minutes of cooking. Let it melt.
Garnish and Serve
- Remove chicken carefully. Sprinkle fresh basil on top. Serve hot with pasta, rice or bread.
Notes
- Use fresh chicken for the best taste and texture.
- You can make this gluten-free by skipping breadcrumbs or using gluten-free ones.
- Do not lift the lid while cooking; it slows the process.
- Add extra cheese for a richer, creamier topping.
- This recipe can also be made with chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat.
FAQs about Crockpot Chicken Parmesan
Q1: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, but increase cooking time by about 30 minutes. Ensure chicken is fully thawed for best results.
Q2: Can I make this recipe spicy?
Yes, add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the marinara sauce before cooking for a little heat.
Q3: Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, assemble ingredients in the crockpot the night before. Store in the fridge and cook next day.
Q4: Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Absolutely! Pre-shredded mozzarella and Parmesan work fine, though freshly grated melts more smoothly.
Q5: What if I don’t have a crockpot?
You can bake this in a 375°F oven covered for 25-30 minutes, then uncover and bake 10 more minutes.
Conclusion
Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Recipe is easy, flavorful, and perfect for busy days. It brings classic Italian comfort to your table. The chicken is tender, the sauce is rich and the cheese melts perfectly.
You can serve it over pasta, rice, or bread for a complete meal. This recipe is beginner-friendly and makes dinner effortless.
Now you know how to make Crockpot Chicken Parmesan, the ingredients you need and tips for best results. Try this recipe today and enjoy a restaurant-quality dish at home.
Sara Collins is a food blogger at TastyDive. She shares simple and family-friendly recipes made with everyday ingredients. Her mission is to help home cooks enjoy tasty meals without stress.
