Description

Tender, juicy chicken slow-cooked in a flavorful marinara sauce, then topped with melty cheeses for an irresistible Italian-inspired dish. Perfectly served over pasta, rice, or low-carb alternatives!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken and Sauce:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
2½ cups marinara sauce (thick and chunky preferred)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Cheese Topping:

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
¼ cup provolone cheese (optional for extra richness)

Optional Enhancers:

½ cup breadcrumbs (gluten-free if needed)
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

For Serving:

Cooked pasta (spaghetti, penne, etc.)
Steamed rice or mashed potatoes
Spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice (for low-carb option)

Instructions

1️⃣ Season the Chicken:
Pat chicken dry. Season both sides with salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and onion powder. Let rest for 15 minutes to absorb flavor.

2️⃣ Layer in the Crockpot:
Spread ½ cup marinara sauce in the bottom of your slow cooker. Place chicken over sauce. Sprinkle garlic over the top, then pour the remaining sauce over everything.

3️⃣ Cook Low and Slow:
Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 2.5–3.5 hours. Avoid opening the lid during cooking.

4️⃣ Add the Cheeses:
Once chicken is fully cooked (165°F and fork-tender), sprinkle mozzarella, parmesan, and provolone over top. Cover and cook for an additional 15–20 minutes until melted and gooey.

5️⃣ Optional Crisp Finish:
Transfer chicken to an oven-safe dish. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs and extra cheese, then broil for 3–5 minutes until golden and bubbly.

6️⃣ Garnish & Serve:
Serve hot over your choice of pasta, rice, or low-carb sides. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil.

Notes

Best Tips for Success

Don’t overcook: Overdoing it can make chicken rubbery. Stick to the recommended time.
Use a thermometer: 165°F is your finish line for doneness.
Add cheese last: Cooking it too long makes it tough.
Thicker sauce works better: Thin sauces can water down the dish.
Spice it up: A pinch of chili flakes adds a fun zing.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5–6 hours (low) or 2.5–3.5 hours (high)
Category: Dinner
Method: Slow Cooker / Crockpot
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce and cheese (~250g)
Calories: ~420
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 780 mg
Fat: 21 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 10 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 45 g
Cholesterol: 110 mg

Keywords: Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan