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Chicken Parmesan Slow Cooker

Featured in Chicken & Turkey Done Right.

This transforms a traditional Italian meal into a simple, hands-off dinner. Start by giving the breaded chicken a quick sear, then slow cook with marinara until soft. Top it off with cheese before serving for a melty finish.

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Emily Watson
Updated on Fri, 04 Apr 2025 00:06:43 GMT
Juicy chicken topped with bubbly cheese and basil, simmering in marinara in a slow cooker. Pin it
Juicy chicken topped with bubbly cheese and basil, simmering in marinara in a slow cooker. | thefamilycooks.com

Looking for comfort food with an Italian twist but no hassle? This slow cooker Chicken Parmesan packs huge flavor with barely any work. Juicy chicken gets a crunchy breadcrumb coating, simmers in tasty marinara, and comes out with perfectly melted cheese on top. Toss it on pasta or enjoy it by itself - you'll love this cozy dish either way.

What Makes This Dish Special

Your crew will fall in love with this Chicken Parmesan that's both super easy and tastes like it came from your favorite Italian spot. Slow cooking keeps the chicken super moist while building amazing flavors. The crunchy exterior and gooey cheese topping make every mouthful incredible.

Basic Stuff You'll Need

  • Main Player: Four skinless, boneless chicken breasts.
  • Wet Mix: Milk and egg for the perfect dipping combo.
  • Crunchy Exterior: Italian breadcrumbs for that delicious outer layer.
  • Flavor Boost: Fresh Parmesan cheese adds amazing depth.
  • Sauce Base: Quality marinara really makes this dish pop.
  • Cheesy Goodness: Lots of mozzarella for the ultimate topping.
  • Flavor Enhancers: Olive oil, salt, and pepper for cooking.

Fool-Proof Instructions

Mix Your Dips
Set up bowls with your egg mixture and your seasoned breadcrumbs.
Handle The Chicken
Dunk each chicken piece in the egg wash then roll in the seasoned crumbs.
Brown The Outside
Pan-fry until you get that nice golden color - crucial for authentic taste.
Low And Slow
Put marinara in your slow cooker, add chicken, and let everything bubble away.
Add The Topping
Sprinkle mozzarella on top toward the end so it gets all bubbly and yummy.
A plate of spaghetti topped with marinara sauce, melted cheese, and fresh basil, garnished with black pepper. Pin it
A plate of spaghetti topped with marinara sauce, melted cheese, and fresh basil, garnished with black pepper. | thefamilycooks.com

Smart Cooking Advice

Never rush past the browning stage - it's what gives you that real Chicken Parmesan texture. Spend a little extra on good sauce, it'll definitely show in the taste. Fresh herbs scattered on top really brighten things up. Try it with pasta or stuffed into bread for knockout sandwiches.

Keeping The Leftovers

Wrap up any extras and stick them in the fridge for up to three days. Heat them in your oven or air fryer to bring back the crunch. These make fantastic quick lunches or dinners the following day too!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What’s the point of searing first?

Searing makes the breading crunchy and seals in flavors before starting the slow cook.

→ Is the breading really necessary?

Skipping it is an option, but you'll miss that lovely texture and classic taste.

→ Do I need to turn the chicken over?

Not at all – once it's set in the slow cooker, it'll handle everything for you.

→ What's the best pasta to pair it with?

Any works fine – spaghetti is typical, but try penne or fettuccine for variety.

→ Can I substitute chicken breasts for cutlets?

Sure, just flatten them out first, so they cook evenly and soak up all the flavor.

Chicken Parmesan Slow Cooker

Tender chicken in marinara, topped with gooey melted cheese. A slow-cooked twist to a favorite classic Italian meal.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
240 Minutes
Total Time
260 Minutes

Category: Poultry

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian Fusion

Yield: 4 Servings (4 chicken pieces)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese.
02 1 jar (22 oz) of marinara sauce.
03 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese.
04 1 tablespoon salt.
05 1/4 cup olive oil.
06 4 thin chicken cutlets.
07 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper.
08 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs.
09 1/4 cup whole milk.
10 1 egg, beaten.

Instructions

Step 01

In a bowl, whisk the egg with milk. In a second bowl, combine breadcrumbs, parmesan, salt, and pepper.

Step 02

Start by dipping each piece of chicken in the egg mix. Then, fully cover it in the breadcrumb mixture.

Step 03

Warm some oil in your pan. Brown the chicken on each side for 3-4 minutes.

Step 04

Spread marinara in the bottom of a slow cooker. Lay the cooked chicken on top. Cook on LOW for 4-5 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. Add mozzarella in the last half hour.

Step 05

Spoon it over any pasta you prefer and serve warm.

Notes

  1. Browning it first makes the coating crispy.
  2. Thin chicken breasts work too.
  3. Any pasta shape is fine.
  4. No need to turn them while slow cooking.

Tools You'll Need

  • Crockpot or slow cooker.
  • Large frying pan.
  • Two mixing bowls.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains cheese and milk.
  • Made with breadcrumbs containing wheat.
  • Includes eggs.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 524
  • Total Fat: 27 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 21 g
  • Protein: 49 g