Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken breasts simmer in a flavorful marinara sauce, topped with melted mozzarella cheese for a meal that’s as delicious as it is effortless.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless cooking: The slow cooker does all the work, making it a perfect hands-off meal.
- Family-friendly: Cheesy, saucy, and savory, this dish is a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Versatile: Pair it with pasta, rice, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Minimal ingredients: Uses simple pantry staples for maximum flavor.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Marinara sauce
- Italian seasoning
- Garlic cloves, minced
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Prepare the chicken: Place chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Add the sauce: Pour marinara sauce over the chicken, ensuring it’s fully covered.
- Season: Sprinkle with Italian seasoning and minced garlic for added flavor.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Add cheese: Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the chicken during the last 15–20 minutes of cooking. Cover and let the cheese melt.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh basil if desired, and serve hot over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Serves 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4–6 hours (low) or 2–3 hours (high)
- Total Time: 4–6 hours 10 minutes
Variations
- Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Different cheeses: Use provolone or gouda instead of mozzarella for a unique flavor.
- Vegetarian version: Swap the chicken for thick slices of eggplant or zucchini.
- Low-carb option: Serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
- Herbaceous twist: Mix fresh herbs like parsley or thyme into the sauce.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well in this recipe and remain juicy after slow cooking.
Should I sear the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker?
Searing is optional but adds extra flavor. If you have time, sear the chicken in a skillet before placing it in the slow cooker.
Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
Absolutely! A high-quality store-bought marinara sauce works perfectly and saves time.
What can I serve with this dish?
Pair it with pasta, rice, mashed potatoes, or a side of roasted vegetables.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Cooking on low heat and ensuring the chicken is fully submerged in the sauce helps keep it moist.
Can I add vegetables to the slow cooker?
Yes, vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms can be added to cook alongside the chicken.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, when served over low-carb options like zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice, it’s keto-friendly.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker the night before and refrigerate. Start cooking the next day.
What type of mozzarella is best?
Shredded low-moisture mozzarella works best for melting, but fresh mozzarella can be used for a more gourmet touch.
How do I make this dish creamier?
Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese before serving for added richness.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings comfort food to your table with minimal effort. With tender chicken, gooey melted cheese, and a rich marinara sauce, this recipe is perfect for any occasion. Serve it with your favorite side dish for a meal your whole family will love!
PrintSlow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken
This Slow Cooker Cheesy Mozzarella Chicken is an effortless, crowd-pleasing meal featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich tomato sauce and topped with gooey, melted mozzarella cheese. Serve it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread for a comforting dinner the whole family will love!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce (or your favorite pasta sauce)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Optional Serving Suggestions:
- Cooked pasta (spaghetti, penne, or linguine)
- Rice or mashed potatoes
- Garlic bread
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts on both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
2. Assemble in the Slow Cooker:
- Pour 1 cup of marinara sauce into the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Place the seasoned chicken breasts on top of the sauce.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the chicken, ensuring they’re fully covered.
3. Cook:
- Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
4. Add the Cheese:
- About 20 minutes before serving, sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the chicken. Cover and cook until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, if desired.
- Serve over cooked pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes, or with garlic bread on the side.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Assemble the chicken and sauce in the slow cooker insert the night before, refrigerate, and start cooking the next day.
- Variations: Add sliced mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to the sauce for extra veggies.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.