Family-Favorite Crockpot Chicken Parmesan
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this Family-Favorite Crockpot Chicken Parmesan, a dish that brings the whole family together around the dinner table.
This Family-Favorite Crockpot Chicken Parmesan is a staple in our home, combining tender chicken, rich marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese. It's the perfect weeknight meal that requires minimal effort and delivers maximum flavor.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Tender chicken that falls apart with a fork
- Rich marinara sauce infused with Italian herbs
- Melted cheese that adds a creamy richness
The Perfect Family Meal
Family meals are an essential part of bonding and creating cherished memories. This Family-Favorite Crockpot Chicken Parmesan not only brings delicious flavors to the table but also simplifies mealtime with its effortless preparation. With just a few minutes of hands-on time, you can set this dish to cook and let your slow cooker do the work. Gather your loved ones around the table to enjoy a warm, comforting meal that everyone will adore.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, from pasta to crusty garlic bread or even a fresh green salad. Feel free to customize the dish to suit your family's tastes—add veggies or serve it over zoodles for a low-carb option. Regardless of how you choose to serve it, the rich flavors and tender chicken will undoubtedly make it a hit.
Cooking with a Crockpot
Crockpots are a game-changer for busy families. They allow you to prepare hearty meals without the fuss of constant monitoring. Just toss in your ingredients, set the timer, and go about your day! The slow cooking process enhances flavors and tenderizes meats, making this Chicken Parmesan a standout dish. Plus, the aromatic scent that fills your kitchen while it cooks is an added bonus that will have your family eagerly anticipating dinner time.
One of the reasons this recipe is so beloved is its simplicity. With minimal prep work and just a few ingredients, you can create a dish that tastes like it came from a gourmet kitchen. The low and slow cooking method ensures the chicken remains juicy and flavorful, while the cheese melts beautifully, creating a creamy topping that complements the tangy marinara sauce perfectly.
Tips for Success
To ensure the best results, use high-quality ingredients. Fresh herbs and good-quality marinara can elevate the dish significantly. If you have homemade marinara sauce, it’s the perfect opportunity to use it! Additionally, be mindful of the cooking time; overcooking can lead to dry chicken, so check for doneness toward the end of the cooking period.
Lastly, don’t forget to garnish your Chicken Parmesan before serving! Fresh basil or a sprinkle of parsley can add a pop of color and freshness to your dish. This small touch not only enhances the presentation but also adds an extra layer of flavor to your meal. Enjoy your Family-Favorite Crockpot Chicken Parmesan and the delightful conversations that come with it!
Ingredients
For the Chicken Parmesan
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
Gather all your ingredients and get ready to create a delicious meal!
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. If using breadcrumbs, coat the chicken in breadcrumbs for an extra crunch.
Layer in the Crockpot
Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot. Pour the marinara sauce over the chicken, ensuring it is well covered.
Cook the Chicken
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Add Cheese
In the last 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top of the chicken. Cover and let the cheese melt.
Serve and Enjoy
Once the cheese has melted, serve the chicken over pasta or with a side of garlic bread. Enjoy your delicious family meal!
Enjoy your homemade Chicken Parmesan straight from the crockpot!
Serving Suggestions
This Family-Favorite Crockpot Chicken Parmesan is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options. It can be plated over your favorite pasta, such as spaghetti or fettuccine, allowing the rich marinara sauce to soak into the noodles. Alternatively, you can serve it alongside a simple side salad to balance the richness of the dish. A light vinaigrette works beautifully to cut through the flavors and add a refreshing touch.
For a comforting twist, consider serving the chicken in a toasted sub roll for a delicious Chicken Parmesan sandwich. Top it with some extra marinara and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an easy weeknight dinner option that the whole family will love. The possibilities are endless, making this dish a staple in your home.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors tend to deepen even further, making the leftovers just as enjoyable as the first serving. When storing, try to keep the chicken and sauce separate from the pasta to prevent it from getting mushy.
To reheat, simply warm the chicken and sauce in a saucepan over low heat, or use the microwave in short intervals until heated through. If you want to restore some of the cheese’s gooeyness, you can pop it under the broiler for a few minutes before serving. This dish is just as delicious the next day, making it a fantastic meal prep option!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, but you may need to increase the cooking time slightly.
→ What can I serve with Chicken Parmesan?
It's delicious served over pasta, with a side salad, or with garlic bread.
→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prep the ingredients ahead and store them in the refrigerator before cooking.
→ Is this recipe gluten-free?
You can easily make it gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs or omitting them altogether.
Family-Favorite Crockpot Chicken Parmesan
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this Family-Favorite Crockpot Chicken Parmesan, a dish that brings the whole family together around the dinner table.
Created by: Adeline Morris
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Chicken Parmesan
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
How-To Steps
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. If using breadcrumbs, coat the chicken in breadcrumbs for an extra crunch.
Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot. Pour the marinara sauce over the chicken, ensuring it is well covered.
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
In the last 30 minutes of cooking, sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top of the chicken. Cover and let the cheese melt.
Once the cheese has melted, serve the chicken over pasta or with a side of garlic bread. Enjoy your delicious family meal!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 40g